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 's immigrants and refugees who would like to open 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."

First Five Nebraska director first-ever Nebraskan selected for prestigious fellowship The deputy director of First Five Nebraska was announced on Wednesday as a member of the Aspen Institute's 2024 class of Ascend Fellows.

FFN advisors Katie Bass and Mike Feeken, along with Kids Can Community Center CEO Robert Patterson had great conversations today at the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry's Economic Development Summit. They led breakout sessions on the true cost of quality , 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://nebraskachildcaretaxcredit.org/

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 education and its connection to and community vitality. There's no charge to attend this daylong event, but you need to register.
Register: https://web.cvent.com/event/532d2810-f581-4d5d-b06f-cf7f01fa97e9

The federal Health Resources & Services Administration has released $443M to expand , 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 .
https://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs-impact/programs/home-visiting/maternal-infant-early-childhood-home-visiting-miechv-program/fy24-awards

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://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/New-Income-Guidelines-for-WIC-Increases-Eligibility.aspx

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

New Income Guidelines for WIC Increases Eligibility  Lincoln, NE — New income guidelines increased the number of families who could qualify for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) supplemental nutrition assistance program. The WIC program is a federally funded program and is an equal opportunity provider.

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 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.
https://ascend.aspeninstitute.org/aspen-institute-announces-2024-ascend-fellows/

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

Thank you for meeting with us Senator Fischer and for introducing reauthorization of the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) to help for young children access early care and learning.

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 for Nebraska's working parents and employers. Thanks to the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Greater Omaha Chamber for sponsoring this event. Senator Deb Fischer Senator Pete Ricketts Rep. Adrian Smith Congressman Mike Flood Congressman Don Bacon

Bryan Slone, president of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, was on hand with FFN's Elizabeth Everett and State Senator Eliot Bostar to announce availability of childcare-related tax credits for qualifying parents, private sector donors and the workforce.
Slone said as his team has traveled around and held forums in recent years, childcare was at or near the top of community priorities. 'People attraction—particularly the attraction of young families to Nebraska—is absolutely the key to Nebraska’s future both from an economic standpoint and community sustainability standpoint. He said the state must do better to beef up the industry's workforce and number of licensed childcare seats, which falls short of demand in regions across the state.”

Awareness campaign launches for new NE child care credits described as state and national milestone • Nebraska Examiner Advocates launch an awareness campaign for a new child care credit package they describe as a state and national milestone.

First Five Nebraska kicked off a public education campaign promoting the Child Care Tax Credit and School Readiness Tax Credit today with State Senator Eliot Bostar and Bryan Slone, president of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The refundable and nonrefundable tax credits may be claimed on 2024 state tax returns and are designed to help address challenges facing providers and the families, employers and communities who depend on them. They are the result of legislation introduced last year by Senator Eliot Bostar and passed with significant bipartisan support. At the kickoff, Senator Bostar spoke about the importance of a robust childcare industry to keep Nebraska’s economy strong. “The Child Care Tax Credit and School Readiness Tax Credit can ease financial burdens on families with young kids while helping to grow our state’s supply of quality childcare and the skilled workforce needed to deliver it.”
Learn more about the credits: https://www.firstfivenebraska.org/blog/child-tax-credits-campaign-launches/

We’d like to thank Senator Deb Fischer for meeting with providers from across the state Monday along with FFN Deputy Director Elizabeth Everett. It was great to learn more about the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) re-authorization bill Senator Fischer introduced earlier this month and we look forward to continued discussions and opportunities to work with her on this important legislation. Providers meeting with Senator Fischer (l. to r.) Chad Bryant, director of Christ Lutheran Childcare, Norfolk; Quentin Brown, executive director Educare Lincoln; Lisset Christian, Diana's Learning Center family childcare home, Omaha; Erin Ourada Branch, Branch Ranch Childcare family childcare home, Lincoln; Natalie Hanna, Natalie's Daycare family childcare home, Kearney; Mat Habrock, owner Hastings Early Child Development Center, Hastings; Amy Lapointe, education director, Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, Winnebago Educare.

Sunday's Omaha World-Herald featured an op-ed by FFN Deputy Director Elizabeth Everett supporting Senator Deb Fischer's legislation to re-authorize the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). The CCDBG assists hundreds of thousands of families, including thousands in , to access and afford quality childcare. "The CCDBG Reauthorization Act is a win-win. It gives Nebraska’s hardworking parents a wider choice of affordable child care options to fit their families’ specific needs. It strengthens workforce participation for employers in all sectors of business and industry. It increases the supply of quality early care and learning programs every community needs to thrive — from Omaha to Alliance."
Link is in the first comment.

Midlands Voices: Quality child care is 'absolutely essential.' This U.S. Senate measure may help "Nebraska’s child care system is currently failing both providers and families....the good news is that there is something we can do about this," writes Elizabeth Everett of First Five Nebraska.

