Buffett Institute

Start Early. Start well.

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

Fall 2020 Professional Development for All Series

Videos and presentation materials from "Planning for Virtual and Blended Learning Experiences" and other webinars in the fall 2020 Professional Development for All series are now available to download. Learn more

Nebraska COVID-19 Early Care and Education Provider Survey II

According to a new 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

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

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

November 30, 2020

A Nebraska Small Town Has Created Its Own Child Care Miracle
November 12, 2020

Early Childhood Education Matters. The Science SAYS It Does
October 27, 2020

Remote Learning Has Been a Learning Experience for Omaha Kindergarten Teachers, Too

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Events

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“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.