𝗙𝗙𝗡 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿: How much does childcare really cost in Nebraska? It’s complicated, and more than most families can afford. And it isn't just a family issue, it's an economic one costing Nebraska more that $1.7 billion in lost business output every year. That’s why FFN launched the Nebraska Child Care Affordability Calculator today. This new interactive tool lets you plug in real-world data—like where you live, income, family size, childcare type, housing, food, healthcare and more—to see the exact financial pressures facing working parents. Highlighting these pressures can help guide policy decisions that shape the future of our workforce, economy and families. Learn more about the calculator and try it out: nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/06… #Nebraska #ChildCare #EconomicDevelopment #EarlyChildhood #NEleg

Early Futures Partnership and our early childhood community partners submitted a letter opposing a proposed rule change that would rescind 2024 Head Start teacher wage regulations and employment benefits. The regulations require that Head Start salaries reach public pre-K levels or 90% of kindergarten teacher pay by 2031. Access to health insurance is among the employment benefits that would be rolled back. The proposed changes are occurring at a particularly destabilizing moment for the childcare sector nationwide. Rolling back workforce compensation and benefits will only deepen these challenges. Read the proposed rule changes: loom.ly/JbGpqbI Read our letter opposing the changes: loom.ly/rj6qaNA #Nebraska #HeadStart #ChildCare #EarlyChildhoodWorkforce #EarlyChildhoodEducation @KidsCanOmaha @LincolnLittles @NebraskaEarly

Applications for the 2026-27 Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy close today! We hope you'll apply for this challenging and rewarding experience that prepares advocates to influence local and state policy affecting the care, education and healthy development of Nebraska's youngest children. Learn more and access an application here: firstfivenebraska.org/advoca… #PLA #NECLeaders #NECPLA #Nebraska #EarlyChildhood

A new report commissioned by the Greater Omaha Chamber and conducted by First Five Nebraska reveals that inadequate childcare annually is costing the Greater Omaha region: 🔸$670.5 million in lost labor income for parents 🔸$269.9 million in lost productivity and output for businesses 🔸3,909 fewer jobs across the area And when those direct losses ripple through the economy, the total losses are even higher. Read the full report to learn how the Greater Omaha region can build a stronger childcare system that works for families, businesses and our economy. firstfivenebraska.org/blog/e… @NebraskaBBR #ChildCare #WorkforceDevelopment #Nebraska #EarlyChildhood #EconomicDevelopment

Register now for the 2026 Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference! This conference has become one of Nebraska’s go-to gatherings for conversations about children, families, workforce, education and thriving communities. Where else can you find early childhood advocates, business leaders, nonprofit professionals, researchers, and economic developers coming together—all focused on exploring solutions and driving meaningful change. 🟠 Kearney, Nebraska 🟠 Sept. 22, 2026 🟠 Free to attend Register here: thrivingchildrenconference.v…

Calling community champions to help shape Nebraska's future! The 𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘 to apply for the 2026-27 PLA cohort is this 𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗬, 𝗝𝗨𝗡𝗘 𝟭𝟮. Quality childcare fuels our state's current workforce, supports local economic development and cultivates our future workforce. As a member of the Policy Leadership Academy, you'll collaborate with experts, gaining knowledge and skills to shape policies that build strong, vibrant communities. Apply today! Learn more and access an application here: firstfivenebraska.org/advoca… #PLA #NECPLA #NECLeaders #Nebraska #ChildCare

Great news! The Child Care Modernization Act was introduced in the House today by a bipartisan group of representatives. Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer has introduced the modernization bill in the Senate with co-sponsor Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). The modernization bills strengthen affordability for families while addressing challenges childcare providers face. We'll track both pieces of legislation and provide updates as they progress. #CCDBG #ChildCare

BIG NEWS: The Child Care Modernization Act has been introduced in the House! Led by @RepMackenzie, @RepSusieLee, @RepAshleyHinson, and @repkmr, this bill would strengthen CCDBG and expand access to affordable, quality child care for working families across the country.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟭𝟮! Curious to learn what it takes to become an influential early childhood advocate in Nebraska? The Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy equips graduates to master 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆, 𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆, 𝗻𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 and 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗴𝗼-𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁 for decision-makers. Find out how you can join them! Learn more and apply: firstfivenebraska.org/advoca… #PLA #NECPLA #NECLeaders #Nebraska

𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐚: 6 Regions, One Nebraska and Early Futures Partnership are bringing business leaders, early childhood educators, public officials and other stakeholders together to build community-led solutions for our state's childcare shortage. From projects underway—to expand childcare across 25 counties and in the Panhandle—to hosting community listening sessions in Nebraska City, Hebron, York, and Falls City, change is happening. Read our blog post to see how Nebraska is gaining traction for meaningful, cross-sector solutions: bit.ly/4g2FtZb @earlyfutures #ChildCare #Nebraska

𝑮𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒕𝒉, 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒚 𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒑𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝑵𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒂 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆: As a member of the Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy (PLA), you'll develop advocacy skills needed to shape local and state policies that champion young children and their families. Beyond the structured learning, you'll connect with like-minded leaders throughout our state. After graduation, you'll become part of PLA's active alumni network, opening the door to continued collaboration and opportunities. Learn more: firstfivenebraska.org/advoca… 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟐! #Nebraska #PLA #NECLeaders #EarlyChildhood #NECPLA

The Thriving Children, Families and Communities Conference is always a great day of connecting with Nebraskans from across the state dedicated to building a strong future for our youngest children! #ThrivingChildren2026 #Nebraska

𝑩𝒆 𝒂 𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑵𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒂'𝒔 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆! Join the Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy (PLA) and unlock your leadership potential! As a member of the PLA, you'll engage in a dynamic curriculum that includes: 🟨 In-person workshops led by experts in advocacy and data 🟨 An immersive day at the state Capitol 🟨 A capstone project where you'll apply your newfound advocacy knowledge to a real-world challenge. PLA also offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with other change leaders across the state. Upon graduation, you'll join a robust network of alumni who are trusted voices in their communities and valuable partners to Nebraska public officials. 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐲 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟐: firstfivenebraska.org/advoca… #NECLeaders #EarlyChildhood #NECPLA #Nebraska #PLA

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐞 𝐜𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥: Únanse a nosotros en nuestra próxima charla del martes, mañana, 2 de junio, a la 1:30 p. m. (hora central). Esta conversación especial de una hora, exclusiva para proveedores, a través de Zoom, ofrece a los educadores de la primera infancia una perspectiva interna sobre los avances en las políticas públicas estatales que impactan directamente el cuidado infantil. También podrán hacer preguntas al equipo de políticas y defensa de FFN y obtener información y oportunidades exclusivas para ustedes como proveedores. Su voz y liderazgo son esenciales para impulsar un cambio significativo con los legisladores estatales. Regístrense aquí: bit.ly/4x2PdsE 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬: Our next Tuesday Talks is tomorrow, June 2, 1:30 p.m. CT. Join us for this one-hour, providers-only conversation for a look at state public policy developments that directly impact childcare. You'll also be able to ask questions of FFN's policy and advocacy team and leave with information and opportunities unique to you as providers. Your voice and leadership are essential to driving meaningful change with Nebraska state lawmakers! Register here: bit.ly/4x2PdsE

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/advoca…