Nebraska Children and Families Foundation

Today, we gather in Kearney along 400+ community members and early childhood educators at ! It's a day to exchange ideas, learn, and draw inspiration to advance quality early childhood care and education across Nebraska.

Follow along the event at Communities for Kids
Let's continue the conversation!

We’re kicking off the with a dynamic discussion: Engage, Utilize, Connect featuring Julie Warford (Nebraska Association for the Education of Young Children), Jordan Grummert-Rasmussen (Rural Prosperity Nebraska), Brandee Lengel (Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative) along with moderator Dr. Gladys Haynes (Buffett Early Childhood Fund). These leaders represent three powerful state partners: Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative, Nebraska Association for the Education of Young Children, and UNL Extension’s Rural Prosperity Nebraska Program and are sharing resources and insight to communities invested in early childhood care and education.

Let’s turn these insights into action and create an impact for early childhood care across Nebraska!

Join us at and explore the world of inclusive children's books with Nebraska Growing Readers! Discover books written by local authors and learn about our mission to cultivate a love for reading, one book garden at a time.

Visit our table to touch and feel these wonderful stories firsthand. Wendy Keele and Greta Carlson can't wait to share more about our program and its impact on young minds.

Learn more about Nebraska Growing Readers: https://nebraskagrowingreaders.org/

We are here at in Kearney along with over 700 community members and state leaders from across Nebraska to collaborate on solutions for childcare challenges facing the state and the country.

We were welcomed by Maricela Novoa (Educational Service Unit 10), Senator Mike Jacobson (Nebraska Legislature), and Keynote Linda Smith (Buffett Early Childhood Institute).

We look forward to a day of collaboration, listening, and learning!

Yesterday, the Nebraska Parents Conference brought together parents to share resources and promote leadership. This year, with support from the Nebraska Department of Education, the conference was hosted in Kearney to make it more accessible regionally.

One of the key topics was mental health, aiming to break stigmas and provide critical support. Whether it's finding childcare or navigating complex systems, the conference offered practical insights and a supportive community. Let's continue to empower each other and grow together as informed parents!

Nebraska Parent Conference teaches parents about leadership, mental health Parenting is easily the hardest job in the world. The Nebraska Parent Conference invites parents to come together and learn to become more informed parents.

In the Mohmand household, literacy is a cherished ritual. Fariha Mohmand, an Afghan refugee and former educator, jumped at the chance to enroll her son Yousof in Nebraska Growing Readers' Incoming Kindergarten program. With free weekly books and a fun mailbox ritual, Yousof and his brother Soliman are not just learning to love reading—they're also building their own literacy skills.

Nebraska Growing Readers is a partnership between Nebraska Children, Unite for Literacy, Nebraska Department of Education, and the NCFL Nebraska. The program has already made a huge impact in enhancing literacy and building home libraries across Nebraska!



Read more about the Mohmand's experience with the program in our article, "Building Book Excitement through Nebraska Growing Reader's Incoming Kindergarten Free Book Program.

Full Article: https://blog.nebraskachildren.org/2024/09/04/building-book-excitement-through-nebraska-growing-readers-incoming-kindergarten-free-book-program/

Thank you to all of the parents, presenters, and organizations who joined us in Kearney for today's Parent Conference! Your voices matter, and together, we're making a difference!

Sign up for our eNewsletter to stay informed of events such as this: https://www.nebraskachildren.org/stay-current/

The 3rd Annual Parent Conference is underway! Thanks to our attendees and presenters.

As part of Nebraska Growing Readers, we hosted a Writers Workshop in Schuyler, bringing together local authors to create culturally relevant books for Nebraska children. These stories reflect the unique experiences of our communities, ensuring that young readers see themselves in the books they read.

To learn more about Nebraska Growing Readers, visit https://nebraskagrowingreaders.org

Join us for Changemakers 2024 on October 16th and discover how prevention efforts are shaping the future of Nebraska’s workforce! Hear from industry leaders about the vital connection between strong communities and workforce development in our state.

Be part of the movement to drive Nebraska’s economic future forward!
🕗 8:00-9:00 am | Virtual Event

Purchase Your Ticket Today! https://bit.ly/48J1oyt

Join us in Kearney next week for the Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference. Today is the final day to register! Additionally, don't miss out on registering for the Communities for Kids Convening Day on September 18.

Register for either one or both events using this link: https://web.cvent.com/event/532d2810-f581-4d5d-b06f-cf7f01fa97e9/summary

The clock is ticking! Registration for the Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference closes on Monday, Sept. 9. Don’t miss out on the chance to discuss early childhood solutions and hear from experts and community leaders: https://thrivingchildrenconference.com/2024

Discover the heartwarming story of collaboration between local veterans and Thedford's youngest community members, addressing a critical community need.

