2022 Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference

The fifth annual Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference was held on Monday, Sept. 19, in Kearney, Nebraska. Returning to an in-person format, this year’s conference brought together community leaders from across Nebraska to continue building momentum around quality early childhood education and its connection to economic development and community vitality. Livestreamed keynote sessions were available for those who couldn't attend in person.

At the conference, which is intended for community leaders and elected officials from education, economic development, child care, business, government, health care, higher education, philanthropy and more, community members and experts discussed challenges, shared success stories, learned from each other, and highlighted the importance of implementing high-quality birth to Grade 3 care and education.

Attendees experienced general sessions with Dana Suskind, M.D., New York Times best-selling author, Barry Ford, president and CEO of Council for a Strong America, and We Care for Kids campaign leaders. Dynamic breakout sessions, which were available to in-person attendees only, focused on early childhood workforce recruitment and retention, advocating for change with elected officials, community-school and interlocal partnerships, and much more. 

Find videos and materials on the conference website.

View previous conference content:

• 2018
• 2019
• 2020
• 2021

CONFERENCE SPONSORS
First Five Nebraska
Growing Together Northeast Nebraska
Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties
Nebraska Association for the Education of Young Children (NeAEYC)
Nebraska Association of School Boards (NASB)
Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC)
Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Nebraska Children and Families Foundation
Nebraska Community Foundation
Nebraska Council of School Administrators
Nebraska Department of Economic Development
Nebraska Department of Education (NDE)
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative
Nebraska Early Learning Connection (Northern Partnership)
Nebraska ESU Coordinating Council
Nebraska Extension
Nebraska Hospital Association
Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association
Panhandle Partnership, Inc.
Buffett Early Childhood Fund
Buffett Early Childhood Institute