Blog
Federal preschool development grant public input meeting is October 4
The public is invited to offer input for a new federal funding opportunity to improve Nebraska’s existing early childhood infrastructure.
Executive function skills influence success in adulthood
Many Nebraska employers say they find significant gaps in executive function skills in today’s workforce. Learn how these important skills, developed in early childhood, support growth of critical competencies that affect our success as adults.
A Look Back: Senator Paul Schumacher
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 them for their dedication and service to Nebraska. In this post, Senator Paul Schumacher looks back at his years representing District 22.
A Look Back: Senator Jim Smith
This is part of a series of blog posts by Nebraska's term-limited senators. We thank them for their dedication and service to Nebraska. In this post, former Senator Jim Smith looks back at his eight years representing District 14.
Thank you, Barry Kennedy, for your support of early childhood
To say outgoing Nebraska Chamber President Barry Kennedy is an advocate of early childhood is an understatement. He has been a long-time champion of Nebraska’s youngest children and has spoken frequently on the importance of access to quality early childhood programs.
327 child care programs in Step Up to Quality as it marks 4th anniversary
Parents can view a map with information on child care providers participating in Step Up to Quality, including the program's name and address, director and size of the program, website, email address and the program's step rating on the 5-point scale.
Nebraska delegation attends Hunt Institute on early childhood
Policy Associate Elizabeth Lopez Everett represented Nebraska at a recent summit on early childhood along with Senator Mike Hilgers and Senator Sara Howard, and representatives from the Nebraska Depts. of Education and Health and Human Services, Sixpence and other early childhood groups. Focus of the conference was early brain development, policy ideas and innovative programs to support and nurture babies, toddlers and their families.
Why keeping kids learning and reading over the summer is so important
Engaging kids in reading and enrichment activities during the summer means they will return to school in the fall ready to learn. Unfortunately, children without summer learning opportunities often lose ground, which is a major factor in growth of the achievement gap.
Nebraska’s Early Learning Guidelines revised
The Nebraska Department of Education has revised their Early Learning Guidelines, which are based on research and practices, and assist early childhood professionals and families support young children’s learning and development.
How fathers’ engagement contributes to their children’s development
Findings from the rapidly growing science of brain development in early childhood show the positive, lifelong impact fathers can have by being engaged early in their children’s lives. Here are 10 facts about father engagement.
2 new Sixpence grants connect child care providers, schools to promote quality early learning
Nebraska works toward an early childhood integrated data system
It's becoming increasingly important that Nebraska stakeholders have access to early care and education data to help make decisions about how best to prepare our young children for success. FFN Policy Research Analyst Ben Baumfalk and the Early Childhood Data Coalition are working to develop an integrated data system that will collect and maintain information from various early childhood programs and services.