By Liz Baker
APS Early Childhood Director
Jenny Lanik
APS Early Childhood Educator
Shawna Rischling
APS Early Childhood Educator
Jennifer Sorenson
Head Start Director
Lori McClaren
Family and Community Partnership Coordinator
One of the things that makes Nebraska work is in danger of not working at all – the availability of quality early childhood education for all families. Two-thirds of licenced center-based providers who were recently surveyed said they were experiencing turnover, and of those providers, nearly 70% reported that staff had found jobs outside of early childhood; 9 out of 10 providers employing staff have had difficulty hiring for open positions. That is a huge loss for children, families, and Nebraska’s economy.
Quality early childhood education is a big part of how we thrive. Skilled early childhood educators prepare children for school. Families can work knowing their children are in the safe, loving, and supportive care of a quality early childhood educator. It provides Nebraska’s employers with the talent they need to succeed now and in the future.
As early childhood educators with Alliance Public Schools Early Childhood Program and directors with the local Northwest Community Action Head Start, we see that Alliance is not immune to the concerns mentioned above. Most importantly, we understand that the early years are the most important years of a child’s life. The environment in which these children are cared for matters. Quality care and education in the early years has a profound impact on children as they enter kindergarten and throughout their lives.
We Care for Kids is a campaign that’s helping communities across Nebraska solve the problem. Together, we can ensure that our children, families, and state thrive. I urge you to join us by visiting NebraskaCaresForKids.org.