Policy Leadership Academy develops citizen advocates
The PLA is our state’s premier, non-partisan leadership development program that empowers citizens to become involved in the policymaking process at all levels to create a strong future for young children and all Nebraskans.

Early Childhood Policy
We help government officials make informed, strategic decisions.

Strategic Engagement
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 work to ensure that more of Nebraska’s youngest, most vulnerable children begin life with the kinds of developmental experiences that set them on a path to becoming successful students and productive citizens.
Stay Current
Home visiting benefits babies, families
[First Five Nebraska Policy Advisor Sara Howard testified before the Lincoln City Council in support of Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird's proposal to include home visiting in the city's annual budget. This blog is adapted from Howard's written testimony.] Healthy moms and...
Helping children transition to kindergarten successfully
How do we know when children are ready for kindergarten? The ability to identify letters and numbers and have a working vocabulary are often used as benchmarks, yet these don’t tell the whole story.
A Look Back: Senator Matt Williams
Editor's Note: This is part of a series of blog posts by Nebraska's term-limited senators reflecting on their time in the Nebraska Legislature. We thank State Senator Matt Williams for his dedication and service to Nebraska and District 36. Over my eight years in the...