Community Resource Sharing Newsletter

Roberta Miksch, CFP Director

Our future is bright because of how the collaborative works to solve community issues that no one entity alone can solve.

NCFF collaboratives are just the coolest. They bring people together to work on issues impacting our families.

Transportation is a barrier for many we serve. CFP is front and center at these meetings.

Childcare is the lifeblood of the economy and without it, we can’t thrive. One of CFP’s priority

areas is that of childcare access. Food security is a concern for many people of all ages. CFP leads monthly meetings on this topic. Many of you are at one or more of these meetings and represent the voices of those we serve.

CFP is stronger because you are part of it. Thank you for being part of our journey.

Kim Parsons,

Early Childhood Community Coordinator

In Schuyler, across the great state of Nebraska and the nation, working families rely on early

childhood educators to extend the nurturing and learning that happens at home. In Nebraska, more than three-fourths of children under age six live in homes where all adults work. In Schuyler alone, more than 411 children under six have all available parents working.

Quality early childhood educators are essential for helping our community thrive. Schuyler is fortunate to have seven early childhood programs licensed by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. These early childhood professionals have more than 106 years of combined experience. Three programs are enrolled in Step Up to Quality and one participates in Rooted in Relationships. This shows their ongoing commitment to providing high-quality care for the children and families of our community.

These small business owners have a true passion for the profession. Our community is grateful for their dedication and skills in helping children develop to their full potential.

We still have a strong need for more high-quality early childhood care and education in Schuyler.

Strong Starts Schuyler Early Childhood Partnership is working together with community partners to increase the availability of early care and education.

You can learn more about the value of childcare and early learning for children, families, and the state’s economy from the We Care for Kids Impact Report.

Are you interested in starting a childcare business?

Contact Kim Parsons, Early Childhood Community Coordinator at 402.615.2685

Congratulations to Strong Starts Schuyler team member Felicia Heavican on her acceptance

into the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative Parent Ambassadors – a program created to develop parent and provider leaders and support them in advocating for their children, themselves, and their communities.

We are so proud of you Felicia! Find the article here!

Cheryl Drozd, RIR Coordinator

Rooted in Relationships has been partnering up with Head Start and Communities to provide a Toddlers and Technology Event in four different counties.

Through Smart Gen Society, we will offer a workshop for parent/caregiver and childcare

providers, teaching how to safely manage your toddler and young child’s online exposure and activities. Through this workshop, we’ll inform you of the long-term impacts of our digital choices and help you lay the groundwork for your family to build and develop a balanced digital wellness plan and team. We will provide food and free childcare for those who attend.

This event will be held in Fullerton, Columbus, Schuyler, and Albion. Dates, times, and locations to come.

Rooted providers are in the process of having an observation done on them in a childcare center environment or doing one on themselves as a home provider. Noticing growth and improvements, along with areas we can still grow as we move toward our third year with our cohort 2 group. January is always the best time to set new goals!

We finished up our Circle of Security Class in November with five parents all receiving a certificate for completion. The attendance was amazing, and our last night ended with a pizza party, bringing the children in from childcare to celebrate with us.

We had our second Partnering with Parents Class in the Library in November. We talked about

schedules for morning and evening for children at home, lining up with what we do in our Rooted classrooms with daily schedules. Parents were able to make and take schedules with them to help them get into a good daily and evening routine.

Kate Wythers, Community Prevention Director

Community Prevention

The Holiday season is in full swing, Community Prevention has been able to assist families in locating resources and supports to promote stability. Community Prevention has been able to participate in referrals to numerous community holiday events. Families have been able to obtain needed items for everyday use as well as for the holidays. Community Prevention has continued to provide assistance in applying for Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA 2) for renters in Colfax, Platte, Boone, and Nance Counties.

Child Care Tax Credits: Get the Word Out

You and/or your organization can play a key role in making sure the Child Care Tax Credits are being put to good use for Nebraska families and communities.

Join us on Tuesday, 12/10 at 1:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. CST for a special Zoom update on the public awareness efforts to promote Nebraska’s School Readiness Tax Credit and Child Care Tax Credit. Learn about the progress we’ve made so far and why it’s more important than ever to stay involved in spreading the word to the parents, providers and influencers in your community.

A recording of this event will be posted on this webpage. Live Spanish interpretation will be available for attendees. Register today!  

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