The program brings together professionals from early childhood programs, business and economic development, health care, K-12 and higher education, civic organizations and other community partners. Participants in PLA learn firsthand from experts in public policy, strategic advocacy and movement building. Through interactive workshops, facilitated conversations and community building, PLA participants join a growing statewide network of experienced advocates driving meaningful policy change around early childhood issues that affect all Nebraskans.

Learn more about the PLA and apply for the 2023-24 program

State senators passed LB754, legislation that includes the Child Care Tax Credit Act and the School Readiness Tax Credit Act, on May 25. It has been presented to the Governor for his signature. It includes a refundable tax credit for households with children in care and a nonrefundable credit for entities that contribute to growing child care availability across the state. It also reinstates the School Readiness Tax Credit offering a tiered refundable credit for individual child care professionals and a tiered nonrefundable credit for child care businesses.

School Readiness Tax Credit recognizes, supports child care providers

We asked child care providers how the School Readiness Tax Credit helped them improve their programs in the past and what passage of LB754, which reinstates the tax credit, would mean for them. Here's what they had to say. Read more

Follow 70 early childhood bills introduced in the Legislature this year on FFN's Track Legislation web page and learn more about legislation we're actively advocating for on our Policy Priorities page.

Follow FFN on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for bill updates

FFN is studying the impact of LB485, which expanded the income eligibility requirement for the child care subsidy program. The study involves conversations with parents, providers and other community members about now increased access to the subsidy affected budgets, revenues, employment options and more.

The outcomes of the study will be used to help inform future policy discussions about the availability and accessibility of subsidized care in Nebraska. Learn more

FFN was honored to host Dr. Jack Shonkoff, founding director of the Harvard Center on the Developing Child in Nebraska recently. Dr. Shonkoff spoke to state senators and legislative staff, economic developers, community and business groups, Policy Leadership Academy graduates, university faculty and students and early childhood partners during his visit. He focused on the importance of enriching environments in young children's development and protecting developing brains and bodies from adversity, which disrupts healthy development.

The Nebraska Academy for Early Childhood Research is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 NAECR Policy Fellows Program. The program features a series of interactive and collaborative conversations between First Five Nebraska and NAECR researchers. Learn more and apply by May 31