2025 was a remarkable year for NECC. Across Nebraska, we worked to support children, families, and child care providers. We focused on keeping kids safe and healthy, providing resources and support for providers, and advocating for programs like Head Start. Discover how our initiatives made an impact throughout the year.
1 | Strengthening Emergency Readiness Across Nebraska’s Child Care Programs
In 2025, NECC partnered with Child Care Aware of America and a select group of Nebraska child care providers to strengthen emergency preparedness in child care programs. Through a pilot program offering training, resources, and hands-on support, we improved the effectiveness of alert systems and helped providers respond confidently to natural disasters, health crises, and other emergencies. These efforts created safer environments for children, built more resilient programs, and gave families greater confidence that their little ones were in capable, prepared hands.
2 | Supporting Nebraska’s Child Care Providers with Healthy Rest, Happy Nest
In 2025, NECC launched Healthy Rest, Happy Nest, a wellness program for Nebraska’s early childhood educators. The program combines Best Care EAP’s counseling and support services with Alpaca’s engagement tools, appreciation items, and pulse surveys to provide resources and recognition that promote resilience, joy, and well-being. By turning educator insights into actionable support, Healthy Rest, Happy Nest helps early childhood professionals feel valued, supported, and empowered in their essential work. Watch how Healthy Rest, Happy Nest has supported one Nebraska provider in particular: Healthy Rest, Happy Nest at Mami Lucy’s Childcare | Omaha, NE
3 | Expanding Licensure Support to Center-Based Providers with WIN Grant
In 2025, NECC received a $147,909 grant from Women Investing in Nebraska to develop the state’s first comprehensive Child Care Center Licensing Toolkit and mentoring program. Inspired by our existing program that supports licensure for in-home (or family child care) programs, this initiative provides step-by-step guidance and one-on-one support for opening new child care centers and helps to address Nebraska’s shortage of 17,568 child care spaces. The project aims to expand access to quality child care across the state and serve as a model for other states to follow.
4 | Providing Healthy Meals and Resources for Children and Families
In 2025, NECC strengthened our commitment to combating food insecurity in Nebraska by partnering with Whispering Roots to provide monthly food boxes. Through our Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership, enrolled children received nutritious school meals, families received fresh groceries, and both learned about healthy eating habits. Building on earlier efforts, including a $25,000 No Kid Hungry grant in 2021 that supported grocery deliveries, this initiative ensures children are nourished, families are supported, and communities thrive.
5 | Prioritizing Early Childhood Workforce Wellness with RECHARGE
In 2025, NECC reinforced our commitment to child care provider wellness by hosting RECHARGE, a full day dedicated to rest and rejuvenation. Providers from across Nebraska enjoyed yoga, guided meditation, massage chairs, creative activities, and a nourishing brunch, giving them time to focus on self-care. This initiative highlighted our dedication to sustaining a resilient, energized early childhood workforce and supporting the professionals who care for Nebraska’s youngest learners. Watch how RECHARGE positively impacted one provider in particular: LaTrice Foster Reflects on RECHARGE 2025: NECC’s Wellness Day for Child Care Providers
6 | Celebrating Head Start’s 60th Anniversary at NECC
In 2025, NECC hosted a celebration for Head Start’s 60th anniversary! Families, educators, and supporters joined us for an evening full of smiles, treats, and community as we honored six decades of impact in early childhood education. Since 2015, NECC has administered over $40 million through the Early Head Start–Child Care Partnership, supporting 1,796 children from 895 families. We were thrilled to celebrate Head Start’s legacy and the incredible work happening in Nebraska. Read more about the celebration: 3NewsNow Coverage
7 | Expanding Services to Nebraska’s Spanish-Speaking Providers
In 2025, NECC graduated the first class of the Bilingual Elevating Engagement Subscription Box Service, a program providing training sessions specifically designed for Spanish-speaking child care providers. Each session included hands-on strategies and resource boxes for play-based learning. Participants saw significant growth in confidence and knowledge, particularly in communicating with families (+87.5%) and supporting creative, musical, and communication-focused play. The interactive, practical approach allowed educators to immediately apply what they learned, making a measurable impact on engaging children and families in culturally and linguistically responsive ways. Watch how this training has strengthened providers’ programs: Bilingual Elevating Engagement Subscription Box Service | 2025
8 | Supporting Parent Voices Across Nebraska
In 2025, NECC’s Parent Ambassador Program celebrated its four-year milestone, expanding to 100 Parent Ambassadors across 27 counties. We welcomed the fifth cohort—19 parents and caregivers from 17 legislative districts—representing our largest reach and strongest engagement yet. With record applications, increased mentorship from program alumni, and ongoing leadership development, the program continues to empower families across Nebraska to engage in early childhood policy and strengthen their communities.
“This world has been so full of chaos and uncertainty lately…Adcocay is hard work but the community that is built bit by bit in these types of settings will help ease the burden by bringing more in to help.”
Parent Ambassador Alumni
9 | Rallying at the Capitol to Advocate for Head Start
In 2025, NECC joined families, educators, and community partners at the Nebraska State Capitol to advocate for continued funding for Head Start. As Nebraska’s largest Early Head Start–Child Care Partnership grantee, we stood alongside organizations statewide to ensure children and families could continue accessing high-quality early childhood support. Read more about why Nebraskans rallied for Head Start from NECC’s CEO, Sarah Ann Kotchian: Nebraska Examiner
10 | Bringing NECC’s Origin Story to Life
In 2025, NECC shared our origin story with the release of a new report and video, showcasing our mission, growth, and impact on early childhood across Nebraska. The story highlights key milestones, programs, and partnerships that have shaped our work, while the video brings our story to life through the voices of families, educators, and community partners. Together, they provide a clear look at how NECC has supported children, strengthened the early childhood workforce, and built stronger communities statewide.