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Early Childhood Education Grant Program

NDE EC Technical Assistance Contacts (.pdf)

Map of Grant Programs

Evaluation Progress Report

July 1, 2007 - June 30, 2008

Full Report (.pdf)
Executive Summary (.pdf)

July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2007

Full Report (.pdf)
Executive Summary (.pdf)

July 1, 2005 - June 30, 2006

Full Report (.pdf)
Executive Summary (.pdf)

July 1, 2004 - June 30, 2005

Full Report (.pdf)

Executive Summary (.pdf)

July 1, 2003 - June 30, 2004

Full Report (.pdf)

Executive Summary (.pdf)

Early Childhood Education Grant Program Report to State Board of Education January 2008

2008 Evaluation Report (Powerpoint Presentation)

Early Childhood Program Resources

The Early Childhood Education Grant Program is intended to support the development of children in the birth to kindergarten age range through the provision of comprehensive center- based programs. In most cases the projects expand and/or combine existing pre-kindergarten programs funded through district, federal, or parent fees, including Head Start. Each project receives funding for up to one-half of the total operating budget of the project per year on a continuing basis, subject to availability of the funds. A public school or an educational service unit is the fiscal agent.

Funded projects are required to operate in compliance with Rule 11 Regulations for Early Childhood Education Grant Program. Rule 11 reflects research-based elements of quality early childhood education programs intended to produce strong outcomes for children.

Such elements of quality include:

a strong family involvement/education component recognizing the central role of parents in their children's development and learning;
well-trained staff and optimum staff and child ratios in programs providing direct services to children;
developmentally and linguistically appropriate and culturally sensitive curriculum, practices, and assessment;
sensitivity to the economic and logistical needs and circumstances of families in the provision of services;
integration of children of diverse social and economic characteristics;
inclusion of children with disabilities;
a sound evaluation component;
continuity with programs in kindergarten and elementary grades;
procedures to ensure participating children and families have access to comprehensive nutrition, (including at least one meal per day) and health and social services; and,
a parent/community advisory group which provides substantive ongoing direction to the program.

Funded programs are expected to:

build these programs on existing services in the community, including Head Start, early childhood special education, community child care programs, and other district pre-kindergarten initiatives.
invite the participation of personnel from area private and non-profit early childhood care and education programs in professional development activities, thus influencing the quality of early childhood programs in the community at large.

For more information about current Early Childhood Programs, contact:

Linda Meyers
Nebraska Department of Education
Office of Early Childhood
Phone: 402-471-2980
Email: linda.meyers@nebraska.gov

Office of Early Childhood

Nebraska Department of Education

301 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, NE 68509

Phone: 402-471-3184 Fax: 402-471-0117

Webmaster:

heidi.thomas@nebraska.gov

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Early Childhood Education Grant Program