Central Nebraska Community Services
The Early Childhood Programs have been in
action for 40 years influencing children and reaching families by making family success a
number one priority. CNCS Early Childhood Programs provide for children's basic
needs through safe, healthy, consistent, and nurturing environments in order to
develop and learn at optimal levels.
Families recognize
strengths, set goals, develop a support system, and have the well being and
knowledge to be the primary educators and nurturers for their children.
Communities are aware of the importance of investing in early childhood. They demonstrate commitment by investing resources in programs, participating in decision making and support policies that honor the developing child and respect the individual differences of families.
Income eligible children 3 to 5 years of
age can participate in this comprehensive educational program. The program
consists of dental/health exams, vision/hearing/language tests, immunizations,
nutritious meals, and educational activities. Parents of the children attend parenting
meetings and are involved in the children's activities.
Locations: Ainsworth, Albion,
Atkinson, Aurora, Broken Bow, Burwell,
Central City, Centura, Columbus, Fullerton, Loup City, O'Neill, Ord, St. Paul,
Schuyler, and Spalding
Contact Person: Suzan Obermiller, ECP Director
308-745-0780 ext. 123
Early Head Start is a family resource
program to support parents in educating and nurturing their children. The
program provides parents with opportunities to move toward self-sufficiency by
working with other community organizations. Health and mental health services
are also provided to participants.
Income eligible pregnant women, infants, toddlers up to age 3 and their family members qualify for the program. Parents of children with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Locations:
Brown, Custer,
Colfax, Holt, Garfield, Valley, Greeley, Howard, Platte and Sherman Counties
Contact Person:
Suzan Obermiller, ECP
Director
308-745-0780 ext. 123
Early Head Start Childcare
Initiative
Early Head Start Childcare Initiative is a partnership between childcare providers and CNCS. The Infant Toddler Initiative provides monetary compensation to the childcare providers to enhance the quality of care in their facility. Benefits to the provider include: registration fees paid for conferences & college credits; improvements to facilities needed to enhance quality of care; educational learning materials; reimbursement for substitute providers; support in achieving professional development and national accreditation for their program.
Locations: Custer, Holt, Valley, Sherman and Platte counties.
Contact Persons:
Suzan Obermiller, ECP Director
308-745-0780 ext. 123
Connie Schweitzer, Partnership Coordinator
308-745-0780 ext. 152
Provide
full-day, full-year center-based services to 3-5 year old children in Columbus. The program
will benefit families who work full-time or attend school. The full-day full-year program
will provide services from 7:30a.m. - 5:00p.m., Monday - Thursday, year round to
eligible families.
Location: Columbus
Contact Person:
Suzan Obermiller, ECP
Director
308-745-0780 ext. 123
The coalition
promotes and strengthens collaboration between Head Start and other Early
Childhood training professionals. Another component is the coordination of
training to all Early Childhood Educators and Child Care Providers. Partners
include: parents, public schools, ESU , UNL Cooperative Extension,
Health and Human Services System, Childcare Providers, Community Action
Agencies, and Libraries.
Location:
North Central ~ Keya
Paha,
Brown, Holt, Loup, Wheeler, Valley, Cherry, Howard, Sherman, Boyd, Rock,
Blaine, Garfield, Custer, and Greeley Counties
Contact Person:
Connie Schweitzer,
Partnership Coordinator
308-745-0780 ext. 152