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Nebraska afterschool and summer school-based programs funded by a 21st Century Community Learning Centers federal grant must align with this Quality Framework. A 21st CCLC external observation tool is currently being piloted and periodic external observations will be required beginning in 2019-2020.

g) Provide the Web link to the state/territory's early learning and developmental guidelines. https://www.education.ne.gov/oec/early-learning-guidelines/

6.3.2 CCDF funds cannot be used to develop or implement an assessment for children that:

-- Will be the primary or sole basis to determine a child care provider ineligible to participate in the CCDF,

-- Will be used as the primary or sole basis to provide a reward or sanction for an individual provider,

-- Will be used as the primary or sole method for assessing program effectiveness,

-- Will be used to deny children eligibility to participate in the CCDF (658E(c)(2)(T)(ii)(I); 98.15(a)(2)).

Describe how the state/territory's early learning and developmental guidelines are used. The Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines (ELGs) are considered a foundational child development resource for early childhood education and care providers. - Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services requires early education and care staff who work in licensed programs receive training on the ELCs. - Early Childhood Education and Care programs (for children from birth to Kindergarten entrance age) operated by schools or ESUs are required to use curricula that is aligned to the ELGs. - Training on the ELGs is written into Step 2 (out of 5) of Step Up to Quality.

Effective Date: 10/01/2018

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