Nebraska

Overview of Pre-K Program- Nebraska Early Childhood Education Grant Program

  • Program is open to children from 6 weeks of age to age 5, but the program focuses on  serving at-risk three and four year olds.
  • At least 70% of a program’s funding must be used to provide services to eligible children.  Eligible children are defined as having at least one of four state-identified risk factors.  These are:
    • Eligible for free or reduced-price lunch
    • English Language Learners
    • Premature birth or low birth weight
    • Teen parents who have not completed high school
  • Children who do not meet eligibility requirements may still enroll but their families will pay tuition based on a sliding scale.
  • Funds are distributed to public school districts and educational service units.  Services can also be offered through partnerships with private child care centers, family resource centers and Head Start Agencies.
  • Administered by the Nebraska Department of Education, Office of Early Childhood.

Brief History of Nebraska’s Pre-K Program

  •  1992 Nebraska Early Childhood Education Grant Program begins as a pilot program.
  • 2001 Program is expanded.
  • 2005 Legislation is passed to allow 4-year-old children in approved programs to be included in the K-12 state aid formula which allows for more children to be served.
  • 2009 Program serves 2,723 children statewide.

Evaluations of Nebraska’s Pre-K Programs

Early Childhood Education Grant Program – Ages 3-5, 2009-2010 State Report

Nebraska Early Childhood Education Grant Program Annual Evaluation Report, 2008-2009

Nebraska Early Childhood Education Grant Program Annual Evaluation Report, 2007-2008

Nebraska Early Childhood Education Grant Program Annual Evaluation Report, 2006-2007

Nebraska Early Childhood Education Grant Program Annual Evaluation Report, 2005-2006

Nebraska Early Childhood Education Grant Program Annual Evaluation Report, 2004-2005

Nebraska Early Childhood Education Grant Program Annual Evaluation Report, 2003-2004

Program Website

Nebraska Early Childhood Education Website

Resource List

NIEER 2009 State Yearbook Nebraska Profile

 

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