Policy
Strong early childhood systems are shaped by policies
that support children, families and the people who care for them.
Early childhood challenges cannot be solved by one program or organization alone. Lincoln Littles works to elevate the needs of children, families and providers through advocacy, collaboration and community-informed policy efforts.
Why Policy Matters
Policies influence the availability, affordability and quality of early childhood care and education.
But too often, systems and policies do not fully reflect the everyday realities facing families, providers and the early childhood workforce.
Thoughtful policy efforts can help:
- Strengthen support for working families
- Improve access and increase funding for quality early learning opportunities
- Support and retain early childhood professionals
- Keep early childhood issues visible in community conversations and decision-making
Our Approach
How Lincoln Littles Supports Policy Efforts
Elevating Early Childhood Priorities
Lincoln Littles supports efforts that help keep early childhood issues at the forefront of local conversations, community planning and government priorities.
Supporting the Early Childhood Workforce
Advocacy efforts help raise awareness about workforce challenges, compensation needs and long-term support for early childhood professionals.
Engaging Community Leaders and Stakeholders
Lincoln Littles works alongside community partners, policymakers and stakeholders to encourage collaboration and informed decision-making connected to early childhood needs.
Using Information to Guide Change
Data, community insight and lived experiences help inform conversations around policies and practices that impact children, families and providers. See data and reports.
Strengthening Connections Across Systems
Collaboration with schools, agencies and community organizations helps create stronger alignment around early childhood care and education needs in Lincoln.
The Goal
Policies that better support children, families and providers can help create a stronger early childhood system for the entire community.
Your support helps elevate early childhood issues and strengthen opportunities for local families and children. Give today.
Stories
About Policy
Affordability · Policy
Small Voices, Big Echoes: How the Lincoln Early Childhood Network Strengthens the Foundation
In the marble halls of the Nebraska State Capitol, the distance between policy and people can sometimes feel vast. But on a cold December Tuesday, that gap disappeared — bridged by a wagon, a group of dedicated childcare providers, and the innocent curiosity of children. “Who sits at all those desks?” The question came from […]
Read story
Policy · Quality
Grants Improve Local Childcare Quality
Local child care centers and family home child care programs received a boost this year, thanks to a public/private grantopportunity. More than 1,500 children and 281 staff were impacted by the $148,110 awarded to 24 providers in 9 zip codes across the city. Funds totaling $90,0000 granted by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Joint Budget Committee were […]
Read story About Us · Engagement · Policy
Early Childhood Remains Pillar of Prosper Lincoln 3.0
On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Prosper Lincoln announced the priority areas that will define its third iteration. Early Childhood remains a critical pillar, the only priority area that has consistently been a focus of Prosper Lincoln since its beginning ten years ago. The goal of the Early Childhood focus is that all children are flourishing […]
Read story