Resources to Help Nebraska Schools Create Strong Early Childhood Programs

by | Nov 19, 2015

Nebraska schools looking to create strong early childhood programs have numerous resources available to help develop interventions that can close the achievement gap for our youngest at-risk learners.

First Five Nebraska Director Becky Veak and Senior Policy Associate Jen Goettemoeller talked wth delegates at the Nebraska Association of School Boards (NASB) at their annual conference today and outlined these resources and suggestions to help school districts budget and maximize available funds to build early childhood programs.  

  • NDE's preschool grant program provides funding for school-based preschool programs (part-day and full-day) serving children ages 3 and 4. For questions about the application process, funding amounts, etc., email Linda Meyers in NDE’s Office of Early Childhood or call her at 402-471-2980. 
  • Schools with an NDE-approved preschool program (grant-funded or not) can begin counting 4-year-olds in TEEOSA (the Tax Equity & Educational Opportunities Support Act — Nebraska's state aid funding formula) after the program has met Rule 11 for three consecutive years.
  • Equalized schools can utilize early childhood expenditures to draw down poverty allowance dollars. School finance questions can be directed to Bryce Wilson, NDE, Finance & Organization Services or call 402-471-3323. 
  • While they can be challenging to redirect, remember that Title I funds also can be used to support early childhood efforts.
  • The Nebraska Early Childhood Exchange is a resource-rich platform for early childhood programs. It includes practical procedures, handbooks, templates, bulk purchasing opportunities and more.

 

View PowerPoint presentation: “How to Create Strong Early Childhood Programs in Your District.”

 

Next time:  Resources for Private Child Care Providers

For additional questions about early childhood efforts that close the achievement gap, contact Becky Veak or Jen Goettemoeller at 402-261-9671.

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