Learn more about this impactful story in our blog article, "A Legacy of Service: Veterans and Child Care Group Unite for Community Benefit."

Reminder: Communities participating in Communities for Kids are encouraged to register for Day on September 18 in Kearney, Nebraska. View the agenda, and register by Sept. 9: https://web.cvent.com/event/532d2810-f581-4d5d-b06f-cf7f01fa97e9/regProcessStep1

A Legacy of Service: Veterans and Child Care Group Unite for Community Benefit The community of Thedford, population 211, lives inside one of the 11 Nebraska counties that were classified as a child care desert when they began partnering with the C4K initiative in 2023. The e…

The 3rd Annual Parent Conference is coming up! Don’t forget, we offer support for transportation, childcare, and interpretation services in Spanish and Somali.

Make sure to register before the deadline to take advantage of these benefits.

Register Now and view the full agenda: https://bit.ly/NEParentConference24

__________

¡Se acerca la 3ª Conferencia Anual de Padres! No olvide que ofrecemos apoyo para el transporte, el cuidado de niños y los servicios de interpretación en español y somalí.

Asegúrese de registrarse antes de la fecha límite para aprovechar estos beneficios.

Regístrese ahora y vea la agenda completa: https://bit.ly/NEParentConference24

__________

Shir sannadeedka 3aad ee waalidka ayaa soo socda! Ha iloobin, waxaan bixinaa taageerada gaadiidka, daryeelka carruurta, iyo adeegyada turjumaada ee Isbaanishka iyo Soomaaliga.

Hubi inaad isdiiwaangeliso ka hor wakhtiga k**a dambaysta ah si aad uga faa'iidaysato faa'iidooyinkan.

Hadda isdiiwaangeli oo arag ajandaha oo dhan: https://bit.ly/NEParentConference24

Join parents from across Nebraska who have experience in the foster care system and choose to use that experience to help others. The group draws from their lived experience to protect families including previous and current foster children by connecting them to resources such as concrete and social supports, advocating for change, and helping others advocate for themselves.
*Members are compensated for their time*

Complete the Application by September 13th!

Learn more: bit.ly/PregnantParentingapp

Check out this community story about the development and growth of Ainsworth Child Development Center, Inc..

Communities for Kids communities are encouraged to register for C4K Convening, where they can learn from communities working on bringing quality child care to their communities.

Registration is Open:
September 18, 8 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (CST)
Register: https://web.cvent.com/event/532d2810-f581-4d5d-b06f-cf7f01fa97e9/summary?RefId=Email&blm_aid=45106177

Ainsworth, a Group of Moms, and C4K’s Secret Sauce “Give a group of moms a problem that impacts their children and they will get it done,” say Karen O’Hare, President of the board for the Ainsworth Child Development Center. The Ainsworth comm…

Career Opportunity! We're looking for a detail-oriented Community Investment Coordinator to join our team. In this role, you'll assist with managing contracts, grants, and projects that drive positive change in communities across the state. Ready to make an impact?

Apply Today: https://bit.ly/3NsYvIx

Nebraska's future depends on strong communities, and you can play a vital role! Join us on October 16 for our annual Changemakers event -- a virtual gathering of experts, business leaders, and community advocates who understand the link between strong families, strong communities, and a strong economy.

By becoming a sponsor, you'll be supporting initiatives that make our state a better place for all. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the change!

Learn more about sponsorship opportunities: https://bit.ly/48J1oyt

Registration for C4K’s Convening Day is closing soon!

Registration is Closing Soon!

Calling all C4K Communities - Register now for the C4K Convening and join educators, early childhood professionals, community leaders, and families dedicated to addressing gaps in early childhood care and education locally and statewide.

C4K Convening Day
- Wednesday, September 18
- 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. (CST)
- Kearney, Nebraska

Plus, the Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference will also be held in Kearney on September 17, making it a two-day event focused on early childhood education.

Register here for one or both events: https://bit.ly/4dByMcz

Congratulations to Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools on the launch of TransformED! We're excited to see the lasting impact this collaborative approach to early childhood education services will have on children's social and emotional well-being.

Introducing TransformED! Funded by a University of Nebraska-Lincoln Grand Challenges Catalyst grant and housed in CYFS, this collaborative research initiative aims to promote children’s social and emotional well-being by enhancing early childhood education services, strengthening connections across systems and supporting the workforce.

Learn about the many university, state and community partners involved — and the bold, transformative work they're doing!

