New Website Offers Extensive Resources for Early Childhood Educators

by | Jul 9, 2015

Early childhood education providers across Nebraska can access quality early education resources through a new website from the Nebraska Early Childhood Exchange.

Specifically designed for early childhood educators and professionals, the website, www.NebraskaExchange.org, is the first of its kind in the state and offers extensive resources, including Early Learning Guides, assessment and literacy tools, child care regulations, online training courses and business management tools including forms, templates, parent handouts, policies, job descriptions, compensation scales, interview and performance appraisal guides, and more.     

Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative board member Jessie Rasmussen encourages educators to check it out. “Now, all important child care information and materials are housed in one location, and is specific to Nebraska state guidelines,” she said. “We’re confident this site will not only serve as a helpful tool for the over 4,000 statewide child care providers, but also improve and advance child care and early education services across our state.”

Benefits Include Cost Savings
The benefits of using the site go beyond the resources—members also can take advantage of cost savings through various programs, including up to 20 percent on child products (books and toys) and supplies, 10-30 percent on food and food services supplies and 12-45 percent on office supplies. Discounts on cell service and software also are offered.

Because of the volume of information on the site, the Nebraska Early Childhood Exchange is offering the first month free to give users the opportunity to explore all that’s there. Signing up does not require individuals to provide payment information. At the end of the first month, an invoice is sent and users have the option to pay an annual membership fee. If they decide not to, the account will be deactivated but can be reactivated later. Annual fees range from $75 to $250, depending on the type and size of the organization. If a child care director purchases a membership, all staff from that location can access the site. Individual memberships also are available.

 “We really encourage everyone to do the risk-free trial and spend some time looking at everything the site has to offer,” said Elizabeth Weingartner, who is helping to launch the site. She said they’re especially interested in feedback and would welcome suggestions for additions that would be helpful for members.  

We think teachers, child care providers and school administrators will benefit from using the site. The business and human resource management resources alone could help early childhood educators take significant steps in professionalizing the field of early childhood education.  

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