Skip to main content
Information Technology Services Logo

Start Early. Start Well.

We've updated our website

Check out our new look!

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 young children inside a classroom sit and play with a firetruck

Nebraska Joins National Early Childhood and Business Advisory Council

Nebraska is among the latest states to join the Early Childhood and Business Advisory Council (ECBAC). The Nebraska cohort includes representatives from First Five Nebraska, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and the Buffett Institute.

The council’s goal is to expand high-quality, affordable child care in communities across the nation and strengthen connections between businesses and the early childhood field.

Photo of a woman at a laptop holding a baby

Early Educators Could Benefit from Federal Tax Deduction Reform, New Policy Brief Contends

Including early educators in the Educator Expense Deduction, a federal personal income tax deduction, may be a relatively low-cost way to increase early educator retention by easing a portion of their financial burden and demonstrating that they are respected for the important work they do.

Leaders Celebrate Early Childhood Efforts, Cross-District Collaboration at Superintendents’ Plan Convening

The March 27 event was hosted by the Buffett Institute and attended by Omaha-area superintendents, district leaders, principals, school staff, community leaders, and members of the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties Coordinating Council.

An early childhood teacher helping students walk across an obstacle course

How Policymakers Can Rethink Child Care Regulations

A Buffett Institute report provides recommendations for reviewing and streamlining outdated or overly complex regulations that can increase the cost of care and confuse parents and child care providers. 

Receive Monthly Updates

Get the Newsletter

Sign Up Now

News & Events

Apr 23, 2025
South Carolina to Join National Early Childhood and Business Advisory Council
Apr 23, 2025
New Hampshire to Join National Early Childhood and Business Advisory Council
Apr 23, 2025
Georgia to Join National Early Childhood and Business Advisory Council
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

COOKIE USAGE:

The University of Nebraska System uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By clicking "I Agree" and/or continuing to use this website without adjusting your browser settings, you accept the use of cookies.

PRIVACY SETTINGS