Elected officials, donors, childcare providers and partners joined Lincoln Littles for their annual Early Childhood Summit and fall campaign kickoff on October 8 at Nebraska Innovation Campus.
“This year’s theme was inspired by one of our providers who reminded me that addressing early childcare is like working on a giant puzzle,” shared Lincoln Littles Executive Director Anne Brandt. “We see our role as helping to fit the pieces together. And it’s a perfect analogy – because this issue is both complicated and interconnected.”
Anne shared recent wins for Lincoln’s littlest residents including Mayor Gaylor Baird’s recent commitment to further support children and families through tuition assistance as well as the new Lincoln Family Friendly Workplace certification – an initiative designed with the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development to recognize and support employers who prioritize family-friendly practices.
The morning also featured a dynamic panel highlighting the importance of cross-sector partnerships to support the early childhood workforce. Moderated by Associate Director Suzanne Schneider, the panelists shared a powerful success story from the Lincoln Littles Workforce Program, which opened a new career pathway for one of its graduates at Hamilton Heights Child Development Center, thanks to the help of Lincoln Literacy and the American Job Center.
LCF President Tracy Edgerton concluded the program with a reminder that everyone has a role to play in solving the early childhood puzzle.
“It truly takes all of us, fitting together with care and purpose, to give every child the strong start they deserve,” said Tracy.
A puzzle worth solving
When access to quality childcare is more available and affordable, we open doors to potential, promise and possibility.
To support Lincoln Littles programs, operations and initiatives – including tuition assistance for infants, toddlers and preschoolers – visit LincolnLittles.org/donate or use the enclosed envelope in your magazine. Checks may be written out to Lincoln Community Foundation with Lincoln Littles in the memo line.
Thank you to our generous lead donors!
ABC Electric • Abel Foundation • Acklie Charitable Foundation • Ameritas • Joyce Baird • Drs. Bob & Stacie Bleicher • Anne & Brad Brandt • Buffett Early Childhood Fund • Candy & Bob Campbell • Rosalind K. Carr in memory of Professor James D. Carr • David & Mary Cintani • City of Lincoln • Community Health Endowment • Shirley & Jerry Daugherty • Steve & Kathy Dickey • Donlan Foundation • Laura & Kendall Frantz • Larry & Robyn Frederick • Harbor of Dreams • Barbara Hoppe Johnson • Kile & Cuz Johnson • Jim & Penny Krieger Family Foundation • Lincoln Industries • Jim McKee & Linda Hillegass • Dave & Marilyn Moore • Mike Munro & Susie Keisler-Munro • Nelnet • Jim & Gail O’Hanlon • Pinnacle Bank Arena • Drs. Bob & Lisa Rauner • Reckmeyer Family Foundation • Rhonda Seacrest • Dottie & Bob Shapiro • Susan Sehnert Stuart • Tom & Sue Tallman • Art & Carol Thompson • Sue & Ed Tricker • Dr. Eileen C. & Richard W. Vautravers • Bill & Mae Whitmer Family Fund
