Blog
Today is Read for the Record Day
Today is Read for the Record Day when millions of people read the same book to highlight the importance of early literacy and instilling a joy of reading in young children.
Tax Credits Are Available to Support Quality Child Care Programs and Staff
Nebraska senators passed legislation (LB889) in 2016 giving tax credits to child care programs and their early childhood staff members beginning with tax year 2017.
Study: Head Start Benefits Extend to Second Generation of Kids
A new study shows that the benefits of Head Start extend decades later to children whose parents participated in the early childhood program in the 1960s.
Report: 20,000+ Nebraska Children Are Being Raised by Grandparents
Generations United's annual report shows 20,808 Nebraska children are being raised by their grandparents.
Step Up to Quality Marks 3rd Anniversary
Nebraska Step Up to Quality helps child care providers who are committed to being the best they can be to give children the strong start we know is so important. As Step Up to Quality marks its third anniversary, they have debuted an interactive map on their website parents can access to learn the locations and ratings of participating programs in their area.
2017 Market Rate Survey is Released
DHHS is required to oversee a child care Market Rate Survey every two years to set child care provider subsidy rates within the context of market conditions. The purpose is to ensure children receiving assistance through the Child Care Subsidy Program have access to the pool of providers equal to the access of provider-paying families.
Strolling Thunder: Daisy and Kayla’s Summer Adventure
Crete's Daisy Ortiz and daughter Kayla took part in Strolling Thunder, an event this summer aimed at drawing attention to legislation supporting babies, toddlers and their parents.
First Day of School Holds Mixed Feelings for Parents, Kids
Parents' anxiety or apprehension about something easily influences their children through a mechanism early childhood research calls “social referencing.” Here are some ideas for parents to consider as they send children off for preschool or kindergarten this month.
New Harvard Study to Focus on Formal and Informal Child Care
Harvard University researchers are embarking on a longitudinal study to learn how informal and formal child care environments affect how children learn and grow.
Nebraska law enforcement leaders say quality early learning can keep kids out of prison later
Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine and Douglas County Sheriff Timothy Dunning released a new report on the critical influence quality early learning can have on a child's trajectory, particularly if the child is at risk. A strong start prepares children for success in school and reduces the chance they will drop out and become involved in crime later.
Brain Development is Positively or Negatively Influenced by the Quality of Children’s Relationships
Science has demonstrated that children who are repeatedly exposed to adverse childhood experiences face severe developmental impacts. Instead of having children who expect to be well cared for and safe, we have children whose expectations of the world lead them to scan repeatedly for the possibility of danger, leaving their nervous system in a chronic state of alert and flooded with high levels of stress hormones.
New Research: Screen Time Linked to Delayed Speech Development
The more time children under age 2 spend playing with smart phones, tablets, electronic games and other handheld screens, the more likely they are to begin talking later, according to research presented at the 2017 Pediatric Academic Societies meeting in May.