Nebraska schools looking to create strong early childhood programs have numerous resources available to help develop interventions that can close the achievement gap for our youngest at-risk learners.
First Five Nebraska Director Becky Veak and Senior Policy Associate Jen Goettemoeller talked wth delegates at the Nebraska Association of School Boards (NASB) at their annual conference today and outlined these resources and suggestions to help school districts budget and maximize available funds to build early childhood programs.
- Become familiar with the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) Guide to Serving Children Birth to Kindergarten Entrance Age in Center-Based Early Childhood Programs Operated by Public School Districts, Educational Service Units and their Community Partners. This publication contains helpful information on program design, curriculum, family support, evaluation and administration.
- If developing a needs assessment or grant application, utilize the at-risk number of children birth to age 5 found on our website under the heading “Where Are Nebraska's At-Risk Children?”
- Sixpence is a great resource for any services (center-based or home visitation) to offer parents of children ages birth to 3. Each Sixpence program is built around a community partnership between local school districts, service providers and other area agencies and stakeholders. The community-oriented focus enables each Sixpence program to be highly responsive to the unique needs of the children and families it serves and leverage local resources efficiently. In addition to funding high-quality early learning environments, Sixpence programs work directly with parents, enabling them to better understand and meet their children’s earliest developmental needs. For more information, visit the Sixpence website or email Amy Bornemeier at Nebraska Children and Families Foundation or call her at 402-817-2018.
- NDE's preschool grant program provides funding for school-based preschool programs (part-day and full-day) serving children ages 3 and 4. For questions about the application process, funding amounts, etc., email Linda Meyers in NDE’s Office of Early Childhood or call her at 402-471-2980.
- Schools with an NDE-approved preschool program (grant-funded or not) can begin counting 4-year-olds in TEEOSA (the Tax Equity & Educational Opportunities Support Act — Nebraska's state aid funding formula) after the program has met Rule 11 for three consecutive years.
- Equalized schools can utilize early childhood expenditures to draw down poverty allowance dollars. School finance questions can be directed to Bryce Wilson, NDE, Finance & Organization Services or call 402-471-3323.
- While they can be challenging to redirect, remember that Title I funds also can be used to support early childhood efforts.
- The Nebraska Early Childhood Exchange is a resource-rich platform for early childhood programs. It includes practical procedures, handbooks, templates, bulk purchasing opportunities and more.
View PowerPoint presentation: “How to Create Strong Early Childhood Programs in Your District.”
Next time: Resources for Private Child Care Providers
For additional questions about early childhood efforts that close the achievement gap, contact Becky Veak or Jen Goettemoeller at 402-261-9671.