The critical role plays in creating vibrant communities and potential steps that could help ease the current lack of care options statewide was a topic of discussion at the recent Ag & Economic Development Summit. Communities for Kids' Marti Beard spoke on a panel and C4K staff led a breakout discussion that included economic developers, finance specialists, Farm Bureau representatives and others.

Governor’s Ag & Economic Development Summit highlights child care crisis Child care was featured alongside housing in a discussion and was the topic an Action Hour conversation at the 2024 Governor’s Ag & Economic Development Summit.

In many ways, breastfeeding helps level the playing field by giving every child a fair start in life and enabling millions of young children to thrive and reach their full potential. Improving breastfeeding rates can have an enormous impact on a nation's economy by increasing productivity, cutting health care costs and saving lives.

Congratulations to the latest three providers/programs to reach Step 5, the highest rating in Nebraska Step Up to Quality!
Thank you Little Tots Preschool and Daycare Center in O'Neill, Kids Can Community Center in Omaha and Heather Larson Schmidt at Love to Learn Playschool in Broken Bow for your commitment to giving Nebraska's kids the strong start they need to become successful students and adults. Heather Schmidt and Kids Can's Robert Patterson are graduates of the Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy.

Join Strategic Partnerships Advisor Mike Feeken tomorrow for information on new tax credits available providers and programs!

Didn't make it to ? You're in luck! As a follow-up from Elevate24, First Five Nebraska's Strategic Partnerships Advisor Mike Feeken will give an overview of the improved School Readiness Tax Credits for child care professionals and programs and what providers need to do to take full advantage of them. 📝 He'll also discuss the critical role providers will play in the success of the refundable and non-refundable credits of the Child Care Tax Credit Act throughout the state. 🙌 You won't want to miss this! Register now 👉 https://bit.ly/3YRb1Zx

Recruiting and retaining quality employees is a priority for most employers, and top on many parents' needs is dependable . FFN Deputy Director Elizabeth Everett spoke with Midlands Business Journal for their look at how some area companies are helping parents facing childcare challenges. She noted the serious lack of care options across the state, with 74% of children under age 6 having all available parents in the workforce. Everett added, “The Bipartisan Policy Center did a report that showed if all children with parents in the workforce needed access to care, around 20,000 children or so would not have access to care.” TMCO, Inc. Lincoln Littles Arbor Day Foundation Veridian Credit Union
Link is in the comments.

Individualized Approach: What Working Parent Support Looks Like in Nebraska Now that it’s officially the start of school, families have likely made new child care arrangements for the school year. Whether it is a relief for parents who had to

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Officer Dr. Timothy Tesmer says it's a good time to schedule routine vaccinations and wellness checks with primary care physicians now that kids are returning to school. In a wellness checklist, he also suggests communicating with a child's teacher or school nurse about necessary medications, talking with children about safe travel between school and home and making sure children have reusable water bottles. See more items on the checklist: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/National-Immunization-Awareness-Month-08142024.aspx

National Immunization Awareness Month  Lincoln, NE — The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services recognizes August as National Immunization Awareness Month which highlights the importance of obtaining recommended vaccinations.

Ready to elevate your Family Child Care Business this Fall? Join our upcoming Business Training Series and discover innovative solutions to your business hurdles! Don't miss the chance to evolve your professionalism as a business owner! ✨ Bonus: Graduates earn $450 and 30 hours of license-approved training upon completion!

Learn more & apply: https://bit.ly/31bV9FB

The Child Care Cost Model helps users understand the relationship between the costs of delivering quality and revenue earned by providers. FFN launched the cost model to help policymakers, communities and parents understand how multiple variables like program type, quality rating, geographical location, enrollment and others affect a program’s sustainability. Learn more: https://www.firstfivenebraska.org/nebraska-child-care-cost-model/

FFN's Strategic Partnerships Advisor Mike Feeken will be in Loup City August 21st for an meeting looking at the growth of in Sherman County. Feeken will be joined by local economic developer, Melissa Dush, and Shonna Werth with Communities for Kids.🌱

On August 21st, Sherman County Nebraska Economic Development is hosting the Nebraska Development Network Central Region meeting to highlight the ways child care options are sprouting in our area. 🌱

Representatives from Communities for Kids and First Five Nebraska will join the conversation. If you or someone you know is interested in addressing child care shortages and promoting quality options in your communities, please RSVP by August 9th with the information at the bottom of the flyer.

Sherman County Sprouts Child Care Initiative
THE FUTURE GROWS HERE. 🌱

FFN's Grassroots & Advocacy Advisor J-R Giron, Strategic Partnerships Advisor Mike Feeken and Policy Advisor Mitchell Clark met with providers while traveling across the state this summer. It was an opportunity for them to hear from providers directly about issues that matter most to them. FFN folks also met with legislative candidates in their districts. Thank you Policy Leadership Academy grad Laura Kemp for arranging this gathering in !

The Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank has won an award from NPR for its entry in the latest Beige Book, a compilation of insights into the economy. The Kansas City Fed's contribution? "What's going on with liability insurance and the child care industry?" The hosts take a look at why premiums are rising for providers and how that's impacting both businesses and consumers. Link in comments — it's a 10-minute listen:

How insurance is affecting the cost of childcare : The Indicator from Planet Money The childcare industry has been having a tough go of it. It's already expensive; pandemic-era programs have ended; plus there are too few providers. Enter a new challenge: increasing liability insurance premiums. Today, we look at why these premiums are rising for childcare providers, and how they'r...

Congratulations to Policy Advisor Mitchell Clark on being selected for the upcoming Leadership Nebraska class—we're fortunate to have you on the FFN team! The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry created Leadership Nebraska to identify, educate, inspire and engage Nebraska's current and emerging leaders for the well-being of our state.

🎉 Welcome Class XVI!! 🎉

Join us in welcoming Mitchell Clark, policy advisor at First Five Nebraska, to Leadership Nebraska Class XVI! Since joining First Five Nebraska in November 2022, Mitchell has leveraged his extensive experience from eight years as a legislative staffer in the Nebraska Legislature, where he contributed to 45 successful legislative bills on funding, economic and workforce development, mental and behavioral health, and early childhood education.

A 2017 graduate of the University of Scranton with a Master of Science in Human Resources, Mitchell also holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, focusing on marketing and English. His involvement in the legislative and administrative processes continues to benefit the state of Nebraska through his expertise and professional network.

Active in the Lincoln community, Mitchell is a parishioner at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, volunteers for various ministries, and serves the elderly, the poor through FoodNet of Lincoln, and the immigrant community through Habitat for Humanity.

Mitchell and his wife, Krista, live in Lincoln with their daughter, Cecilia, and their dog, Cooper. They enjoy traveling, hosting loved ones, hiking, hunting, studying history and philosophy, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Welcome Mitchell!! We know you will be an incredible addition to Class XVI!!

Congratulations to Dr. Ann Anderson Berry on being named the 2024 Physician Advocate of the Year by the Nebraska Medical Association. She is being honored for her crucial role in successful outcomes with national and state initiatives, and for being a trusted resource on perinatal conditions and disparities in . FFN thanks Dr. Anderson Berry for her leadership and testimony before the Nebraska Legislature on a host of maternal issues, including screening for depression in new moms and the Prenatal Plus program aimed at decreasing adverse neonatal outcomes and improving maternal health. Dr. Anderson Berry is co-medical director of the Nebraska Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative - NPQIC and Division Chief of Neonatology and Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Pediatrics at University of Nebraska Medical Center - UNMC. George For Nebraska

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has released a report on severe maternal morbidity in . The report is a result of passage of (amended into ) last year, State Senator Tony Vargas's bill that authorized the state review team to look at morbidity data, in which a women's health was seriously compromised, in addition to maternal mortality data. With a wider data pool, the state review team will be able to make more informed recommendations for prevention of both maternal morbidity and mortality.
See report results: https://www.firstfivenebraska.org/blog/state-releases-2024-report-on-severe-maternal-morbidity-2017-2021/

The 2024 M.O.M.S. Tour (Maternal Outcomes Matter Showers) is coming to this weekend. The U.S. DHHS national tour aims to improve maternal health outcomes, particularly among African American and American Indian/Alaska Native women, in communities with high maternal morbidity and mortality rates.

WHERE: Greater Saint Paul Worship Center, 5116 Terrace Dr., Omaha
WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 4, 3 - 5 p.m.

The Tour brings together mental health professionals, medical professionals & community members to provide resources and support for pregnant/postpartum women and engage in meaningful discussions on maternal health disparities.
In addition to baby resources, pregnant women and families will have access to health-related services such as health care coverage, mental health services, vaccinations, substance use disorder support, local services offered by doulas and midwives, health screenings, toolkit for postpartum depression, nutritious food and more.

First Five Nebraska commends Senator Deb Fischer on introducing the Child Care and Development Block Grant Reauthorization Act of 2024 in the U.S. Senate today. This legislation promises to mitigate financial pressures on families with young children, improve the regulatory environment and strengthen the professional workforce our state needs to thrive. A prime example of policy leadership in support of an issue that unites us all--the care, education and healthy development of young children. Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry Lincoln Chamber of Commerce First Five Years Fund
Link in comments below.

Fischer, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Expand Working Families’ Access to Quality Child Care “Nebraska families deserve safe, reliable, and affordable child care. Unfortunately, high-quality child care is not always easy to come by, especially for those in rural areas. Our commonsense legislation will provide America’s working families with the options they need to prioritize their chil...