Buffett Institute

Start Early. Start well.

Superintendents' Early Childhood Plan Evaluation: 2017-18

A recent report about the nation's largest, most comprehensive birth – Grade 3 demonstration program shows positive gains in closing the achievement gap for hundreds of children in metro Omaha. Findings from the study are presented in Superintendents' Early Childhood Plan Evaluation: 2017-18, issued by the Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska. MORE

Buffett Institute Graduate Scholars

Up to four advanced doctoral students at the University of Nebraska will receive 1-year grants worth up to $25,000 through the Buffett Institute's fellowship program. Applications for 2019-20 are due by March 29.

Early Childhood Teacher Turnover in Nebraska

A research brief by the Buffett Institute examines teacher turnover in the state's early care and education settings. Data for the brief were drawn from the Nebraska Early Childhood Workforce Survey. MORE

Five Year Report

A new report presents a by-the-numbers profile and the details of who we are and what we've accomplished in our first five years. MORE

2018-19 Professional Development for All

PD for All is a groundbreaking series of free professional development workshops open to all early childhood professionals who serve young children, birth through Grade 3, in the Omaha metro area. Presentations and other materials from the first two 2018-19 institutes, on Sept. 20 and Jan. 24, are now available. MORE

The mission of The Buffett Early Childhood Institute is to transform the lives of young children by improving their learning and development.

Who we are

We are an innovative research, practice, and policy institute of the University of Nebraska.

We harness the multidisciplinary resources of all four campuses of the university to promote the development and learning of children from birth through age 8. Our efforts are focused especially on children who are vulnerable because of poverty, abuse, or developmental delays. MORE

What We Do

We put knowledge that exists into action to improve children's learning and development.

We transform early childhood development and education through applied research, professional preparation for early childhood educators and providers, public policy, and outreach. MORE

Why We Do It

Research teaches us all that the most effective time to affect a child's future is from birth through age 8.

We believe all children deserve the opportunity to develop, learn, and succeed in life. And we know that the earliest years are the best time to help children build a strong foundation for long-term success. MORE

Current Initiatives

Superintendents' Early Childhood Plan PD for All

A groundbreaking series of free professional development workshops open to all early childhood professionals who serve young children, birth to Grade 3, in the Omaha metro area. MORE

Buffett Institute Graduate Scholars

The Buffett Scholars program awards 1-year fellowships worth up to $25,000 to University of Nebraska doctoral students who are conducting research about young children and their families. MORE

Nebraska Early Childhood Workforce Survey

A survey of teachers and early education professionals who work in licensed home-based and licensed center-based programs, and Kindergarten and elementary school classrooms is the first of its kind in Nebraska. MORE

News Releases

March 12, 2019

New Report Shows Omaha-Area Plan Is Working to Reduce Achievement Gaps
February 14, 2019

Buffett Institute Is Seeking Applicants for Early Childhood Research Fellowships
January 17, 2019

New Analysis Reveals High Turnover Rate Among Nebraska's Early Childhood Teachers

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Events

Apr

6

2018-19 PD for All Series Third Institute

Omaha, Neb.

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“For children at risk, early childhood programs are nothing less than a lifeline to success.”

DR. SAMUEL J. MEISELS, FOUNDING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Nebraska’s Children in Need

The Buffett Early Childhood Institute's work begins in our home state, where the need for high-quality early childhood programs and services is urgent and growing.