🔗 https://transformed-ne.org/

In 2021, South Omaha families shared concerns about their children’s school readiness and social-emotional development. Rooted in Relationships listened and teamed up with early childhood educators to create a plan of action. One key finding? A lack of professional development opportunities for educators in Spanish.

Discover how a “neighborhood approach” is bridging this gap and bringing essential resources to those previously left out.

Rooted’s Neighborhood Approach Makes a Difference in South Omaha Rooted in Relationshsips offered Pyramid Model training to South Omaha early childhood professionals entirely in Spanish, translated materials and resources, and emphasized a neighborhood approach …

We are on a journey of transforming Nebraska's literacy landscape! Our Nebraska Growing Readers team joined in the Back to School festivities at Educare of Omaha, Inc., spreading the joy of reading far and wide.

Dive into our mission to cultivate a love for books and discover the resources we offer at https://nebraskagrowingreaders.org/

We're Hiring! Are you passionate about community impact and have experience assisting with contracts and grants? Join our team as a Community Investment Coordinator. You'll work closely with our Director of Community Investments to support key projects and ensure smooth operations. Apply now and help us make a difference!

Learn more about the position and requirements at https://bit.ly/3XbwISM

If you are in the Lincoln area, check out Lancaster Connected's Community Resource Showcase on Nutrition Equity.

Wednesday, September 11
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
DHHS South Office

Join us on Wednesday, September 11 at DHHS South Office for a community resource showcase and panel presentation centered around the work being done in our community to help neighbors grow and consume healthy, affordable and culturally significant foods. Networking opportunities and complimentary refreshments will be provided during the first and last 30 minutes of the event.

RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/r/z5g7KGPt6z

*1 hours of Certified Social Worker CEUs will be provided for CSWs and CMSWs for attending this training.

Panelists will be announced soon.

Check out this resource from Nebraska Step Up to Quality! These child care visitation checklists provide a list of questions to ask when choosing child care for your children, with specific checklists tailored to each age group.

When searching for child care providers, parents may want to ask about the physical activities that are offered to children of all ages. While the vast majority of child care and early childhood education programs have outside and inside play areas, some providers also offer organized sports. They may have a tumbling expert visit to show toddlers how to do somersaults or have a soccer coach come to teach fundamentals or even a yoga teacher help babies gently stretch. Ask and see how your child will move and play throughout the day!

📝 Be sure to take along our visitation check lists when touring potential child care options. They provide helpful questions to ask, things to look for, and space for taking notes! bit.ly/4crrZko

Comunidad. Colaboración. Liderazgo. Aprendizaje. Apoyo.

Únase a nosotros en la 3ª Conferencia Anual de Padres y aproveche la oportunidad de aprender, establecer contactos y resolver problemas con padres de todo Nebraska. Este evento GRATUITO está diseñado por y para los padres de Nebraska, lo que garantiza que el contenido sea relevante, práctico e impactante.

Fecha: jueves 12 de septiembre
Lugar: ESU 10, Kearney, Nebraska

Regístrese ahora y vea la agenda completa: https://bit.ly/NEParentConference24

La Conferencia de Padres es presentada por una coalición de socios de la primera infancia de Nebraska.

__________

Community. Collaboration. Leadership. Learning. Support.

Join us at the 3rd Annual Parent Conference and seize the opportunity to learn, network, and problem-solve with parents from across Nebraska. This FREE event is designed by and for Nebraska parents, ensuring the content is relevant, practical, and impactful.

DATE: September 12
Location: ESU 10, Kearney, Nebraska

Register Now and view the full agenda: https://bit.ly/NEParentConference24

__________

Bulshada. iskaashiga. Hoggaaminta. Barashada Taageero.

Nagu soo biir Shirka Sannadlaha ah ee Waalidka 3aad oo ka faa'iidayso fursada aad wax ku barato, isku xidho, oo aad mushkiladaha ku xaliso waalidiinta Nebraska oo dhan. Dhacdadan BILAASHKA ah waxaa naqshadeeyay iyo waalidiinta Nebraska, iyadoo la hubinayo in nuxurku yahay mid khuseeya, wax ku ool ah, oo saameyn leh.

Taariikhda: Khamiis, September 12
Goobta: ESU 10, Kearney, Nebraska

Hadda isdiiwaangeli oo arag ajandaha oo dhan: https://bit.ly/NEParentConference24

Shirka waalidka waxaa soo bandhigay isbahaysiga Nebraska ee la-hawlgalayaasha carruurnimada h**e.

