Omaha, Neb. — The Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska has named a program manager for the Superintendents’ Early Childhood Plan. Kristy Feden comes to the Buffett Institute from Papillion La Vista Community Schools, where she has served as supervisor of early childhood since 2012.

As program manager, she will be responsible for leading the implementation of the Superintendents’ Plan in consultation with Christine Maxwell, director of program development for the Buffett Institute. Feden, who brings 21 years of experience in public education, has served since November 2013 on the work group that guided the design and continues to oversee the implementation of the Superintendents’ Early Childhood Plan.

“When I first joined the work group, I knew we had something unique—the catalyst for change that we have been eagerly seeking in Nebraska,” Feden said. “The Superintendents’ Plan details a foundation for early intervention that will unite and guide the amazing efforts for children and families currently underway in Nebraska. There already exists a highly effective team of diverse professionals within the Superintendents’ Plan, and I am eager to join their efforts.”

Feden will complete the 2015 – 2016 academic year with Papillion La Vista before joining the Buffett Institute full-time on June 1, 2016.

“We know that Kristy’s full-time focus on the Superintendents’ Plan implementation will lead to even greater effectiveness and innovation in serving young children and families placed at risk,” Maxwell said.

Feden previously was early childhood facilitator and school psychologist at Papillion La Vista. During her time with Papillion La Vista, Feden was responsible for supervising all early childhood programs for children from birth through age 5, overseeing transitions from early childhood to Kindergarten, serving on the district special education leadership team, and fostering partnerships with community child care and preschool providers.

Feden emphasized inclusive practices for all children, and supported strong partnerships with families. Feden’s work experience has included rural, urban, and suburban settings in Kansas and Nebraska.

She has been a school psychologist in Doniphan County, Kansas City, and Olathe, all in Kansas, and for Educational Service Unit #3 in Omaha, serving Valley and Waterloo Public Schools (now Douglas County West Community Schools).

Feden, who earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Nebraska Omaha, also has taught early childhood education courses at the College of Saint Mary and a course for Papillion La Vista special education staff through Doane College. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Nebraska Wesleyan University and an educational specialist degree in school psychology from the University of Kansas.

 About the Superintendents’ Early Childhood Plan

The Superintendents’ Plan provides a blueprint for a comprehensive approach to serving vulnerable young children, birth through Grade 3, in the 11 school districts of Douglas and Sarpy Counties. The goal is to reduce or eliminate learning and achievement gaps in the Omaha area.

The Superintendents’ Plan was mandated by the Nebraska Legislature, funded through the Learning Community, developed by the superintendents and district representatives in conjunction with the Buffett Institute, and endorsed unanimously by the 11 superintendents of the Learning Community. The Buffett Institute continues to provide leadership for the implementation of the plan.