Nebraska senators passed legislation (LB889) in 2016 giving tax credits to child care programs and their early childhood staff members beginning with tax year 2017. Read More
Providing high-quality environments that close the achievement gap for young children can be costly, and as early childhood education (ECE) providers seek to meet quality standards in Step Up to Quality it's important that their businesses possess a sound financial strategy. Here's a look at the Iron Triangle which focuses on three key metrics that make ECE programs financially viable.
Read MoreThe long-term results of the Abecedarian Project show a clear economic benefit when children at risk receive enriched early care and education. Read More
Home child care providers, child care centers, Head Start programs, school-based preschools, faith-based programs and others all have a place in ensuring that Nebraska's children at risk have access to quality opportunities during their earliest years. Read More
Broad consensus exists that teacher quality matters—teacher quality makes a difference in our K-12 system and it makes a difference in our colleges and universities. But nowhere does teacher quality have a greater impact than with our youngest children. Read More
New Census data show 42% of Nebraska children ages 0-5 continue to be at risk of failing in school. They are located throughout the state and in rural and metro areas. Read More
Private child care providers have a role to play in helping children arrive at kindergarten ready to learn. These Nebraska-specific resources are available for providers pursuing early childhood interventions that narrow the achievement gap. Read More
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is ramping up investment in quality early childhood programs to support success in kindergarten and beyond. Read More
The Sixpence Board of Trustees announced a new grant opportunity this week that transforms how communities can work together to support early learning opportunities. Read More
Nebraska Step Up to Quality celebrated its first birthday July 1 and celebrated a year of working to improve early care and education quality, and increase positive outcomes for young children to close the achievement gap. Read More