Blog | First Five Nebraska

Tips for Reading with Toddlers

It's no secret that children benefit greatly when adults read to them. The positive interaction builds neural connections in their developing brains, reinforces basic speech skills and boosts self-esteem by making them feel secure and cared for. We invite you to celebrate International Children’s Book Day next Wednesday, April 2, by finding a good book and reading to the special kiddos in your life! Read More

March 27, 2014 | Posted in General

High-Quality Early Childhood Education Matters: Nebraskans Know It, Now Congress Acknowledges It Too

When kids get to be kids—explore their environment, interact with their parents and caregivers, and learn through play—they flourish with curiosity and happiness. Like the little boy in the picture who is peeking for ducks, flowers and maybe even a frog as he explores the National Garden at the U.S. Capitol, children enjoy and grow in environments that are safe and full of enriching educational opportunities. Read More

March 23, 2014 | Posted in Legislation

Increased Graduation Rates Could Generate $1.3 Billion for Nebraskans

Converting one year’s worth of high school dropouts in Nebraska into high graduates would create an additional $1.3 billion in lifetime earnings for those students, says Nobel Prize-winning economist Dr. James Heckman. Read More

March 20, 2014 | Posted in General

Investing in Early Childhood Is a Winning Proposition for Nebraska

It’s the state basketball championship game at the Pinnacle Bank Arena, and your team is down three points with one minute to play. You have the ball and one timeout. Both teams are in the double-bonus. Read More

March 13, 2014 | Posted in General

Proposed Budget Provides $3.7 Million to Help Nebraska’s 62,287 Children At Risk

The Nebraska Legislature’s Appropriations Committee included an additional $3.7 million in funding for schools in its mid-biennium budget released today. The allocation is to provide early childhood opportunities that close the achievement gap for children at risk of failing in school. Read More

March 07, 2014 | Posted in Legislation

41% of Nebraska’s Children Ages 0-5 Are At Risk

Newly released U.S. Census data shows that 41% of Nebraska children ages 0-5 face risk factors that threaten their ability to thrive in school and beyond. These children live in every county in the state, and more than 50% of them reside in rural Nebraska. Read More

March 06, 2014 | Posted in Research

Success in School Starts with Attachment and Bonding at Home

What’s key to a child forming healthy attachments? “Somebody’s got to be crazy about that kid. That’s number one. First, last, and always,” said developmental psychologist Urie Bronfenbrenner. Read More

February 27, 2014 | Posted in General

Which is Best for Babies: ‘Baby Talk’ or Complex Sentences?

Speaking directly to babies and toddlers in rich, complex sentences like this one will help them build language and vocabulary skills by connecting words and meaning, and learning through context, said Stanford researcher Anne Fernald at a symposium last week. Read More

February 19, 2014 | Posted in Research

Investing Early in Children Is Sound Strategy for Cutting Corrections Costs

Nebraska would save $25,419 in victim, court and incarceration costs for every child enrolled in full-day, center-based early childhood education programs, says the University of Nebraska‒Lincoln’s Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools (CYFS). Read More

February 12, 2014 | Posted in Legislation Research

LB944 Would Help Children Struggling with Self-Regulation Skills

Taking turns, following instructions, getting along with others and dealing with distractions—all of these are components of an important set of skills that help children succeed in school and later become independent, self-sufficient adults. Read More

February 05, 2014 | Posted in Legislation