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
First Five Nebraska’s 2023 legislative priorities
Bill introduction in the Nebraska Legislature has concluded, and state senators introduced 812 bills during this first session of the two-year biennium. Each bill will be referred to a committee and receive a public hearing, and then may be advanced for debate by the...
Sara Brady joins First Five Nebraska as Data Analyst
We welcome Dr. Sara Brady to First Five Nebraska as Data Analyst. She pivoted into policy research after 10 years in academia and research consulting. In her previous roles, Sara trained countless students in rigorous quantitative methods and data analysis and...
Home visiting strengthens the well-being of Nebraska families, children
[Editor’s Note: State Senator Wendy DeBoer, District 10, introduced LR367, an interim study examining home visiting for Nebraska families, during the 2022 legislative session. She testified on LR367 at a hearing before the Nebraska Legislature’s Health and Human...
Federal MIECHV reauthorization bill is introduced
Extensive research has shown us that children’s earliest experiences build the foundation that affects them for the rest of their lives. Parents are their children’s first and best caregivers and teachers during these early years, but they sometimes struggle with...
Celebrate We Care for Kids Week with us!
September 26 through October 2 is We Care for Kids Week, a statewide celebration to raise awareness for quality early childhood education and build support for early childhood educators. It’s an opportunity to inform, motivate and engage Nebraskans across the state....
New calculator shows how child care costs affect families
At First Five Nebraska, we are often asked, “What does the average Nebraska family pay for child care?” And as much as we’d like to give a single number, the truth is that the child care market is complex, and the price families pay for child care depends on several...