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.
Last year, First Five Nebraska worked in close collaboration with policymakers and an array of partners to update the School Readiness Tax Credit Act so this important financial support would be available to as many child care professionals as possible. But the clock runs out on these credits at the end of this year—which means we must begin planning now to convince lawmakers to reauthorize the tax credit when the Nebraska Legislature reconvenes in 2022.
First Five Nebraska is looking for child care professionals who are willing to share their experiences with the School Readiness Tax Credit in a series of in-person and virtual focus groups this summer. We want to hear from child care employees, center owners/directors and family home providers who:
- Applied for and received the refundable or nonrefundable tax credit
- Applied for the credit but were denied
- Chose not to apply for the credit because of the eligibility requirements or other factors
How do I participate in the focus groups?
Simply click this link to participate in a simple, four-minute survey to tell us a little about yourself and your experience with the School Readiness Tax Credit. Our goal is to ensure our focus groups represent a wide and diverse range of perspectives from child care providers throughout the state. You must complete the survey no later than July 9 to be considered for participation in a focus group.
How will I know if I’ve been selected for a focus group?
Depending on your contact preference, you will be notified via phone or email by July 15 letting you know whether you have been selected to participate in a focus group.
When and where will the focus groups be held?
We will conduct a mix of in-person and online focus groups in late July and early August depending on where our respondents are located. The dates, times and format of the focus groups will be arranged to minimize inconvenience to child care professionals.
Why should I participate?
Your input will help legislators better understand the importance of supporting high-quality child care and may even help simplify and streamline the application process if the tax credits are reauthorized. As a thank-you for your time, every provider who participates in the focus groups will receive a $25 gift card.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
If you would like more information about the survey or focus groups, please contact Dr. Katie Bass, Data and Policy Research Advisor, at kbass@firstfivenebraska.org.
