About the Buffett Early Childhood Institute
The Buffett Early Childhood Institute was established in 2011 by a founding gift from Omaha philanthropist Susie Buffett
-- a gift that the University of Nebraska has pledged to more than match, creating a $100 million-plus endowment. Teaching
and research faculty from the University’s four campuses will work collaboratively to improve the lives of children from
birth through age 8.
The Institute will be led by an executive director and national board of directors, and will include three interrelated
divisions:
- A research program to advance the science of early childhood by developing evidence-based solutions for the challenges facing
at-risk children.
- An education and professional development program to ensure that early childhood teachers and providers have access to research-based
information and support so that best practices are put to work for the children who need them.
- An outreach and policy program to inform Nebraska and, ultimately, national policy goals and provide information on best
practices for children, families and schools to practitioners and policymakers.
Working in partnership with organizations such as the Nebraska Department of Education, the two Educare Centers in Omaha
and Building Bright Futures-Early Childhood Services, the Institute will also focus on developing the next generation of
professionals and providers in early childhood development.