Blog
School readiness tax credit program revised to benefit more child care providers
Governor Ricketts signs LB266 into law, giving self-employed child care providers and those classified as S-Corps access to the school readiness tax credit, as intended in the original legislation.
FFN to work with senators on two interim studies
FFN will work with Senator DeBoer and Senator Stinner on interim studies this year, looking at accessing services through the Early Development Network and the fiscal and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nebraska's early childhood workforce and early childhood care and education system.
Statewide campaign highlights relationship between quality child care and economic development
First Five Nebraska launched My Nebraska Story this week, a statewide campaign inviting business leaders, economic developers and others to become involved in strengthening the availability of quality child care in their communities.
Nebraska Legislature reconvenes July 20
The Legislatlure will reconvene July 20 for the final 17 days of this year's session, which was suspended in March due to COVID-19 emergency. Here's a look at what the remainder of the session holds and the status of bills FFN supports.
The FFN Digest
Read at a glance the latest news on early childhood in Nebraska, including the ongoing public health emergency and how public and private sector leaders are responding to the challenge of supporting communities, child care providers, families and children.
Less stringent DHMs now in effect for all Nebraska counties—what that means for child care
UPDATED 7.2.20: Directed health measures further loosening restrictions on child cares and other businesses in effect for all Nebraska counties July 6.
NDE announces redesigned NECPRS website
The Nebraska Department of Education’s redesigned Nebraska Early Childhood Professional Record System offers a mobile-friendly design, easier document upload, user-friendly navigation and an updated training calendar.
Applications are open for the new Nebraska Small Business Stabilization grants
June 26 is the deadline to apply for a Nebraska Small Business Stabilization Grant. Child care businesses with 5 to 49 employees that have closed or sustained a loss of revenue or employment since March 13 are eligible to apply.
CARES Act funds will support Nebraska’s child care system as state moves toward economic recovery
Here's FFN's breakdown of how $20 million in federal funds resulting from passage of the CARES Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will be used to stabilize and strengthen Nebraska's child care infrastructure and other school-based education services for children.
COVID-19: Federal policy updates
Get the latest updates on federal policy that impacts children, families, businesses and commuduring COVID-19.
When it comes to the Census, everyone counts
Census results affect Nebraskans every day because they help determine funding for important programs that support children, including schools, child care and early learning, home visiting and food assistance among many other things.
Preschool Development Grant (PDG) award is an important step forward at a critical time
As Nebraska begins grappling with how to recover from the impact of COVID-19, the federal Preschool Development Grant award offers a way to make the most of our investments in children, families and communities.