Great News from Sixpence! Omaha Public Schools, in partnership with Educare of Omaha, and Loup City Public Schools, in collaboration with Educational Service Unit 10, will receive $225,000 Sixpence grants. Sixpence, a unique funding structure involving the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Nebraska Department of Education, and private sector investors, has supported 47 community partnerships since 2008.

Recent data reveals that over 40% of Nebraska children under age 3, face developmental risks that could hinder their readiness for kindergarten. These children are more likely to struggle in school, attain a lower level of education, enter the criminal justice system, develop chronic health problems, and earn less as working adults. While parents are key to early learning, many families depend on child care while they work. The new Sixpence Childcare Partnership grants ensure that more infants and toddlers receive high-quality early learning, setting a strong foundation and helping to close the achievement gap.

This third round of Sixpence grants aimed at fostering partnerships between school districts and licensed childcare providers, all under the guidelines of Nebraska Step Up to Quality rating system. These Sixpence Childhood Partnerships (CCP) are fully federally funded through a sub-award from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to Nebraska Children, using Child Care Development Funds.

Access Full Press Release: https://bit.ly/3At5Sg6

Learn more about Sixpence: https://bit.ly/46MJj2b

Sixpence Early Learning Fund Sixpence is Nebraska's signature effort to prepare more of Nebraska's youngest, most vulnerable children for success in school and life through high-quality early learning opportunities.

Xoojinta aqoonta. Mid ka mid ah sababaha aad uga qayb galeyso Shirweynaha Waalidka ee 3aad ee Sannadlaha ah. Dhacdadani waa BILAASH oo ay u habeeyeen oo loogu talagalay Waalidiinta Nebraska, iyada oo hubinaysa fadhiyo khuseeya, wax ku ool ah, iyo saamaynta leh.

Kulamada Go'aanka ah waxaa ka mid ah:
- Dhaleecaynta dhaqameed ee ku xeeran caafimaadka maskaxda
- Horumarinta maskaxda iyo saamaynta wakhtiga shaashadda
- Sharciga waxbarashada gaarka ah
- Circle of Security ®
- Fahamka IEPs
- Iyo wax ka badan!

Ha lumin fursadan bilaashka ah ee aad wax ku baran karto oo aad kula kori karto waalidiinta kale ee Nebraska. Maanta isdiiwaangeli: https://bit.ly/3Wjmxd9

Shirka waalidka waxaa soo bandhigay isbahaysiga Nebraska ee la-hawlgalayaasha carruurnimada h**e.

_____________________

Empoderamiento a través del conocimiento. Una de las razones para asistir a la 3ª Conferencia Anual de Padres. Este evento es GRATUITO y está diseñado por y para los padres de Nebraska, lo que garantiza sesiones relevantes, prácticas e impactantes.

Las sesiones de trabajo incluyen:
- Estigmas culturales en torno a la salud mental
- Desarrollo cerebral y efectos del tiempo de pantalla
- Ley de educación especial
- Círculo de Seguridad ®
- Comprensión de los IEP
- ¡Y mucho más!

No se pierda esta oportunidad GRATUITA de aprender y crecer con otros padres de Nebraska. Regístrese hoy: https://bit.ly/3Wjmxd9

La Conferencia de Padres es presentada por una coalición de socios de la primera infancia de Nebraska.
_____________________
Empowerment through Knowledge. One of the reasons to attend the 3rd Annual Parent Conference. This event is FREE and designed by and for Nebraska Parents, ensuring relevant, practical, and impactful sessions.

Breakout Sessions Include:
- Cultural stigmas around mental health
- Brain development and screen time effects
- Special education law
- Circle of Security ®
- Understanding IEPs
- And much more!

Don’t miss this FREE opportunity to learn and grow with fellow Nebraska parents. Register today: https://bit.ly/3Wjmxd9

The Parent Conference is presented by a coalition of Nebraska early childhood partners.

Ready to be a Changemaker?

Discover how Nebraska Children and Families Foundation's community initiatives are crucial for strengthening Nebraska's workforce and economy. Join us on October 16 for our annual Changemakers event - a virtual presentation featuring experts, business leaders, and individuals who understand how our work is helping promote a greater Nebraska.

Together, we can make Nebraska a better place for us all.

Sponsorship Information: https://bit.ly/48J1oyt

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Nathan Busch. Nathan was passionately committed to mental and behavioral wellness, prevention, older youth, legal representation for families, and empowering Native communities through his work at Nebraska Children.

As for Nathan, the person, we will miss his wit. His kindness. His humility. His generosity. His thoughtful nature. Above all, his devotion to children and families. What an amazing person and what a remarkable life. Our hearts go out to Nathan's family and to the many people who call Nathan a friend.