Watch party set for Thursday

The Nebraska Early Childhood Workforce Commission is a group of more than 40 public and private sector leaders convened by the Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska to develop a comprehensive plan for strengthening and expanding the state’s early childhood workforce. The commission’s goal is to ensure that a skilled, informed, and diverse workforce is available to meet the needs of all Nebraska children from birth through age 8.

Madsen, who served on the commission for three years, said the report is a testament to the dedication many individuals and groups have for supporting the workforce for generations to come.  

“The content of the report represents many, many years of intense gathering of evidence based practices by many individuals who care for and about investing in children and families in the state of Nebraska. The information spans the entire state, representing a collaborative commitment to ensure high-quality care and education for young children is considered critical and vital to the future of our state and the nation,” Madsen said.

Dr. Jim Powell, Vice President for Academic Affairs, said the commission has an important focus, ensuring Nebraska’s children have the best educational opportunities possible.

“Almost everyone agrees on the importance of meeting the needs of families in Nebraska for excellent daycare and preschool facilities. The watch party on campus Thursday is an opportunity to learn what the commission found and what they are recommending to meet those needs,” Powell said.

The commission’s report contains a wide range of findings about the state of the early childhood workforce in Nebraska, including inconsistent regulations, low wages for early childhood professionals providing care and teaching near or below the poverty line, high turnover, accessibility and availability to childcare, shortage of affordable options, economic vitality of communities and employers affected by childcare needs of working parents.

The commission’s vision that Nebraskans elevate the early childhood workforce to a priority profession benefitting all children from birth through third grade centers on four goals: One, Nebraska’s early childhood workforce will be highly qualified and will reflect the diversity of the children and families they serve; two, Early care and education in Nebraska will be fully funded by 2030; three, Nebraskans will champion high-quality early care and education and the critical role of the workforce in young children’s learning and development; and four, Nebraskans will implement the commission’s recommendations to achieve a highly qualified and diverse workforce on behalf of all young children and their families.

For more information about the watch party contact Madsen at kmadsen@csc.edu or 308-432-6372.

—CSC College Relations