First Five Nebraska

05/29/2026

05/28/2026

Join the Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy and unlock your leadership potential! You'll work with experts and classmates to build advocacy skills to help connect the dots between quality early care and learning and thriving local economies.

Apply by June 12! Learn more about PLA, including a detailed overview of the program and application information, here: firstfivenebraska.org/advocacy/pla/

05/28/2026

FFN Strategic Partnerships Advisor Mike Feeken took part in a community conversation in South Sioux City last week on the vital role childcare plays in building a strong, thriving local economy. Strategic investments in childcare and early childhood education directly impact economic development in rural Nebraska communities.

05/27/2026

Give to Lincoln Day (May 28) is upon us. Now is the time to join us and our founding initiatives (Communities for Kids and First Five Nebraska) in taking the next step on our journey to build the systems and supports that will give our youngest kids the start they need and deserve.

Your gift matters. Let's move forward together. https://givetolincoln.com/nonprofits/early-futures-partnership

05/26/2026

As a member of the Policy Leadership Academy's 8th cohort, you'll master skills needed to become a powerful voice for young children, including:
🔷 Understanding and applying principles of authentic, community-led advocacy
🔷 Identifying and interpreting key data to spotlight early childhood needs and challenges
🔷 Establishing yourself as a trusted resource and leader on early childhood issues

Applications close June 12, so don't delay! Questions to PLA Facilitator Jodi-Renee Girón are encouraged: [email protected]
Learn more firstfivenebraska.org/advocacy/pla/

05/26/2026

Senator Deb Fischer discusses the Child Care Modernization Act she is cosponsoring with Senator Gillibrand (D-NY). It reauthorizes the Child Care and Development Block Grant Program and modernizes it to reflect today's childcare realities. "It strengthens affordability for families while addressing the operational and workforce challenges that providers face. Specifically, the bill ensures parental choice by supporting a full range of care options: centers, home-based providers, nonprofits, for-profits and care from family or neighbors." It also updates reimbursement rates and creates a program to invest in infrastructure.

05/23/2026

𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐚’𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬?

Apply now for the Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy! During this 6-month program, you'll build grassroots advocacy skills, leadership confidence and policy knowledge to help shape the future of early care and education in our state.

Learn more and apply by June 12: firstfivenebraska.org/advocacy/pla/

05/22/2026

1,166 new child care spots means 1,166 more opportunities for Nebraska parents to get to their jobs, knowing their kids are in good hands. That's the result of communities across Nebraska working alongside Early Futures Partnership's Communities for Kids initiative. Together, we're making the most of local resources and relationships—and putting homegrown solutions into practice.

Between now and May 28, you can support our efforts to help Nebraska families find child care that works for them. Every gift to Early Futures' Give to Lincoln Day campaign is proportionally matched, so your contribution goes even further: https://givetolincoln.com/nonprofits/early-futures-partnership

05/21/2026

FFN's Elizabeth Everett and Chris Triebsch are in Washington, D.C., this week to team up with the First Five Years Fund and leaders from other states to drive early childhood policy forward and to connect with congressional staff.

Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer spoke yesterday, highlighting how vital childcare is for growing our workforce. She also spoke about her bipartisan Child Care Modernization Act, which expands childcare access for working families. Thank you to Senator Fischer for her leadership and for being a true champion for kids and families!