Early Childhood: A Straight Shot or Not?
Like most adventures, raising a family is difficult and wonderful. Unlike an arrow or a straight path, however, the way to a thriving childhood can be unwieldy for parents to navigate. The early years of birth through three are an especially challenging, rich opportunity. A child’s brain is active and creates new pathways by the minute. So, how do we seize these moments? Parenting may not be a straight shot but Nebraska Children and Families Foundation and Sixpence are here to help families steer through the twists and turns!
As firm believers that every child should thrive, we are committed to giving young children a smooth start so they can hit the ground running with school readiness and developmental well-being.
Sixpence Early Learning Fund, one of our Early Childhood initiatives, is dedicated to helping our state’s most vulnerable infants and toddlers during these precious early years.
A Governor-appointed board of trustees reviews the application materials. Meanwhile, Sixpence’s programs leverage public-private dollars from state-appropriated funds.
Sixpence wasn’t built without significant effort. In 2006, large state agencies and private philanthropic sectors formed an endowment. The endowment’s funds are allotted to create long-term, quality educational opportunities for our state’s youngest and vulnerable children.
Sixpence pairs families with early childhood professionals called home visitors, who motivate parents to create high-quality, engaging, developmentally stimulating experiences for their children.
Home visitors don’t just coach families. These early childhood professionals are trained to detect, assess, and support young children’s developmental challenges. Home visitors also support parents to reach their full potential and resilience as their child’s most memorable first teacher. Today, we spoke with a Broken Bow family.
The family shared their main Sixpence takeaways. Let the thriving begin as a Broken Bow family shoots us straight about their Sixpence perks.
What community is your Sixpence program serving?
My Sixpence program is in Broken Bow and serves all of Custer County. I live by the Gates Community, but my children go to the Anselmo-Merna School district, and we work in the Broken Bow community.
How long have you been in the Sixpence program? How old is your child?
I have been with the program for 8 ½ years. My son is 9 years old. I also have three daughters who are 6, 3, and 8 months old. I currently have two children in the program.
How has the Sixpence program supported you?
Sixpence has supported me by letting me know that I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing to help my children learn. They also let me talk and give me any necessary help.
What do you like about home visitation? What are the benefits you have seen for your family and your child’s development?
The children are more relaxed and themselves by having parent educators come into the home. If there are any developmental issues or problems, it gets worked on right away. The kids get used to people coming to the house to see them, and they help us use different activities to keep the children engaged and learning.
What are your key takeaways from your time with Sixpence?
I have enjoyed learning activities to do with my children to support and encourage their development. I enjoy all the learning opportunities that we are given.
Read more Sixpence success stories
Nebraska Children's mission is to maximize the potential of Nebraska’s children, youth, and families through collaboration and community-centered impact.
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