Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy kicks off 2024-25 program

by | Oct 23, 2024

The 2024-25 class of the Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy (PLA) kicked off October 9 in Kearney with a new class of 24 citizen advocates. A program of First Five Nebraska, the PLA is the state’s premier, nonpartisan leadership initiative focused on building grassroots momentum for policies that advance the care, education and healthy development of young children.

Local leaders from 16 urban and rural Nebraska communities are participating in this year’s cohort. They represent a range of sectors, including business, child care, economic development, home visiting, K-12 education, public health and Tribal organizations. Over the next six months, the class will learn how to mobilize stakeholders and drive grassroots efforts affecting local and state early childhood policy.

The 2024-25 class members are:

  • Elizabeth Arnold, Lincoln
  • Kaycee Meister, Elkhorn
  • Jennifer Baumann, Chadron
  • Roberta Miksch, Columbus
  • Kimberly Burry, Bayard
  • Dawn Olijnek, Omaha
  • Shannon Hampson, Lincoln
  • Kimberly Puntney, Norfolk
  • April Heimes, Hartington
  • Hannah Robinson, Alliance
  • Taylor Herrick, Franklin
  • Sara Roesler, Fairbury
  • Taylor Jenner, Eustis
  • Jenny Schmitz, Lincoln
  • Angela Johnson, Crete
  • Kelsey Schnoor, Battle Creek
  • Amy LaPointe-Houghton, Winnebago
  • Tessie Schroeder, Lincoln
  • Itzeni Nayeli Lopez, Omaha
  • Bobbie Stuart, Bayard
  • Jill Lorenz, Columbus
  • Chelsey Sullivan, Falls City
  • Mamello Makhele, Omaha
  • Dana Wockenfuss, Norfolk

161 grads from 63+ communities
Now in its sixth year, 161 participants representing over 63 Nebraska communities have graduated from the PLA program. Many graduates are playing key roles in building the public conversation around Nebraska early childhood legislation, such as passage of the Nebraska Child Care Tax Credit & School Readiness Tax Credit Act in 2023.

A strong and viable early childhood infrastructure in Nebraska is crucial for the state’s overall health and prosperity. Gaps in access to child care and maternal/perinatal health care can negatively affect the sustainability of Nebraska communities. Since 2019, the number of family child care home programs has declined by 18% and the number of child care centers and preschools has declined by 3% in the state. And according to the March of Dimes, over 52% of Nebraska counties are maternity care deserts where maternal health services are limited or absent, significantly higher than the national average of 33%.

“Collaboration is key to building a strong early childhood and maternal health infrastructure,” said First Five Nebraska Director Jason Prokop. “By bringing together public and private sector leaders, we can leverage diverse perspectives and expertise to create solutions and drive policy changes that benefit all Nebraskans. These efforts strengthen our communities, support our workforce and contribute to a more prosperous and vibrant state.”

First Five Nebraska Grassroots and Advocacy Advisor Jodi-Renee Girón, who leads the PLA program, has over two decades of experience in advocacy and movement building. “The advocates who participate in PLA are dedicated and prepared to lead early childhood change in their communities to give Nebraska kids the positive start they need – now and in the future.”

Learn more about the Policy Leadership Academy

Blog post: Congratulations to our 2023-24 PLA graduates

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