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Early Years Matter

Sharing the stories of early childhood in Nebraska and beyond

Collage of speakers at a panel event, showing two women presenting with microphones and panelists seated at a table in front of a projected presentation slide.

 

October 14, 2026

Nebraska Head Start Teachers Turn Talk into a Tool for Early Literacy

In Head Start classrooms across Nebraska, a small, cassette-shaped device tucked inside purple vests worn by young children is helping students and teachers build critical early language and literacy skills.

Collage of photos from a conference event, showing speakers addressing an audience, a panel discussion on stage, and a group portrait of attendees wearing name badges.

October 13, 2026

National School Leaders Explore Omaha's Early Childhood Approach

Education leaders from across the country gathered in Omaha Oct. 7–9 to learn how local school districts are working together to strengthen early childhood education and support children and families.

Speaker stands at a podium with a microphone during a conference, with an audience in the foreground and a large poster of a child’s face beside the stage.

September 28, 2026

How Do You Turn a Birth Through Grade 3 Vision Into Action?

Most school districts already recognize the importance of early learning. The harder question is how to organize around it. How do districts translate a birth through Grade 3 vision into action across the people and settings that shape children's learning? 

Diann Moore at Nelson Mandela Elementary standing in a classroom with colorful bulletin boards and school supplies in the background.

September 15, 2026

Leading with Innovation: How Nelson Mandela Elementary is Reimagining Kindergarten Transitions

At the Buffett Early Childhood Institute, our Digital Learning team asked a simple question: Could technology, including AI, help create a more welcoming Kindergarten transition for children and families?

Amy Schmidtke on stage holding a microphone and gesturing during a presentation, with a large blurred screen behind them.

September 4, 2026

At UNO, Working Early Educators Build Careers Without Leaving the Classroom

The Early Childhood Inclusive Professional (ECI PRO) Pathway is designed for early educators who are already working in the field and want to earn a bachelor's degree along with a Nebraska early childhood teaching certification.

Have a comment, a question, or a story idea? Contact Managing Editor Erin Duffy at erinduffy@nebraska.edu.
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