Nebraska child care providers play a crucial role in nurturing and shaping the lives of young children in their care, and their unwavering support makes an immense contribution to the healthy development of the next generation.
Providers approach their work with dedication and passion, striving to create a warm, responsive environment where every child can thrive. Here are five reasons we think Nebraska child care providers deserve our respect and support.
- Support families and communities. Child care providers are the backbone of support for working families. They allow parents to pursue careers and provide for their families knowing their children are in a safe, nurturing environment. As the workforce behind the workforce, child care professionals are critical infrastructure for building vibrant, thriving communities across Nebraska.
- Foster strong early childhood development. Early care and education teachers play a crucial role in shaping children’s development in their earliest years. They help lay the foundation for a child’s future success by fostering communication, problem-solving, social and emotional skills that allow kids to get along with others, take turns, pay attention and follow directions.
- Create structured learning activities. Organizing and facilitating age-appropriate educational activities that promote learning prepare kids to be successful students. This can include storytelling, art, crafts, music, movement and sensory play—all tailored to stimulate cognitive, physical, social and emotional growth.
- Build children’s self-esteem and confidence. Creating consistent daily routines and structure help children feel secure and confident in their environment. By creating schedules that include meals, rest and play times, providers establish structure that promotes stability and predictability for their kids which helps them grow in self-esteem and confidence.
- Partner with parents. Effective communication and collaboration with parents and other important adults in children’s lives helps ensure children are meeting developmental goals. When children see adults who matter most to them functioning successfully together as partners, it builds their feelings well-being and security.
