Statewide initiative focuses on our youngest children
Nebraska’s Prenatal-to-Age 3 plan will make high-quality programs and services more accessible to pregnant women, infants and toddlers.
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
Applications are now open for the 2021 School Readiness Tax Credit. Find out more and how to apply.
FFN works with partners statewide to build policies to ensure more Nebraska families have the supports they need.
Class 3 of the Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy kicks off Sept. 14-15.
First Five Nebraska and Communities for Kids are gearing up for the next chapter in the My Nebraska Story campaign
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Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy alumni are making a difference
“We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It’s easy to say ‘It’s not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.’ Then there are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes.” I have a library of Mr. Rogers...
Chamber economic development panel: Child care is crucial to addressing workforce crisis
First Five Nebraska led a panel at the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s recent Economic Development Summit on addressing the state’s workforce crisis. The discussion examined how high-quality early childhood care and education bolsters Nebraska businesses,...
Policy Leadership Academy session focuses on driving change at the local level
Organize, activate, sustain. This is the framework for driving meaningful change at the local level through effective advocacy—especially our efforts to grow more vibrant communities for young children and their families. Last week, nearly 40 members of the 2021-22...
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Do you work with families and kids? If so, please consider helping us distribute Learning Begins at Birth, an updated guide for new and expectant parents. Possible distributors for the free booklet are #Nebraska birthing hospitals, WIC and public health centers, nonprofits and home visitors. It’s available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese and Karen. If you can help, contact Policy Advisor Adam Feser at afeser@firstfivenebraska.org. Learn more about Learning Begins at Birth: www.firstfivenebraska.org/blog/resource-helps-new-and-expectant-parents-guide-childrens-early-dev...
#EarlyChildhood
Resource helps new and expectant parents guide children’s early development - First Five Nebraska
www.firstfivenebraska.org
Learning Begins at Birth, an updated guide for new and expectant parents is being distributed statewide through Nebraska birthing hospitals, WIC and publicTimeline photosCreate a plan for your high-quality early childhood program with the Blueprint for Success! Learn how to develop a business plan, design your classroom, how to market and enroll, and so much more! Download the free guide 👉 nebraskaearly.org/blueprint-for-success/
#Lexington parents say lack of #childcare has affected their ability to return to work, and employers say it has caused employees to miss work, disrupted work hours and reduced productivity. These and other survey results were shared as city officials, businesses, schools, churches, economic developers and others met to explore solutions to Lexington's "desperate need for childcare." #Nebraska #EconomicDevelopment #Communities4Kids,
lexch.com/news/need-for-an-affordable-quality-and-public-child-care-facility-emerges-from-lexingt...
lexch.com
LEXINGTON — As the discussion about the need for quality child care in Lexington was ongoing between community members, the need for an affordable and public child care facility emerged.
Congratulations #Ogallala for being recertified as a #Nebraska Economic Development Certified Community for your efforts to expand business, housing and tourism opportunities. Nebraska Department of Economic Development said one reason for the recognition is the "continued focus on early #childcare development [that] followed a 2019 Communities for Kids survey, which showed that 90% of Keith County residents believed affordable and accessible childcare was important to the community. Ongoing discussions have explored the potential for several local employers to develop a new daycare facility. The City’s population of 30- to 34-year-olds has increased by 20 percent over the past five years, indicating young families’ growing needs for access to early childcare programs." #EconomicDevelopment
opportunity.nebraska.gov/developing-priorities-rooted-in-rural-growth-city-of-ogallala-builds-bus...
opportunity.nebraska.gov
Photo L to R: City Clerk/Treasurer Jane Skinner, Councilman Buck Bassett, Councilman Chris Laflan, Council President Deb Schilz, Councilman Kevin Block, DED Western NE Business Dev. Consultant Brittan...Thank you Keith County Communities for Kids! We met some great people there who so eloquently talked about what availability of #quality #childcare means for communities! #Nebraska
FFN's Mike Feeken spoke in #Burwell as part of Sandhills First Steps' event on expanding #childcare and supporting providers in their area. He encouraged audience members to think about what sets their community apart from other communities when looking to recruit new families and retain residents. Can having affordable, accessible and available #quality childcare in your community be the difference-maker when people are deciding on where to live and work? He also discussed the economic impact inadequate childcare has in #Nebraska. #EconomicDevelopment #EarlyChildhood