Penny Gerking, director of Little Gerkin’s Family Childcare Center, a licensed childcare provider, and one of Sixpence’s Child Care Partners (Sixpence CCP) told us about the program’s benefits and takeaways. Before we dive in, we’d like to explain how Sixpence CCP, works.
by Kate Sutton, Research Specialist in Qualitative Methods (Buffett Early Childhood Institute) – written for the PDG quarterly eNewsletter The Program Performance Evaluation (PPE) was launched in February 2019 to evaluate the effectiveness of the state’s Preschool Development Grant Birth-5…
by Susan Sarver, Buffett Early Childhood Institute – written for the PDG quarterly eNewsletter Preschool Development Grant (PDG) work started in the Spring of 2019 with the launch of a comprehensive needs assessment that identified strengths and gaps in Nebraska’s…
Five communities previously considered “Afterschool Deserts” without existing afterschool programs, were selected to participate in the ELO Design Challenge. These communities include Auburn Public Schools, Beatrice Public Schools, Boone Central Public Schools, Centura Public School, Grand Island Public Schools. Anna Wishart, Beyond School Bells’ Director of Partnerships, also pointed out that each location was unique in terms of location and demographic. Recent results contain MANY stories and stats of success.
When the coalition of 8 ELO communities launched in 2013, Jennifer Jones was there to help them develop and grow partnerships. Since then the communities have grown their partners, presence, and promotional strategies. Jennifer describes her experience working directly with those communities.
Outfitted with all kinds of STEM-rich materials, games, tools, pop-up tables and awning, BSB’s Think Make Create (TMC) Labs ® are 7-by-12-foot mobile makerspaces that become instant platforms for hands on learning for kids attending afterschool and summer programs.
Just like its name, Beyond School Bells goes beyond simply supporting quality afterschool programs. Throughout the past 17 years, this program’s driving force has been to facilitate state and local policies and practices to engage youth in hands-on learning experiences, support their families, and create safer and stronger communities across Nebraska.
By Jeff Cole, Associate Vice President of School-Community Partnerships As we ease into the break from our school year routines, enjoying the beautiful weather that has blessed Nebraska this spring, it is easy for us to forget that learning never…
On February 10-11, Beyond School Bells hosted a meeting of 30 afterschool and summer program professionals from across Nebraska to discuss emerging trends and opportunities in our field. This annual meeting once again provided opportunities for Nebraska’s ELO leaders to come together and learn from one another and meet with their elected representatives at an informal breakfast event.
“My passion is helping other people,” Jacob said. “I’ve helped with [my peers] mental health, too. Sharing our stories can help others. I want to help others find their voice. I never had a voice. I was afraid of it.”
The eighth annual Legislative Days program provides young adults with the opportunity to learn about and engage in the legislative process. Perhaps most importantly, these youth leaders are also encouraged to use their voices.
Growing the Good Life 