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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

A toddler standing inside a classroom

Children Need Safe, Healthy Early Learning Facilities

Building, maintaining, and upgrading child care facilities can be costly for communities and providers. A new brief updates the work of the Early Learning Facilities Working Group, a national group that first met in 2018 to discuss policy and funding solutions for building and renovating these spaces.

Photo of the exterior of a child care facility

New Brief: Investing in Child Care in Opportunity Zones

A new policy brief from the Buffett Institute recommends ways to encourage more child care facilities in economically distressed Opportunity Zones.

A fourth-grade boy and his mother hug inside a school

School as Hub: Omaha School Builds Community and Inspires Lifelong Learners

Pinewood Elementary is more than just a school to Maxton Clark. Now 10 years old, he’s been going to the northwest Omaha elementary school since he was just an 8-month-old baby receiving early childhood services alongside his older siblings.

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.

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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

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