|
Our Vision
All children in Nebraska will have access to safe, affordable, high-quality childcare and education, which strengthens their developmental potential. This must be achieved regardless of the size, wealth or geographic location of the community in which they reside.
The Issue
During the first eight years of life, children grow and learn more than during any other time in their lives. Young children who receive quality care benefit cognitively, socially and emotionally, thus increasing their chances of achieving productivity in adulthood.
Quality care consists of four parts: small staff-to-child ratios, a well-trained staff with a low turnover rate, developmentally appropriate programs, and a safe environment.
Head Start is a federally funded program which provides services in child development, health and wellness, and nutrition to low-income families with young children. Children who participate in Head Start and Early Head Start programs perform better in school than non-participating children from similar economic circumstances.
Still, low-income families often find it difficult to afford quality child care. Because of budget cuts passed in 2002, a family of four earning $24,780 or more does not qualify for child care assistance.
What We Are Doing
 Promoting Positive Legislation
- Voices for Children continues to push for increased child care subsidies, which were cut by $4.5 million in 2002.
Informing the Public about Child Care
- In December 2007, Voices for Children published an issue brief containing statistics and recommendations for high quality child care. Read Issue Brief
What You Can Do
- Know where your political candidates and elected officials stand on early childhood care and education and make informed voting decisions.
- Write to your legislator regarding important issues. See our Legislative Agenda.
|
95%
of children under the age of 6 had one or two working parents in 2007
$10,000
is the average cost of child care for a family of four with two children
Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2006
60%
of eligible 3-4-year-olds have access to Head Start programs
52
school districts or ESUs received Early Childhood Education Grants
Source: Kids Count in Nebraska 2009 Report
Our Publications
Download: Issue Brief: Child Care (December 2007)
Related Links
National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Nebraska AEYC
Nebraska Office of Early Childhood
|
