March 2020
First Five Nebraska responds to executive order to broaden child care availability
On Friday afternoon (3/27), First Five Nebraska published a statement on Executive Order 20-08, which was released this week by the Governor's Office. The directive temporarily eases and/or suspends certain licensing and regulatory procedures governing child care. It is intended to make it easier for institutions to set up alternative child care arrangements primarily for working parents in health care, emergency response and other infrastructure-critical roles.

While First Five Nebraska acknowledges the urgent importance of meeting the child care needs of these families, we question the solution this offers on two points.

We believe this directive overlooks the availability of Nebraska's licensed and experienced child care providers who, due to declining attendance during the public health emergency, may have the capacity to meet the needs of the families it is intended to help.
We are also particularly concerned about the toll this national crisis is taking on the physical, psychological and emotional well-being of young children. We believe it is crucial that children in care are being looked after by skilled and experienced professionals, especially given stress on families during the public health emergency.

FFN encourages state agencies to pursue ways to connect licensed providers with working parents in essential jobs and involve established child care professionals in efforts to establish and operate programs in alternative settings.

Read the full text of our response to EO 20-08 on the FFN website.
Congress passes historic COVID-19 economic relief bill affecting families, providers
On Friday, March 27, the House of Representatives passed an unprecedented, $2 trillion stimulus bill with major implications for parents of young children and child care professionals. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act had passed in the Senate late on Wednesday, before moving on to the House which approved the legislation today and was subsequently signed into law by President Trump.

Among other items, the CARES Act establishes multiple financial supports for unemployed individuals —including self-employed workers —affected by the pandemic, as well as state-administered loans and grants that can be used to help sustain child care programs.

First Five Nebraska thanks the members of Nebraska's congressional delegation for their support of this historic legislation.

Read more about the content of the CARES Act on First Five Nebraska's website.
First Five Nebraska, partners urge lawmakers to bolster state's early childhood system
First Five Nebraska and partner organizations submitted separate sets of policy recommendations to state and federal lawmakers intended to help mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 emergency on Nebraska's early childhood system. The proposals include:

  • Use of federal and/or state funds to support child care providers who remain open to provide services for the families of health care professionals, frontline responders and other essential personnel.
  • Ensure temporary unemployment insurance for all child care business owners and employees who have suspended services
  • Temporarily suspend re-determination of family eligibility for services such as WIC, SNAP, Medicaid, TANF and subsidized child care
  • Provide disaster funding to allow child care programs to meet their operating needs while they remain open

First Five Nebraska was joined by the Buffett Early Childhood Fund, Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, the Buffett Early Childhood Institute and the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative in endorsing the letters.


Senators have approved $83.6 million to help Nebraska combat the current health and economic crisis. Included are provisions for UNMC COVID-19 testing and a statewide communication system to share information related to response efforts. The bill also includes $25 million in unobligated funds to be held in reserve for unforeseen needs that may arise due to the pandemic. Governor Pete Ricketts signed the bill and it took effect immediately. 
Follow our Daily Digest for a quick look at selected news on how families, providers, community leaders and policymakers are dealing with the ongoing coronavirus emergency.
CYFS Summit on Research in Early Childhood is canceled

The 2020 CYFS Summit on Research in Early Childhood has been canceled in light of the most recent guidance on large in-person events. Refunds will be issued for those who registered. CYFS hopes to reschedule! 
Quick Links

 Research shows children are vulnerable to the emotional impact of traumatic events that disrupt their daily lives. Nebraska Children and Families Foundation has curated an extensive list of Nebraska COVID-19 information and resources for parents, caregivers and others during this health crisis.

Child Trends has created an extensive brief with information on supporting children's emotional well-being as the COVID-19 health emergency unfolds. It includes 10 recommendations plus resources for kids, parents and other caregivers.