NE Prenatal Plus Program bill nears Final Reading

LB857 would put critical prenatal health services within the reach of more mothers at risk.

Early Childhood Policy

We help government officials make informed, strategic decisions.

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We bring more people into the early childhood conversation.

Research & Analysis

We illuminate the issues with credible information and insight.

Successful Children. Strong Families.
Prosperous Communities.

We promote policies that support the early care, education and healthy development of our state’s youngest children—and create opportunity
for all Nebraskans.

Latest Developments

Asian newborn baby with mother

Policy Leadership Academy members met with lawmakers at the State Capitol on Wednesday, February 21 to discuss bills that would strengthen the early childhood workforce, streamline child care regulations and more.

First Five Nebraska's next early childhood policy update meeting will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, April 3 at 7:00 p.m. Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media for information on how to register.

Stay Current

Employers

About 80% of Nebraska counties lack sufficient child care to meet local workforce needs. Find out what business leaders can do to help address this urgent challenge.

Early Childhood Professionals

Child care providers play a crucial role on the front line of Nebraska’s economic recovery efforts. Learn how you can advocate for the importance of your program with decision-makers in your community.

Policymakers

We can make our public early childhood systems work together more effectively and efficiently—but only if policymakers are actively involved. Discover how state and local officials can make more informed decisions about our investments in our youngest Nebraskans.

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Thank you, Hailey Crumley, for your commitment to providing young children with the quality care that builds the foundation for their future success! #pla #ecleaders #EarlyChildhoodWorkforce #Nebraska ... See MoreSee Less

Thank you, Hailey Crumley, for your commitment to providing young children with the quality care that builds the foundation for their future success! #PLA #ECleaders #EarlyChildhoodWorkforce #NebraskaImage attachment

1 CommentComment on Facebook

This young woman is amazing! Thank you for all that you do Hailey Crumley!

Register now for the CYFS Early Childhood Research Summit on April 23, bringing together partners from #Nebraska's early childhood research, practice and policy communities to share and discover new research and practices that make a difference for young children.
Register here: cyfs.unl.edu/ecs/#earlychildhooddQuentin BrownBEducare Lincolnncoln
... See MoreSee Less

Have you registered for #elevate24 yet? You won't want to miss this business conference designed specifically#Childcaredcare professionals! FFN's Deputy Director Elizabeth Everett will speak on this year's legislative session and the tax credit for childcare providers that will be available when filing 2024 taxes next year. Register today: https://#NEleg/#EarlyChildhoodWorkforceldhoodWorkforce ... See MoreSee Less

Have you registered for #ELEVATE24 yet? You wont want to miss this business conference designed specifically for #childcare professionals! FFNs Deputy Director Elizabeth Everett will speak on this years legislative session and the tax credit for childcare providers that will be available when filing 2024 taxes next year. Register today: https://bit.ly/3uhEmzt
#NEleg #EarlyChildhoodWorkforceImage attachment

Register now for this year's CYFS Research Summit, Nebraska's biennial conference that brings together part#earlychildhoodyChildhood research, practice and policy to advance the science of early childhood education and develop connections among these communities. FFN is a co-sponsor of th#ECSummit24ECSummit24

When: April 23
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center, Lincoln
Register: bit.ly/48OkP88
... See MoreSee Less

Register now for this years CYFS Research Summit, Nebraskas biennial conference that brings together partners from #EarlyChildhood research, practice and policy to advance the science of early childhood education and develop connections among these communities. FFN is a co-sponsor of this event. #ECSummit24  
When: April 23
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center, Lincoln
Register: https://bit.ly/48OkP88

These grants will continue to support public-private partnerships that expand, diversify and strengthen Registered Apprenticeships. The grants prioritize #Childcare and early education, mental health and other in-demand industries.
#earlychildhoodWe’re making nearly $200M in grants available to help create high-quality training pathways in key industries, including $95M through the Apprenticeship Building America Grant Program & $100M in a new round of State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula grants. www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20240221
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These grants will continue to support public-private partnerships that expand, diversify and strengthen Registered Apprenticeships. The grants prioritize #childcare and early education, mental health and other in-demand industries. 
#EarlyChildhood

4 CommentsComment on Facebook

How do Registered Apprenticeships play into childcare? How do we (childcare business owners) access these funds?

I was wondering this exact thing.

Susan Sarver—MsErika Felt has a question 🤩

The answer after reading both of these links is, We Don’t. Specifically inhome childcare business owners do not. Neither link explains what apprenticeship will look like however they do mention the RESPECT initiative that although I ask monthly to be removed from the team, I’m still on it. I think these are great bills that will help centers and will help programs affiliated with schools but since neither link actually explains what apprenticeship will look like and it’s been made clear so far that inhomes ,will not be able to enjoy having an apprentice i can only conclude this isn’t directly for us. I say directly because it appears funding will go to TEACH, that is great for many inhome childcare owners, and funding will go into scholarships for CDA which is good for some inhome childcare owners. It’s unfortunate that the apprenticeship model is not at this point inclusive of inhomes. Hopefully this will change as it continues to be hashed out. I know that the RESPECT team is still at the beginning stages of gathering data