First Five Nebraska

One of the most important things parents can do to prepare their children for school is to read to them! Foundational literacy skills are the building blocks of learning to read, and set the stage for successful learning in school.

FFN's deputy director Elizabeth Everett was selected from hundreds of applicants for The Aspen Institute's 2024 Ascend Fellowship. During the 18-month program, she'll focus on #Nebraska's immigrants and refugees who would like to open #childcare businesses but face barriers like language, money and resources. "If we're able to create that community for these people who want to become small-business owners and help them open up a business that's not only sustainable, but also provides the care for these families in need, that would be a huge win for us,” she said." #AscendFellow #EarlyChildhood #EconomicDevelopment https://lnkd.in/gsptnWmT

FFN advisors Katherine Bass, PhD and Mike Feeken, along with Kids Can Community Center CEO Robert Patterson had great conversations today at the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Economic Development Summit. They led breakout sessions on the true cost of quality #childcare, the challenges and opportunities facing the childcare industry and innovative approaches to support this vital sector, including a tax credit for contributions that support childcare businesses. Learn more about the Contribution Tax Credit: https://lnkd.in/gmscUqhw #EconomicDevelopment #Nebraska

"C4K led the Child Care Action Hour, bringing together diverse leaders from Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance, USDA, Rural Prosperity Nebraska, SCENND, economic directors, rural communities, and Nebraska Farm Bureau. Together, they envisioned "affordable, quality early childhood care for all," focusing on professionalism and sustainability through strategic partnerships."

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER: This year's Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference set for Tuesday, Sept. 17 in Kearney, will again bring together Nebraska community leaders to continue building momentum around quality #EarlyChildhood education and its connection to #EconomicDevelopment and community vitality. There's no charge to attend this daylong event, but you need to register. #ThrivingChildren2024 #Nebraska Register: https://lnkd.in/ghwDqkG6

The federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSAgov), HHS has released $443M to expand #MIECHV, which provides voluntary, evidence-based home visiting services to women during pregnancy, and to parents with young children up to kindergarten entry. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services will receive $2.3M to support MIECHV in #Nebraska. #MaternalHealth #PN3 https://lnkd.in/gs8wZr5q

New federal income guidelines increase the number of families who could qualify for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition assistance program. The maximum income allowed to participate in WIC increased, so a family of four can now make up to $57,720 annually and qualify. WIC provides healthy food, nutrition services, health screenings and referrals and breastfeeding support for families in need across Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g48Hp_vM #Nebraska. #MaternalHealth #EarlyChildhood Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

Congratulations to FFN's Deputy Director Elizabeth Everett on being one of 22 leaders from across the country selected as a 2024 The Aspen Institute #Ascend Fellow. The Ascend Fellowship is an 18-month journey of thought-provoking reflection, inspiration and action based on the Aspen Institute’s 75-year history of leadership development. It invests in diverse leaders who are well-connected, well-prepared and powerfully positioned to build political will, change systems and drive the policy agenda needed for the prosperity and well-being of all children and families. #Nebraska #AscendFellow Anne Mosle Ascend at the Aspen Institute https://bit.ly/3XbYGNg

FFN's Mike Feeken and other experts will be in Kearney September 10 for a community conversation on #EarlyChildhood. RSVP for lunch or for more information to [email protected]. #Nebraska

FFN Director Jason Prokop and Deputy Director Elizabeth Everett attended the annual federal legislative summit today at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum. Thank you to Nebraska's Congressional delegation for taking questions and highlighting the importance of #childcare for Nebraska's working parents and employers. Thanks to the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Greater Omaha Chamber for sponsoring this event. #Nebraska