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Start Early. Start Well.

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Children are Born Learning

At the Buffett Early Childhood Institute, we believe children are born learning. We partner with colleagues across the University of Nebraska, the state, and nation to ensure that all children and families have access to the quality early learning experiences they need to grow and thrive.

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Transforming Early Care and Education

We conduct collaborative research to deepen understanding about early care and education, and we develop innovative, research-based solutions on behalf of all young children, their families, and the educators who work with them.

Learn About Our Research

We join forces with civic leaders, the business community, philanthropists, and nonprofit organizations to share—and put into action—the best of what is known about early learning and development.

For Communities

For Communities

We join forces with civic leaders, the business community, philanthropists, and nonprofit organizations to share—and put into action—the best of what is known about early learning and development.

We partner with early childhood professionals to develop and deliver research-based professional development opportunities that equip educators with the tools, practices, and support they need to reach our youngest learners.

For Educators

For Educators

We partner with early childhood professionals to develop and deliver research-based professional development opportunities that equip educators with the tools, practices, and support they need to reach our youngest learners.

We work side-by-side with local superintendents, principals, early childhood educators, and community partners to connect young children and their families with quality early care, education, and support from birth onwards.

For Schools

For Schools

We work side-by-side with local superintendents, principals, early childhood educators, and community partners to connect young children and their families with quality early care, education, and support from birth onwards.

Featured Stories

The logos of the Buffett Early Childhood Institute and the National Workforce Registry on a purple background

Buffett Early Childhood Institute to Expand Research Capabilities with National Workforce Registry Alliance Merger

Combined, the two organizations will be able to offer an unprecedented level of research, data analysis, and insight into the nation’s early childhood workforce, creating new opportunities to craft stronger child care policies nationwide.

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2024 Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference


The seventh annual Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference took place on Tuesday, Sept. 17, in Kearney, Nebraska. More than 550 community leaders from Nebraska and beyond connected, shared success stories and solutions, and highlighted the importance of implementing quality birth to Grade 3 care and education.

Two men appearing on the screen of a TV broadcast

Institute Executive Director Discusses Rural Child Care on TV Broadcast

Institute Executive Director Walter Gilliam recently appeared on RFD-TV's "Rural Health Matters" show with University of Nebraska System President Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold. Gilliam and Dr. Gold talked about rural child care shortages, the benefits of Head Start programs, and the post-pandemic mental health needs of young children and the educators who care for them.

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News & Events

Oct 21, 2024
Buffett Institute Director of Policy Linda Smith Receives CDA Advocate Award
Oct 16, 2024
Buffett Early Childhood Institute to Expand Research Capabilities with National Workforce Registry Alliance (NWRA) Merger
Oct 15, 2024
Buffett Institute Executive Director Walter Gilliam Receives Research Trailblazer Award
View all news and events
13%

is the average annual return on investments for high-quality, birth-to-5 education

0-8

are the years when the brain is developing most rapidly

72%

of children in Nebraska who are under the age of 6 live in homes where all adults work

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