Lincoln Early Childhood Network (LECN)

Anyone can participate in the Lincoln Early Childhood Network by attending any of the three workgroups:

• Comprehensive Health
• Support for Families
• Access to Quality Care and Education

Visit www.lecn.org to find out more and to see our calendar of meetings and events.

Lincoln Littles Tuition Assistance

Lincoln Littles grants funds to pre-qualified early-childhood programs and early-childhood programs then use these funds to provide tuition assistance for families who cannot afford tuition.

*Ongoing Tuition Assistance: Programs in Lincoln can partner with Lincoln Littles to provide tuition assistance to their families. Programs must be licensed and in good standing, accept State Subsidy, and be a Step 3 or higher in Nebraska’s Step Up to Quality system. Parents in these programs can apply for ongoing tuition assistance (typically a set amount monthly). Parents must have applied for State Subsidy and been denied and must fall within our income guidelines.

*Emergency Tuition Assistance: Programs in Lincoln can partner with Lincoln Littles to provide emergency tuition assistance. Programs must be licensed and in good standing, accept State Subsidy, and be enrolled in Nebraska’s Step Up Quality at a minimum of a Step 1. Parents must be experiencing an emergency situation (typically medical, transportation, housing, or job loss). There are no income eligibility guidelines. Emergency tuition assistance is a one-time award.

Providers can contact Sarah Dankenbring sarah.dankenbring@lincolnlittles.org Tuition Assistance Program Manager to learn more.

Peer Mentor Program

Lincoln Littles has opportunities for child care directors to work with a peer mentor. You will be matched with an experienced provider to assist you as you navigate your business of operating a child care center. In this program child care directors will:

• Develop a sense of belonging in the childcare community
• Gain practical advice, encouragement, and support
• Increase your confidence and feel empowered
• Identify goals and establish a sense of direction
• Gain strategies for dealing with a variety of topics

Cohorts begin each August. Contact sarah.dankenbring@lincolnlittles.org to learn more.

Business Partnerships

Childcare Business Support: Start, Buy, Sell, Expand, Close or Transition

Are you interested in buying, selling, expanding, or transitioning your childcare program? We are here to support you through every stage of the process. Whether you are looking to start a new childcare center or family home childcare service, or need assistance with closing an existing one, our team provides expert guidance and solutions.

If you’re a childcare provider facing the need to close, we can assist you with the entire process. Our services include effective communication strategies for informing families and staff, as well as helping with the relocation of children and staff to other suitable locations.

Contact Suzanne Schneider suzanne.schneider@lincolnlittles.org, Associate Director for assistance.

Emergency Response Notification System

The Emergency Response Notification System is a database used to contact child care administrators in the event of an emergency so they may take appropriate action. We partner with Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department, Lincoln Public Schools, and Lincoln Police Department to educate and train early childhood providers regarding Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and Relocation/Reunification.

Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA)

We provide information and support for the Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate program through the Council for Professional Recognition. Ask us about no-cost/low-cost ways to obtain the certificate.

Learn more here. 

Step Up to Quality

High-quality early childhood programs can have a lifelong, positive impact on young children and their families. Step Up to Quality helps early child care providers and educators recognize and improve quality. Programs enrolled in Step Up to Quality have access to coaching and resources that help them on their path to higher quality. These resources enable any provider or educator big or small to take quality to the next level. Whether you are just getting started or are already participating in Step Up to Quality, Lincoln Littles can help you navigate this process.

Providers can contact sarah.dankenbring@lincolnlittles.org for assistance.  

Provider Newsletter

Lincoln Littles sends a monthly newsletter filled with helpful and timely resources for early childhood professionals and providers. You and your staff can sign up here. 

Quality Enhancement Grants

The Quality Enhancement Grant is a competitive funding opportunity available to local child care providers who serve children ages 0-5 in full-day, year-round programs. Eligible applicants include both Child Care Centers and Family Home Providers. This grant, provided by Lincoln Littles, supports quality improvement efforts to enhance early childhood care and education. Programs will be notified when grant opportunities open. 

Contact Suzanne Schneider suzanne.schneider@lincolnlittles.org, Associate Director to apply.

Nebraska Professional REcord System (NECPRS)

With a NECPRS account you can:

•       Build your professional record.
•       Organize credentials and certificates.
•       Discover relevant local training.
•       Manage your program and employees.
•       Join Step Up to Quality.

Start here and contact suzanne.schneider@lincolnlittles.org if you need assistance getting started.

School Readiness Tax Credit

The School Readiness Tax Credit – Refundable (SRTC-R) offers a refundable tax credit between $2,300 and $3,500 to individual child care staff members or self-employed child care providers (such as licensed Family Child Care Home providers). Intended to encourage career development for child care professionals, the amount of the credit is based on professional classification criteria set by the Nebraska Department of Education.

Download the flyer here.