Apply now for the 2022-2023 Policy Leadership Academy
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
Policy Leadership Academy alumni are making an impact, Part 2
As I continue my travels around Nebraska to meet and renew friendships with alumni of the first three classes of the Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy (PLA). I made the easy drive into Grand Island to meet with Robin Dexter (PLA Class 1), associate...
Memorial Health Care Systems supports employees with on-site child care
Nebraska continued its 11th straight month of record employment in May, according to information released by Governor Ricketts, and the state's 1.9% unemployment rate remains the lowest in the nation. Nebraska also ranks No. 1 in the U.S. for labor force...
We Care for Kids campaign launches across Nebraska
It’s the role of parents to ensure their children benefit from safe, loving and stimulating experiences to help them learn and grow. That’s true whether they are being cared for at home with family, with a neighbor or in another setting. It’s also true that a great...
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"Wave a flag (or glow stick) instead of a sparkler. Sparklers may seem relatively harmless, as fireworks go. But according to the CPSC, nearly half of fireworks injuries to children under age 5 are related to sparklers." www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/stay-safe-this-4th-of-july.aspx
4th of July Fireworks Safety: Tips for Families
www.healthychildren.org
Each July 4th, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. The AAP continues to urge families view public fireworks displays rather than buying f...
FFN's Grassroots & Outreach Advisor Jodi Renee Giron continues her travels around #Nebraska meeting with alumni of the Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy to learn more about the incredible work they're doing in communities. Her destinations this time were #GrandIsland and #Kearney.
www.firstfivenebraska.org/blog/policy-leadership-academy-alumni-3/
#ecleaders #EarlyChildhood Libbi Harsh
Policy Leadership Academy alumni are making an impact, Pt 2
www.firstfivenebraska.org
FFN's Grassroots & Outreach Advisor Jodi-Renee Giron continues her visits with Policy Leadership Academy (PLA) alumni across Nebraska.
Newsletter: Policy Leadership Academy alumni are making an impact across #Nebraska; We Care for Kids campaign launches; materials from #Elevate22 #childcare business summit are available online. conta.cc/3QFvgCP
#ecleaders
conta.cc
June 2022 Policy Leadership Academy applications are open Applications for Class 4 of our Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy are open! The PLA is the state's premier, non-partisan lead
Save the Date! Registration is open now.Big news—the Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference is back in-person this year! Register now and join us Sept. 19 in Kearney, Neb.: ow.ly/jE2s50JGbZK
At #ThrivingChildren2022, leaders in fields like early education, business, economic development, government, and more will connect over the importance of early childhood education to prepare kids for success and keep communities strong and vibrant.
Keynote speakers include Dr. Dana Suskind, a professor of pediatrics and New York Times best-selling author, and Barry Ford, president and CEO of Council for a Strong America.
Sponsors include:
First Five Nebraska
Northeast Nebraska 'Growing Together'
Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties
Nebraska Association for the Education of Young Children
Nebraska Association of School Boards
Nebraska Business Development Center
Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Nebraska Children and Families Foundation
Nebraska Community Foundation
Nebraska Council of School Administrators
Nebraska Department of Economic Development
Nebraska Department of Education
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative
Nebraska Early Learning Connection (Northern Partnership)
Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council
Nebraska Extension
Nebraska Hospital Association
Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association
Panhandle Partnership
Buffett Early Childhood Fund
Buffett Early Childhood Institute
Spotted Jodi-Renee Giron, FFN's Grassroots and Outreach Advisor, in the middle of a Tuesday Talk with the current Leadership Nebraska class last week. Their topic was Using Your Voice and she was sharing information about FFN's Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy, which is accepting applications for the next cohort until July 22. Learn more: www.firstfivenebraska.org/what-we-do/policy-leadership-academy/
#ecleaders #Nebraska Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Pregnancy and a new baby can bring a range of emotions. Many women feel overwhelmed, sad or anxious at different times during their pregnancy and even after the baby is born. Counselors at a new maternal health hotline provide free, confidential emotional support, encouragement, information and referrals 24/7 to any pregnant/postpartum mothers and their loved ones. The service is available via phone and text in English or Spanish. Call or text 833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746) to connect with counselors. #PN3 #MaternalHealth mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline