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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.

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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

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. 

Graphic with three graduate students

University of Nebraska Ph.D. students can now apply for $25,000 research fellowship

Through its Graduate Scholars program, the Buffett Institute provides funding to University of Nebraska doctoral students who are working on innovative projects related to early childhood education and development. Each year, up to four students receive one-year fellowships worth up to $25,000 each.

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News & Events

Apr 08, 2025
New Policy Brief Recommends Including Early Educators in Tax Deductions for Classroom Expenses
Dec 02, 2024
National Expert on Native American Early Childhood Development Joins Buffett Early Childhood Institute Team
Oct 21, 2024
Buffett Institute Director of Policy Linda Smith Receives CDA Advocate Award
Apr 26 2025
Teacher Leadership Network End-of-Year Celebration 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Buffett Early Childhood Institute
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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