Buffett Institute

Start Early. Start well.

Buffett Institute Graduate Scholars Program

The Buffett Institute has awarded one-year grants for 2021-22 to two University of Nebraska–Lincoln doctoral students and one doctoral student at the University of Nebraska Medical Center through a pioneering fellowship program. Learn more

PBS NewsHour Series on Child Care

Be sure to check out the PBS NewsHour's five-part series on child care in the U.S. that aired recently. The coverage focused on the challenges of providing access to affordable, quality care for infants and toddlers and looked at some promising solutions. Early childhood work in Nebraska was featured on the third night, Wednesday, July 14. Learn more

2021 Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference

Please plan to join us online Sept. 27 for an exciting day of learning, sharing, and inspiration as community leaders from across Nebraska come together to focus on high-quality early childhood education and its connection to economic development and community vitality. Learn more

Early Childhood Funding Report

Nebraska's Public Investment in Early Childhood Care and Education Fiscal Year 2017 Technical Report maps the federal- and state-level sources of public funds for Nebraska’s early childhood system. It also illustrates the complexity of financing early care and education, and it highlights the opportunity for strategically aligning funding streams to better serve child care providers and families. MORE

Nebraska COVID-19 Early Care and Education Provider Survey II

According to a recent survey, Nebraska’s early care and education providers are under extraordinary stress and need more support to stay in business. In addition to other stressors, if the COVID-19 pandemic continues or worsens, Nebraska could lose many of its licensed child care providers unless financial assistance is provided. Learn more about the survey and other COVID-19 information

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

Explore More: Using Technology in Early Childhood Education

A new collection of on-demand resources for early childhood professionals; these videos and professional learning guides offer specific and practical information for the equitable use of technology in classroom and child care environments. Learn more

2020-25 Strategic Plan

A comprehensive document detailing why our work is important, what we aim to accomplish, and how we plan to be successful. Read the plan

Learn about more of our current initiatives in our newsletter. Sign up here

News Releases

July 19, 2021

Buffett Institute Awards Graduate Fellowships to Three University of Nebraska Students
June 17, 2021

Fact Sheet - Learning Community Coordinating Council Meeting
May 20, 2021

New Report Highlights Complexity of Funding for Early Childhood Care and Education Programs

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Events

Sep

27

Thriving Children Conference

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

SAMUEL J. MEISELS, ED.D., 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.

36%

Thirty-six percent of Nebraska’s children from birth through age 5 are considered at risk for school failure.

at least 75%

In Nebraska, more than 75 percent of children under age 6 live in homes where all adults work.

91%

Ninety-one percent of counties in Nebraska with child care facilities do not have enough available slots to meet the current demand.

Sources: First Five Nebraska, Anne E. Casey Foundation Kids Count Data Center, Voices for Children