Buffett Institute

Start Early. Start well.

Save the Date for 2020 Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference

Community leaders from across Nebraska will be coming together online on the morning of Sept. 14 for the 2020 Thriving Children conference. This exciting day of virtual learning, sharing, and planning will be focused on high-quality early childhood education and its connection to economic development and community vitality. Learn more

Meisels Statement: Racism Must End

Samuel Meisels, founding executive director of the Buffett Institute, has released a statement in response to the killing of George Floyd, the ongoing protests, and the racism that damages our children and our society. Read here

Buffett Institute Releases Guidelines for Reopening Child Care in Nebraska

In response to a growing demand for information on how to reopen child care safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Buffett Institute is releasing child development guidelines created to provide assistance to early care and education programs seeking to reopen child care in Nebraska as safely as possible. Learn about the guidelines and more COVID-19 information

Nebraska COVID-19 Early Care and Education Provider Survey

The Buffett Institute conducted a survey in late March to assess the impact of COVID-19 on early childhood providers in Nebraska. More than 2,100 providers responded to the survey. Findings show that child care providers are facing incredible stress linked to economic insecurity, threat of health problems, and a lack of reliable information. Learn more about the survey and other COVID-19 information

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

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

June 17, 2020

Our Preschoolers Can Help End Racism - If We Help Them First
June 04, 2020

Meisels Statement: Racism Must End
June 02, 2020

Here's the Safest Way to Reopen Nebraska Child Care - While Giving Children What They Need

View All Releases

Events

Sep

14

2020 Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference

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.