Tell your elected officials:
PROTECT HEAD START
The Nebraska Supports Head Start Rally at the Nebraska State Capitol on May 6 was a resounding success. But the work to make sure lawmkers protect Head Start is just beginning. Find out how you can weigh in on this crucial program with our state’s federal delegates.
Early Childhood Policy
We help government officials make informed, strategic decisions.
Strategic Engagement
We bring more people into the early childhood conversation.
Research & Analysis
We illuminate the issues with credible information and insight.
Successful Children. Strong Families.
Prosperous Communities.
We promote policies that support the early care, education and healthy development of our state’s youngest children—and create opportunity
for all Nebraskans.
Latest Developments
Twenty-two advocates graduated from the 2024-25 Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy on March 12, joining a growing network of alumni helping to shape early childhood policy statewide.
Stay Current
A day without child care: Nebraska’s economy is on the line
If you’re reading this blog, chances are child care impacts you, oh wait, child care impacts and touches every Nebraskan. You know this already though, this is why you’re reading First Five Nebraska’s blog. Have you thought specifically about how much our economy...
We’ve done the talking—now what’s next for child care?
Child care has finally taken center stage in national conversations. Advocates, community leaders, employers and lawmakers now recognize that child care is not just a family concern—it’s a cornerstone of our economic infrastructure. But after years of raising...
Applications open soon: Join the Policy Leadership Academy and become a catalyst for change
Are you passionate about shaping public policy and creating lasting change in your community? The Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy (PLA), a premier leadership development program, is excited to announce that applications for the 2025-26 cohort will...
Legislative update on early childhood, maternal and child health bills
This blog post is being updated as bills move through the legislative process. We are now more than halfway through the legislative session. Hearings have concluded, and full-day floor debate has begun. Speaker Arch, state senators and committees have identified their...
LB22 will allow home visiting programs to reach more new parents
Kelly Mackling is clinical nurse manager at the Visiting Nurse Association in Omaha. She testified before the Nebraska Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee in support of LB22, State Senator George Dungan's bill to allow home visiting programs to bill...
Building a stronger future: Nebraska’s Policy Leadership Academy completes 2024-25 program
Nebraska’s premier early childhood leadership initiative, the Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy (PLA), recently celebrated the completion of its 2024-25 program in Columbus. This milestone marks another step forward in strengthening early childhood and...