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Quality.

The implementation of Step Up to Quality is being evaluated by a private contractor. The evaluation is funded by a private entity. The evaluation is using data collected from child care providers across the state. This information is being used to alter policies, improve clarity of documents, and help the Step Up to Quality team determine areas of strength and areas for improvement. The evaluation is being paid by private philanthropy. Child care training is evaluated by participants at each training session. The evaluations are collected electronically, and the data are used to provide feedback to the trainer and to the ECTC. Additionally, the ECTC contracts with individuals to attend training across the state and evaluate the training curriculum and provide input on the strengths and areas for improvement of the trainer. Early Learning Connect Partnerships conduct annual needs assessments which inform the training offerings for the next year.

Caring for children of families in geographic areas with significant concentrations of poverty and unemployment Describe: State level partners, including DHHS and NDE work with the Nebraska Children and Families foundation, Buffett Early Childhood Institute, the Nebraska early Childhood Collaborative, and school districts and Head Start programs to support programs and services in areas with concentrations of poverty. - Omaha Area Superintendent's plan- state legislation allowed public funding in the Omaha metropolitan area to be used for a plan to be created by the school superintendents in the Omaha metropolitan area. This area is home to the largest concentration of children in poverty. The plan is specifically meet the needs of children birth through 3rd grade and their families. - Educare- Nebraska is home to 4 nationally recognized Educare early childhood schools serving children from birth to kindergarten. They are full day, full year programs. They specifically serve children in poverty. Two Educare schools are located in Omaha, a third is in a low-income part of Lincoln, and the fourth is located on tribal lands. - Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative - This is a privately funded effort to provide direct early childhood services, as well as coaching and other supports to Nebraska Page 275 of 314