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All children in Nebraska must have access to safe,
affordable, high-quality childcare and education,
which strengthens their developmental potential, regardless
of the size, wealth or geographic location of the
community in which they reside.
Voices for Children is devoted to promoting high-quality
early care and education for Nebraska's youngest citizens.
In Nebraska, 73% of working mothers have children
under the age of six. Therefore, quality programming
in Early Head Start and Head Start, childcare facilities
and preschools is imperative to the well being of
Nebraska's youngest citizens.
Children who participate in Head Start and Early Head
Start programs fare better in school and employment
than non-participating children from similar circumstances.
In 2005, 6,142 Nebraska children were enrolled in
Head Start programs. However, currently Head Start
funding exists for only 50% of Nebraska's eligible
3 and 4-year-old children and 25% of eligible infants
and toddlers.
In addition, children across the State were enrolled
in the 3,867 licensed childcare facilities and preschools.
It is unknown how many children are being cared for
in unlicensed or exempt childcare facilities. What
we do know is that quality early care is instrumental
in raising healthy, productive children.
What is "quality" early care? Quality takes
into account numerous factors. A quality early care
facility includes:
.:: Small staff-to-child
ratios.
.:: A well-trained
staff with a low turnover rate.
.:: Developmentally
appropriate programming.
.:: A safe environment.
 Download:
Issue Brief: Child Care (December 2007)
National Assocaiation
for Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
http://www.naeyc.org/
Nebraska AEYC
http://www.nebraskaaeyc.org/
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