KEARNEY, Neb. – Today, nearly 500 Nebraskans gathered at the ninth annual Thriving Children, Families and Communities Conference. The event brought together parents, child‑care providers, employers, educators, nonprofit leaders, policymakers and other community stakeholders to discuss how to improve early‑childhood care across the state.
Collaboration at the heart of the conference
Marti Beard, co‑president of Early Futures Partnership, opened the session by emphasizing that “child‑care challenges impact all Nebraskans, and no single organization, community or sector can address them alone.” She noted that the conference provides a rare opportunity for participants to learn from one another, forge new connections and develop concrete strategies for progress.
Paul Schmitz, senior advisor at The Collective Impact Forum, delivered a keynote address on the importance of collaborative leadership. Drawing on his experience visiting more than 200 communities nationwide, Schmitz said, “Affordable, quality early‑childhood care and education has been a priority everywhere, from rural towns to large urban centers. We know the economics don’t work for parents, for providers, or for the workforce.”
Key themes and proposed actions
Throughout the day, speakers highlighted three primary themes:
- Affordability: Participants discussed ways to reduce costs for families while ensuring providers receive a living wage.
- Quality: Sessions explored standards for early‑learning curricula and professional development for caregivers.
- Access: Attendees examined transportation barriers and the need for more child‑care slots in both rural and urban areas.
Breakout workshops allowed attendees to share successful models from their own districts, such as employer‑sponsored child‑care subsidies, public‑private partnership funding streams, and community‑based cooperative care centers.
Statewide impact and next steps
Representatives from the Nebraska Department of Education and the Governor’s Office were on hand to listen to recommendations. While no formal policy announcements were made at the conference, officials indicated that the insights gathered will inform upcoming legislative discussions on child‑care funding and workforce development.
Organizers said the conference will continue to serve as a platform for ongoing dialogue. A follow‑up summit is planned for next spring, and a digital resource hub will be launched to share best practices and toolkits with Nebraskans who could not attend.
Community response
Local attendees expressed optimism. One parent from Kearney remarked, “It’s encouraging to see so many voices at the table. When we work together, we can create real change for our children and families.” A child‑care provider from nearby Lincoln added, “The ideas shared today give us hope that we can build a sustainable system that supports both families and the people who care for our kids.”
The conference underscored the belief that strong families and thriving neighborhoods begin with reliable, affordable early‑childhood care—a principle that aligns with the values of faith, family and individual liberty cherished by Nebraskans.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
