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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.

African American little boy with a face covering and using building blocks

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

Two children reading

2024 Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference


Register now for the seventh annual Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference on Tuesday, Sept. 17, in Kearney, Nebraska. The conference is where hundreds of community leaders from Nebraska and beyond can connect, share success stories and solutions, and highlight the importance of implementing quality birth to Grade 3 care and education.

Walter Gilliam speaking at a conference

Institute Leaders Give Keynote Talks at National Child Care Conference


The Institute’s Executive Director Walter Gilliam and Director of Policy Linda Smith were both keynote speakers at the May's Child Care Aware of America (CCAoA) National Symposium in Washington, D.C. People from across the country gathered to seize an opportunity that exists despite today’s child care crisis—to make child care stronger in America. Several additional members of the Buffett Early Childhood Institute participated in the event, bringing the perspective and stories of Nebraska to the child care conversations happening at the national level.

Teacher playing ukulele for students

Connecting at Birth: Millard Schools Are Working Toward Deeper Engagement With Families


Millard Public Schools has found that home visits, plus socialization groups at school, for small children and their parents help build connections with families.

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News & Events

Apr 16, 2024
National Early Childhood Policy Expert Linda Smith to Join Buffett Early Childhood Institute
Feb 05, 2024
ZERO TO THREE Announces Walter S. Gilliam as Board President and Two New Board Members
Sep 19, 2023
Growing Crisis in Child Care Focus of Statewide Conference
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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