Communities for Kids

09/02/2026

To our past attendees of the Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference: What is your favorite part of the event? Let someone new know why they should attend this year’s conference!

Is it the networking opportunities? Is it access to experts on early childhood systems? Is it hearing real-world stories from others who understand what your community is going through?

Learn more about this free-to-attend event: https://thrivingchildrenconference.vfairs.com/

📅 Sept. 22, 2026
📍 Kearney, NE
🎟️ Free to attend

08/26/2026

We’re just under one month away from this year’s Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference! As we enter our ninth year, we’ve made big plans to ensure you’re leaving inspired and equipped with the tools you need to solve the early childhood challenges in your community.

You’ll leave with:

💡 Practical strategies you can put to work
💡 Research and data to inform your work
💡 New connections and thought partners
💡 Ideas from communities already doing this work
💡 A deeper understanding of how communities can work together

Ready to learn more? Review the full schedule and get registered: https://thrivingchildrenconference.vfairs.com/

Cancelling your registration will remove your access to the event. If you proceed, you will no longer be able to participate or access event-related materials.

08/25/2026

Jessica and Cale’s story is one that hits close to home for so many Nebraska families.

Their experience finding child care after welcoming twins shows just how closely child care is connected to a family’s ability to work, support their family, and remain in the community they call home.

As very active members of Stromsburg and its Communities for Kids partnership, Jessica and Cale are lending their voices and lived experience to Child Care Can. Their story is one of many community stories being elevated to show why robust, sustainable investment in child care matters across Nebraska.

Thank you, Jessica and Cale, for sharing your story. Read more below.

A new coalition aims to sharpen Nebraska's competitive business edge and has a singular focus: child care policy.

08/24/2026

What an exciting opportunity for child care in Nebraska!

We’re proud to be part of this effort and excited about what this multiyear campaign can mean for child care, communities, children, and families across our state.

Follow Child Care Can and click below to learn more!

08/19/2026

Last month, C4K released a new publication, The Child Care Provider's Guide to Excellent Outdoor Spaces, and we are pleased to announce that it is now available in Spanish. Feel free to spread these far and wide with anyone who might benefit! https://www.earlyfutures.org/news/nature-rich-play

08/18/2026

Is your community represented at the Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference? This map shows where current attendees are coming to Kearney from.

Don’t let your community be left out of the conversation! Together, we’re working to ensure Nebraska thrives by solving our most pressing early childhood challenges.

Learn more and get registered: https://thrivingchildrenconference.vfairs.com/

📅 Sept. 22, 2026
📍 Kearney, NE
🎟️ Free to attend

Cancelling your registration will remove your access to the event. If you proceed, you will no longer be able to participate or access event-related materials.

08/12/2026

Another orientation, another exciting community partnership. Welcome, Washington County!

We're excited to welcome Washington County as the 95th Communities for Kids partner in Nebraska!

What a fantastic turnout for this countywide effort! Leaders from across the community came together, including early childhood professionals, a professor of early childhood, school district representatives, city administrators, the Executive Directors of the Blair Area Chamber of Commerce and the Washington County Chamber, parents, UNL Extension, and many other dedicated community partners.

The energy in the room was inspiring, and the conversations reflected a shared commitment to supporting children, families, and the future of Washington County.

We're excited to see what the future holds for Washington County and can't wait to watch this journey unfold.

Welcome to the Communities for Kids network!

08/10/2026

Welcome to the newest Communities for Kids partner, Yutan!

Last week, community leaders, educators, organizations, businesses, and residents gathered to begin Yutan's Communities for Kids journey.

What a fantastic group of people, eager to roll up their sleeves and get to work! Their energy, thoughtful conversations, and shared commitment to supporting children and families made for an inspiring start.

One of our favorite moments was seeing one of Yutan's youngest community members in attendance. It's a wonderful reminder of who this work is all about. The future is bright for this little one, and for the entire Yutan community!

08/08/2026

We love a bonus episode, especially when the subject is people coming together to prioritize early childhood!

Take a listen to episode 88 of Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast!

08/03/2026

We're excited to welcome Axtell as the newest Communities for Kids community partner!

Local leaders shared their entrepreneurial spirit, their desire to ensure families have the opportunities and supports they need to thrive, and their committed partnership with local schools to support children and families.

The future is full of opportunities for Axtell!