Omaha, Neb. — A recently published report suggests ways technology can be used to provide more access to effective professional development for early child care providers in the state.

The report, entitled Technology-Supported Early Childhood Professional Development in Nebraska, was authored by Jan Esteraich for the Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska. Esteraich is a doctoral student in the Department of Child, Youth, and Family Studies (CYAF) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

There is broad consensus that ongoing professional development of early childhood care providers and educators is key to raising child care quality, and many states—including Nebraska—face a growing need to provide training and formal education to large numbers of early care and education practitioners dispersed across wide geographic regions.

The use of technology-supported early childhood professional development is an effective strategy for maximizing the flexibility and accessibility of PD offerings, as well as improving program practices, while maintaining quality and managing costs. Early childhood professional development has a promising future, especially in rural areas. The report offers several short-term recommendations for expanding access to and use of this delivery method.

The research in the report was funded by Dr. LaVonne Plambeck of the Montessori Foundation. The report can be viewed at buffettinstitute.nebraska.edu/resources/reports-publications.