Blog
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.
The Daddy Factor
Fathers play a unique, powerful role in their children's physical, social-emotional and cognitive development.
Online Tool Helps Early Childhood Workers Organize, Access Professional Records
The Nebraska Department of Education developed an online record system to support early childhood workers by housing their professional records in one place that follows them throughout their career, even as they change employers.
State Board of Education Awards 2017-18 Early Childhood Grants
The Nebraska State Board of Education approved 11 new and expansion Early Childhood Education Program grants to provide access to high-quality early childhood education for approximately 270 at-risk 3- and 4-year-olds during the 2017-18 school year.
Nebraska Legislators Adjourn Sine Die
The first session of Nebraska's 105th Legislature adjourned Sine Die on May 23, Senators tackled many important issues and introduced nearly 700 bills, but the session was dominated by efforts to achieve a balanced budget despite significant revenue shortfalls. See our report on bills we identified as high-priority during this legislative session.
Head Start Changes Program Standards to Increase Child Outcomes
Twenty-one grantees across Nebraska provide Head Start services to more than 5,783 young children ages birth to age 5 and pregnant women. Key changes are being implemented to enhance high-quality early learning opportunities aimed at helping to eliminate the education achievement gap.
NHHS Implements Changes Resulting from Child Care and Development Block Grant Reauthorization
The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) was reauthorized by a strong bipartisan vote in 2014. Staff at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services have worked tirelessly since the reauthorization to implement new policies. Here's an update on changes that have gone into effect and others that are being considered.
Reading Skills Begin in Early Childhood
Children who cannot read proficiently by the end of third grade face a daunting roadblock to their future education and professional success. Deficits in reading skills start much earlier than third grade. By getting ahead of the problem before children even start school, we can greatly mitigate the costs of assessment and intervention later in the K-12 system.
April 21 is National Kindergarten Day
April 21 is National Kindergarten Day. Thank you for all you do Nebraska kindergarten teachers!
Sixpence Debuts New Website
Sixpence Early Learning Fund has given thousands of Nebraska infants and toddlers at risk a stronger start in life by promoting high-quality early learning opportunities. It recently launched a new website as part of its 10-year anniversary celebration.
Panel Will Study Early Childhood Workforce Shortage in Nebraska
FFN Director Becky Veak is serving on a Buffett Early Childhood Institute commission to develop a comprehensive plan for expanding and strengthening Nebraska's early childhood workforce. The group includes leaders from state government, higher education, public schools, child care, health care, advocacy, philanthropy, practitioners and the business community.