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| Our vision is that all Nebraska children begin kindergarten with the experience they need to become successful students and productive citizens. |
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Chancellor's Distinguished Lecture Series
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Dr. Victoria Molfese with UNL's College of Education and Human Sciences will deliver a free public lecture focused on language development and reading skills. "Learning to Read: Making Sense of the Evidence," will be April 3 at
3 p.m. in the Nebraska Union on UNL's campus.
Those unable to attend can view a live webcast; an archived video will be available a week after the event.
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Quick Links
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- Everyday Steps to Reading and Writing: Children begin their path to reading as babies when they hear and respond to the sound of a human voice. Listening, talking, reading and writing are all parts of early literacy learning.
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Panel Will Study Early Childhood
Workforce Shortage in Nebraska
Nebraska, along with other states, faces a severe shortage of early care and education professionals. This shortage exists for many reasons: high turnover, low pay, workers not recognized as professionals, regulatory changes and greater requirements around credentialing and endorsements.
FFN Director Becky Veak is serving on the commission, along with leaders from state government, higher education, public schools, child care, health care, advocacy, philanthropy, practitioners and the business community.
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Nebraska senators gave first round approval to
LB335, which
would impact adjustments in reimbursement rate
s for subsidized child care. The bill includes an amendment that ensures reimbursements would not drop below 50% of the market rate
. Senators will not take up the bill again until a new market rate survey is received and a new fiscal analysis is conducted.
We submitted written testimony on LB335 stressing to senators that quality, affordable child care is essential to steer children at risk toward lifelong learning and success.
We are working with state policymakers to explore ways to connect child care subsidy reimbursements to providers' standing in
Step Up to Quality
.
We'll continue to provide updates as those conversations develop.
Committee Hears Testimony
on Delaying Implementation
of
Child Care Tax Credits
The Legislature's Revenue Committee heard testimony this week on an amendment to LB223 that would delay implementation of tax credits offered to child care providers. The amendment (
AM707) is part of a larger effort to capture cost savings due to the state's budgetary shortfall.
The amendment drew opposition from early childhood advocates, including John Cavanaugh of the Holland Children's Movement, Susan Sarver of the Buffett Early Childhood Institute, Tracy Gordon of Nebraska AEYC and two Omaha child care providers. John Cederberg, representing the Lincoln, Omaha and State Chambers of Commerce, testified in a neutral capacity and cautioned policymakers to avoid making the tax credit suspension permanent, citing the importance of children's early learning and development to Nebraska.
In opening remarks, Appropriations Committee Chair
Senator John Stinner reflected on his role in establishing the tax credits through co-sponsorship of LB889, but noted that the budget shortfall is requiring cuts to programs that are near and dear to him.
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Early registration ends this week for
Recharge for Resilience
, April 19, in Kearney. This all-day event will recharge and rejuvenate professionals who are invested in helping all children and families succeed.
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New Report on Nebraskans' Views
on Early Care
and Education
 The Buffett Early Childhood Institute has released the third in a series of reports based on a Gallup survey looking at Nebraskans' views on early care and education:
- Omaha World-Herald: Majority of Nebraskans polled say life hasn't improved for children.
- Lincoln Journal-Star: Rural, urban Nebraskans support early childhood education, worry about future for kids.
- Scottsbluff Star-Herald: Buffett Early Childhood Leader: Our vision is that Nebraska would be the best place in the nation to be a baby
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Happy Birthday Nebraska!
We're fortunate to live in a state that recognizes the importance of children's earliest years and is committed to giving them the start they need to grow into confident, capable, productive citizens.
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