Blog
‘Nebraska is fortunate …’
Editor's Note: After 10 years with First Five Nebraska, Becky Veak retired in August. She leaves us with these final thoughts. Thank you, Becky! After 14 years with Nebraska Children and Families Foundation and First Five Nebraska, I leave this incredible workplace to...
Brief: Use ESSER relief funds for early childhood programs
If your school district has not yet invited public input on the distribution of its forthcoming Emergency and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, you may still have an opportunity to advocate using them to promote...
First Five Nebraska launches enhanced, responsive website
We’re excited to announce the launch of First Five Nebraska’s new website. Featuring a fully responsive look and enhanced user experience, the new site was designed to educate and engage Nebraskans around critical early childhood news and policies in our state. “For...
Sixpence grants awarded to 11 communities
Congratulations to eleven communities across Nebraska that were recently awarded new Sixpence grants to fund high-quality early childhood programs to serve more of our state’s most vulnerable infants and toddlers. The grants were made possible through an increase in...
Becky Veak retires from FFN
Editor’s Note: Becky Veak retired at the end of August after a career advancing public policy that ranged from the Nebraska Legislature to Capitol Hill and state government to becoming the founding director of First Five Nebraska. We offer her our heartfelt thank you...
Welcome to FFN Jodi-Renee Giron
We'd like to introduce Jodi-Renee Giron who has joined our staff as Grassroots and Outreach Advisor. Jodi-Renee’s primary task will be leading the Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy beginning with Class 3, which kicks off mid-September. Jodi-Renee...
FFN, Children’s Funding Project report highlights EC financing
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to highlight the fragility of Nebraska’s early childhood system. Generating adequate funding to support programs is challenging but essential to keeping Nebraskans working and businesses thriving. While federal emergency funds have...
Expanded child tax credit aimed at cutting child poverty
The child tax credit was enacted more than 20 years ago to help parents with the everyday expenses of raising children. The 2021 American Rescue Plan expands the credit amount for one year, from $2,000 per child to $3,600 for younger children and $3,000 for older...
Early Childhood and Coronavirus State & Local Recovery Funds
Nebraska will receive about $1 billion in State and Local Recovery Funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Here’s where early childhood can fit into the picture.
FFN to work with state senators on 5 interim studies
FFN is partnering with several state senators on legislative interim studies focused on early childhood, including the School Readiness Tax Credit, maternal depression and maternal and infant health, home-visiting programs and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
School Readiness Tax Credit application window reopens for 2021 tax year
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. Our Step-by-Step Guides can help you plan your...
Child care professionals: We need your input on the School Readiness Tax Credit
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...