First Five Nebraska is an initiative of Early Futures Partnership
First Five Nebraska is an initiative of Early Futures Partnership
To say outgoing Nebraska Chamber President Barry Kennedy is an advocate of early childhood is an understatement. He has been a long-time champion of Nebraska’s youngest children and has spoken frequently on the importance of access to quality early childhood programs.
Parents can view a map with information on child care providers participating in Step Up to Quality, including the program's name and address, director and size of the program, website, email address and the program's step rating on the 5-point scale.
Policy Associate Elizabeth Lopez Everett represented Nebraska at a recent summit on early childhood along with Senator Mike Hilgers and Senator Sara Howard, and representatives from the Nebraska Depts. of Education and Health and Human Services, Sixpence and other early childhood groups. Focus of the conference was early brain development, policy ideas and innovative programs to support and nurture babies, toddlers and their families.
Engaging kids in reading and enrichment activities during the summer means they will return to school in the fall ready to learn. Unfortunately, children without summer learning opportunities often lose ground, which is a major factor in growth of the achievement gap.
The Nebraska Department of Education has revised their Early Learning Guidelines, which are based on research and practices, and assist early childhood professionals and families support young children’s learning and development.
Findings from the rapidly growing science of brain development in early childhood show the positive, lifelong impact fathers can have by being engaged early in their children’s lives. Here are 10 facts about father engagement.
It's becoming increasingly important that Nebraska stakeholders have access to early care and education data to help make decisions about how best to prepare our young children for success. FFN Policy Research Analyst Ben Baumfalk and the Early Childhood Data Coalition are working to develop an integrated data system that will collect and maintain information from various early childhood programs and services.
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ website HealthyChildren.org outlines healthy digital media use for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
Senior Policy Associate Jen Goettemoeller leaves First Five Nebraska today after working more than a decade to improve the lives of Nebraska's young children at risk.
Nebraska Senators introduced 108 Interim Study resolutions at the end of the recent Legislative session. We've indentified those that have potential to affect early childhood issues and will keep you updated on their progress.
NFCCA promotes family child care as a profession, where child care providers can network, have a statewide voice in legislative matters and earn in-service training hours in early childhood education.