South Central Early Childhood

06/18/2026

We celebrated in the best way Thursday. 🎓

Congratulations to our Rooted in Relationships graduates! These providers are out there every day building the relationships that help kids feel safe, seen, and ready to learn.

Adams and Nuckolls County are lucky to have you. 🌱

06/16/2026

Something special is happening in Adams County. 🎉

Tonight, a group of incredible early childhood providers will graduate as the first cohort in a three-year program called Rooted in Relationships — and we couldn't be more proud.

Rooted in Relationships isn't just a training. It's a commitment. These providers showed up, did the hard work of reflecting on their practice, and deepened their ability to build the kinds of warm, trusting relationships that help young children thrive.

To everyone crossing that stage — thank you for investing in the children and families of Adams County. What you do matters more than you know. 💛 Be watching out for photos this week and if you see any of the graduates out and about be sure to congratulate them!

06/11/2026

We are incredibly grateful to the Sunnyside Foundation for their generous grant award supporting early childhood professionals in our community. 💙

Thanks to this funding, local child care providers and early childhood educators will have greater access to valuable training and professional development opportunities. Investing in those who care for and educate young children strengthens the quality of care and learning experiences available to families throughout our area.

We know that when providers have access to high-quality training, children benefit. This grant will help build knowledge, confidence, and skills that create lasting impacts in classrooms and programs across our community.

Thank you, Sunnyside Foundation, for recognizing the importance of early childhood education and for your commitment to supporting the professionals who make a difference in the lives of children every day. Your generosity helps us continue our mission of strengthening early childhood programs and creating brighter futures for local families.

06/10/2026

This week we want to say thank you to both our amazing community members, especially Rebekah Muske, who recently hosted and facilitated a book drive through her church! We were honored to be a part of Rebekah's service-learning project. Watching this project come to life and seeing our community rally around such an important cause has been incredibly rewarding. Rebekah's dedication to promoting early literacy has helped make a meaningful difference for local children and families.

A huge thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, and helped spread the word — and a special thanks to Faith Lutheran Church for allowing Rebekah to use their space. Your support made this possible! 🙌

Together, we're helping put more books into the hands of local children and building a stronger foundation for early literacy across Adams County.

05/18/2026

For me, Policy Leaders Academy was one of the best things I have done! And the opportunity is OPEN for you as well! Let me know if you have questions!

05/12/2026

I loved my time in the PLA- learning about our legislature and found a passion to help our communities raise up their voice! If you would like to join the PLA- the application process is open and available to you!

Alexandra Dillon, early learning connection grant manager at ESU 10, said of her experience in the Policy Leadership Academy: "PLA gave me critical insight into the perspective of a senator, what kind of information they value, how to package it and when to deliver the message. The ongoing connection with other PLA alumni helps me stay connected and motivated!" Thank you for all you're doing for Nebraska students, families and communities, Alexandra!

Applications for PLA are open. Learn more: https://firstfivenebraska.org/advocacy/pla/

PLA alumni at the CYFS Research Summit: (kneeling) Maricela Novoa, Class 4; left to right: Alexandra Dillon, Class 1; Taylor Brase, Class 4; Erika Fink, Class 1; Wendy Gwennap, Class 3; Tierra Harper, Class 4.

05/08/2026

DID YOU KNOW: For every $1 invested in early childhood education, communities see up to $9.25 in return — and up to $17 for children facing disadvantage.

But behind every statistic is a real person who shows up every single day with patience, creativity, and heart.

To our Early Childhood Providers: thank you. You are worth so much more than you're given credit for. 💛

05/08/2026

Early childhood providers do more than teach — they build trust, spot concerns early, connect families to resources, and show up as a consistent, caring presence in children's lives. Research backs it up: kids in quality ECE programs thrive. But anyone who's watched a great provider in action already knows that.

If you are searching for ideas on how to thank the early childhood education teachers in your life or community, visit the Step up to Quality blog for some great ideas, straight from teachers themselves! http://stepuptoquality.ne.gov/gratitude-ideas-for.../

05/08/2026

Early childhood providers do more than teach — they build trust, spot concerns early, connect families to resources, and show up as a consistent, caring presence in children's lives.

Research backs it up: kids in quality Early Childhood programs thrive. But anyone who's watched a great provider in action already knows that.

If you are searching for ideas on how to thank the early childhood education teachers in your life or community, visit the Nebraska Step Up to Quality blog for some great ideas, straight from teachers themselves!

http://stepuptoquality.ne.gov/gratitude-ideas-for.../

05/07/2026

is this Friday!

Did you know employees who receive meaningful recognition are four times more likely to be engaged in their work?
Early Childhood professionals deserve recognition, respect, and better pay. Today, we want to say: WE SEE YOU.

This Friday, take a moment to say and read why celebrating matters on the NECC blog:
https://nebraskaearly.org/importance-of-celebrating.../