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.
Current Initiatives
FFN focuses on improving systems and processes to help track and reduce maternal and infant mortality and morbidity.
Investing ARPA funds in Nebraska's early childhood workforce is key to increasing access to quality care and learning programs.
Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy participants engage in trainings on driving early childhood change at the local level.
Stay Current
Federal MIECHV reauthorization bill is introduced
Extensive research has shown us that children’s earliest experiences build the foundation that affects them for the rest of their lives. Parents are their children’s first and best caregivers and teachers during these early years, but they sometimes struggle with...
Celebrate We Care for Kids Week with us!
September 26 through October 2 is We Care for Kids Week, a statewide celebration to raise awareness for quality early childhood education and build support for early childhood educators. It’s an opportunity to inform, motivate and engage Nebraskans across the state....
Black Hills Energy strengthens child care programs through its corporate foundation
An accessible, affordable child care system is critical to keeping Nebraska’s families working, businesses growing and communities thriving. Our Investing in Child Care series highlights how Nebraska employers are championing early childhood care and education...
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The 6th annual UNK-Community Early Childhood Conference will take place at the UNK Student Union on October 21 & 22, 2022.
7 in-service hours available Friday
5 in-service hours available Saturday
To see an agenda for the conference and to get registered, visit www.unk.edu/ec-conference/
Without Congressional reauthorization, funding for Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) will end September 30. A bipartisan bill to reauthorize the program was introduced Sept. 19 and has been voted out of the House Ways and Means Committee. Here's a look at what MIECHV means for #Nebraska families and why we urge its reauthorization. #EarlyChildhood #HomeVisiting #PN3 #MIECHV www.firstfivenebraska.org/blog/miechv-reauthorization-introduced/
Federal MIECHV home-visiting reauthorization bill introduced
www.firstfivenebraska.org
A bipartisan bill to reauthorize Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) includes an increase in base funding for states.
Nebraska's We Care for Kids Week is almost here! In this blog post, learn more about the campaign and upcoming weeklong celebration and how you can participate and access materials in English and Spanish. #WeCareForKids #EarlyChildhood #ChildCare
www.firstfivenebraska.org/blog/celebrate-we-care-for-kids-week/#WeCareForKids
FFN's Grassroots and Outreach Advisor Jodi-Renee Giron led a session on early childhood advocacy at #ThrivingChildren2022. We want to thank panelists State Senator John Cavanaugh for his insight and best practices for reaching out to public officials; Policy Leadership Academy graduates Katie Walmsley, who shared her experiences as an economic development professional; and Aiesha Rahn, who talked about working with nonprofits and with communities in Omaha. #Nebraska #ECLeaders #EarlyChildhood
Awesome team!
Woo hoo! Go, Katie! Thanks, First Five Nebraska, for all that you do!
We had a fantastic day at #ThrivingChildren2022!
Really wish this was available on the weekends so my center staff could attend