First Five Nebraska is an initiative of Early Futures Partnership
First Five Nebraska is an initiative of Early Futures Partnership
“It’s about long-term momentum.” It takes a lot to give young children the best possible start in life. It takes cohesive, resilient families who are prepared to address children’s earliest developmental needs. It takes quality early childhood services and supports to...
An accessible, affordable child care system is critical to keeping Nebraska’s families working, businesses growing and communities thriving. Our Investing in Child Care series highlights how Nebraska employers are championing early childhood care and education...
At First Five Nebraska, we are often asked, “What does the average Nebraska family pay for child care?” And as much as we’d like to give a single number, the truth is that the child care market is complex, and the price families pay for child care depends on several...
Editor's Note: This is part of a series of blog posts by Nebraska's term-limited senators reflecting on their time in the Nebraska Legislature. We thank State Senator Matt Williams for his dedication and service to Nebraska and District 36. Over my eight years in the...
Nebraska continued its 11th straight month of record employment in May, according to information released by Governor Ricketts, and the state's 1.9% unemployment rate remains the lowest in the nation. Nebraska also ranks No. 1 in the U.S. for labor force...
It’s the role of parents to ensure their children benefit from safe, loving and stimulating experiences to help them learn and grow. That’s true whether they are being cared for at home with family, with a neighbor or in another setting. It’s also true that a great...
McCook is leading the charge in innovative programs to boost early childhood quality and access through Local Option Municipal Economic Development Funds, known as LB840. Passed by the Nebraska Legislature in 1991, LB840 authorized cities and villages to collect and...
The Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative (NECC) is excited to host Elevate22 in person and virtually again this year! The June 4 event is an all-day summit focused on the business of early care and education. This summit offers child care businesses, big and small,...
Local employers have a stake in the availability of quality child care in their communities. Early childhood programs providing high-quality education and care need a number of tools to build a sustainable business, and supporting providers through in-kind donations...
In Nebraska’s historically tight job market, employers are struggling to recruit and retain skilled workers. One solution to helping parents enter or stay in the workforce is through access to high-quality, affordable early childhood care and education programs. When...
Communities across Nebraska are recognizing quality child care and education programs as a crucial component in addressing our state’s workforce crisis. Child care boosts Nebraska businesses, keeps local economies thriving and supports working families while providing...
Note: The School Readiness Tax Credit program ended with the 2021 tax year. First Five Nebraska is exploring legislation to reinstate the tax credits to provide these important financial supports for child care providers. Nebraska licensed child care professionals,...