Start Early. Start Well.

Explore Our Latest Early Childhood Research and Policy Reports

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

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

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

Featured Stories

New Report Finds U.S. Child Care System Is Failing. Economists Say It’s Time for Bold Action

A group of economists and child care experts met in Omaha in October 2024. Their conclusion? The benefits child care gives families, businesses, and our broader economy demand a new level of public investment grounded in data, economic modeling, and long-term impact.

A small yellow school bus that says Dodge County Head Start on its side

60 Years of Head Start: How a Nebraska Program Changed Thousands of Lives

Dodge County, Nebraska received its first Head Start grant in 1965 to hold a six-week summer program. That’s the same year the national Head Start program started as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. Since then, Dodge County has served an estimated 6,000 children and families.

A child care provider plays at a table with a toddler

New Brief: Using Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Funds for Child Care Assistance

Child care assistance is critical for families to become self-sufficient. A new policy brief from the Buffett Institute explores Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds and how they can be used by states.

A woman stands in front of a room during a conference

What We Heard: Superintendents’ Early Childhood Plan Collaboration Summits

Over two days in June, leaders from nearly a dozen school districts in the Omaha metro gathered for early learning collaboration summits led by the Buffett Institute. Through poster progress walks, spotlight sessions, and dedicated planning time, participants shared early learning success stories from their schools and prepared for the upcoming school year.

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News & Events

Jul 09, 2025

New Report Finds U.S. Child Care System Is Failing and Economists Say It’s Time for Bold Action

Jul 08, 2025

Learning Community Council Extends Superintendents’ Early Childhood Plan Work through 2028–29

Apr 23, 2025

Georgia to Join National Early Childhood and Business Advisory Council

Sep 16 2025

Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM Kearney, Nebraska

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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