Northern Early Learning Connection Partnership

07/16/2025

📢 Calling All Home-Based Child Care Providers in Nebraska! Don’t miss this exciting opportunity!
Join our Healthy Children, Healthy Communities study today to support children's growth and development in your care. Plus, enjoy great incentives:
✅ Earn up to $595 in Amazon gift cards.
✅ Get 19 in-service credit hours.
✅ A toolkit with interactive activities for children.
✅ Resources for parents
📌 Check the flyer for details & click on the link below to sign up today:
👉 https://go.unl.edu/hchc2
Email us at unlhealthychildren@unl.edu or call 402-472-2605 if you have any questions.
💡 Know a home-based childcare provider? Share this opportunity with them!

07/15/2025

Studies, research and our own experience show that children learn through play. That’s why Step Up to Quality emphasizes play-based learning as a quality indicator in our process.

To find high-quality early childhood education throughout Nebraska, use our search tool at stepuptoquality.ne.gov

07/15/2025

Check this out!

06/16/2025

Erika Fink, Nebraska Department of Education and Nebraska Department of HHS, has been awarded the prestigious Region VII Head Start Association Tom Mayer Award of Excellence having demonstrated flexibility in her career, advancing early care and
education, and possessing the highest degree of integrity in her representation of Head Start.

“This award is a testament to Ms. Fink’s vision and hard work,” said Donna Veatch, Director of Executive Services, Region VII Head Start Association. Erika is deeply committed to the
Head Start mission, working tirelessly to support staff, directors and programs across the state. While her roots are in the classroom as a preschool teacher and Early Education
Specialist, she now serves as the Northern Early Childhood Connection Coordinator at ESU #1, supporting 16 counties. In this role she leads the Early Childhood Statewide Systems (ECSS) meetings, building bridges between programs and fostering strong early childhood communities.

Please join me in saying "Congratulations" on this very deserving award! 🥰

06/13/2025

🎨 Spark creativity and curiosity by introducing kids to artist Louise Nevelson! In this fun, hands-on activity, children explore her iconic assemblage art and create their own unique sculptures using blocks or recycled materials -perfect for a family event or multi-day lesson!

📄Download activity with corresponding book suggestions here: go.unl.edu/dnd_assemblage

06/12/2025

Yoga and other group exercise activities can help young children experiment with breath, stillness and self-regulation while the physical poses assist in building gross and fine motor skills, coordination, balance and strength. Children love to stretch and engage in pretend play while posing.

🧘‍♀️ For some easy yoga poses, visit bit.ly/3QVRFxj

06/10/2025

He’s spoken to over a million students. He’s reshaped how we talk about emotions. And now, Ross Szabo is coming to PurseOnalities 2025!

Join us for a cherished annual event that supports family empowerment, mental health education and advocacy in our community.

📅 Friday, September 19, 2025
📍 Embassy Suites La Vista Hotel & Conference Center.
🎟️ Tickets on sale now — childsaving.org/purseonalities

06/10/2025

Our latest impact report shows that we are tackling the child care crisis head-on with our Licensing Toolkit Program—a game-changer for building quality care across the state. Since 2014, we’ve helped launch 63 new licensed child care programs!

Through this program, NECC offers:
✅ Essential materials and startup supplies
✅ Step-by-step guidance on state licensing
✅ Support to meet health and safety standards
✅ A community of peers and professional development

Read more about NECC's impact in our newest report - now live on our website: https://nebraskaearly.org/impact/annual-reports/

06/10/2025

𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬: Childcare providers—join us for Tuesday Talks today, June 10, at 1:30 p.m. CT. This will be a special, one-hour, providers-only Zoom conversation where early childhood educators from across the state will get an inside look at public policy developments that directly impact them. First Five Nebraska's outreach and advocacy team also will answer questions and discuss opportunities to elevate and advocate for your profession. Spanish interpretation will be provided. Here’s the registration link: https://bit.ly/43RKjkx

06/10/2025

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Early brain development is all about building connections through input from the outside world, and music provides a rich source of input as young brains develop.

Exposure to music allows children to soak in the range of notes, tones and words they will later use, and in doing so, build neural pathways that can influence and enhance cognitive ability for a lifetime.

For more information on setting your child up for success and finding a quality child care provider near you, visit our website! stepuptoquality.ne.gov

06/06/2025

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Jazz up familiar tunes by adding instruments like hand bells, rhythm sticks, or even pots and pans! A new sound makes an old favorite feel fresh again.

🎧 Get more fun and practical music ideas in S2E14 of The Good Life in Early Life podcast!

06/06/2025

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Our environment has an impact on how we feel, how productive we are and how much we can learn. Young children are no exception to this. That’s why our fifth quality indicator includes the learning environment of the programs who are participating in Step Up to Quality. Quite simply, the interactions, materials and environment provided by the program help children learn and grow.

Learn more at stepuptoquality.ne.gov/resources-parents-families/