The Science of Early Childhood
Nurturing Neural Connections
In infants, new brain synapses occur at an astonishing rate. Early experiences are wired into the developing brain and form the foundation for emerging functions, including language, logic, memory and behavioral control. These neural connections become strong and more resilient through positive, stimulating interactions with loving adults at home and in quality care settings.
Preparing for Kindergarten Success
Preschool-age children thrive through interactions with parents and caregivers that stimulate their growing grasp of language, numbers and problem-solving. By age 3, children begin to learn social skills that help with decision making and getting along with others.
As children enter kindergarten, the quality of their early learning experiences becomes evident as they interact with peers and teachers. Children who can focus, control impulses and take turns, for example, are on their way to becoming successful students. Children who have not developed these social-emotional skills may need interventions to help mitigate inadequate developmental experiences during their earliest years.
School-Age and Beyond
We can make the most of children’s early developmental years by ensuring they have consistent, high-quality experiences that align with educational efforts from preschool through 3rd grade. Coordinated learning experiences help ensure children make lasting cognitive and social-emotional gains that put them on the path to lifelong success.
Quality early childhood experiences are those in which children are physically safe and emotionally supported through frequent, warm, one-on-one interactions with caring adults who engage them in language-rich and educational activities. High-quality early care and education promotes the well-being of early childhood professionals, empowers parents as educators and caregivers, and fosters children’s healthy development and learning. These experiences are made possible through policies and practices that support ongoing quality improvement wherever children are cared for.
Featured Publications
School Readiness Tax Credit would recognize, support child care providers
LB754, the Child Care Tax Credit Act (formerly LB318), is on Select File, the second of three rounds of debate in the Nebraska Legislature. It includes a provision to reinstate the School Readiness Tax Credit Act, which would provide tax credits for eligible child...
LB114 would increase federal funding for home visiting in Nebraska
Kelly Crane has worked in the field of prevention and child welfare for more than 20 years and is the state policy specialist for Prevent Child Abuse America, a national organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect. Healthy Families America is their...
WAGE$ Nebraska helps retain child care workers, boost quality of care
The quality of early care and education a child receives is directly linked to teacher quality and compensation. In Nebraska, many early educators earn less than $15/hour and would like the opportunity to build skills to improve the quality of their care. The Child...
LB75 data collection needed to address maternal health disparities in Nebraska
Nyomi Thompson is the Policy and Advocacy Manager at I Be Black Girl and focuses on uplifting birth justice and positive Black maternal health outcomes. She’s a Nebraska transplant, but has grown to love the state, and strives to improve the lives of the Black...
LB318 helps preserve Nebraska’s workforce advantage
NOTE: LB318 has been amended into LB754 as AM906 Diane Temme Stinton is owner and CEO of TMCO based in Lincoln. She testified before the Nebraska Legislature’s Revenue Committee in support of LB318 on behalf of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Chamber of...
LB318 eases financial burden for parents, child care providers
UPDATE: LB318 has been incorporated into LB754 as AM906. Now more than ever, we know how heavily our state relies upon high-quality, affordable and accessible child care. Working parents depend upon it for the financial stability of their families. Employers depend...