Buffett Institute

Start Early. Start well.

Workforce Commission Report

The Nebraska Early Childhood Workforce Commission on Jan. 30 released its report, which outlines the urgent need to prioritize the early childhood workforce in Nebraska for our children, families, communities, and state. The event included a panel of commission members sharing an overview of the report's findings and recommendations. Learn more

Buffett Institute Graduate Scholars

Up to three 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 2020-21 are now being accepted and are due by March 31.

2019-20 Professional Development for All

Presentation materials from the second institute in the 2019-20 PD for All series on Jan. 15 are now available. MORE

2018-19 Superintendents' Early Childhood Plan Evaluation

The annual evaluation of the Superintendents’ Early Childhood Plan is now available. Read the news release and Matthew Hansen’s column explaining the one-of-a-kind plan through the eyes of a mother and child. More on the evaluation

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

February 11, 2020

'It's a Crisis If You Get Pregnant in This Town'
February 07, 2020

Buffett Institute Seeking Applicants for 2020-21 Early Childhood Research Fellowships at the University of Nebraska
January 31, 2020

Nebraska Is Building Momentum to Solve Early Childhood Education's Biggest Challenges

View All Releases

Events

Mar

14

2019-21 PD for All Series Third Institute

Omaha, Neb.

View All Events

“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.