Community Action Steps

View and filter action steps by community collaborative

Details

In 2024, the collaborative work in partnership with NCFF to complete an early childhood landscape assessment. The assessment has been completed and guides the work of the Buffalo Couty Early Childhood Collaborative.

Activity Information
Completed
Tana Miller
Q4 2024
C-ACT-1066

Details

Working to create a shared vision for an early childhood learning library. Exploring a youth led resource library on UNK campus with Peer Health and Student Services which may guide best practices. Opportunities also exist in the development of new office space for Buffalo County Community Partners.

Activity Information
In Progress
Tana Miller
Q1 2026
C-ACT-1054

Details

The Buffalo County Early Childhood Collaborative has a defined purpose, goals and tactics to expand high quality childcare in homes and centers. In 2025, Buffalo County will expand their Rooted in Relationships work to reach more providers. Four rural communities are interested in creating a share vision for early childhood in their communities. Elm Creek, Pleasanton and Ravenna have received C4K funding to create a plan, Gibbon is beginning to explore opportunities in next grant cycle. Buffalo County is part of UNK's KNEW project which is starting this year to support workforce development. The Chamber and Economic Development in Kearney is meeting with childcare providers to explore models to take advantage of childcare tax credits. And most recently, Buffalo County Community Partners was asked to be the fiscal agent for Region 6 - One Nebraska project to expand upon an existing Buffalo County Childcare Champion model into 26 central NE counties. This project will be announced by the Governor in January/February 2026 and will be expanded opportunities for collaboratives serving the Region 6 area of Central Community College.

Activity Information
Ongoing
Tana Miller
N/A N/A
C-ACT-1060

Details

Community Book Gardens came to fruition in Schuyler in October after a Writer's Workshop was held in September for 13 community members. Free children's books can be found in bookstands at these Schuyler locations: Soak 3 Times Laundromat, WIC Clinic, CHI, the African Store and the Schuyler Public Library. Three different ages/stages of children's book are available. Three different sets of books are available including 0-3 years, 4-6 years and 6-8 years. QR code for how to access digital books is provided by NE Growing Readers.

Activity Information
Ongoing
Roberta Miksch, Kim Parsons/CFP C4K, Jenny White/Sch Public Lib, Teresa Kretz
N/A N/A
C-ACT-1135

Details

GCC supports multi-generational literacy by creating engaging, accessible programs: Family Cafes: Learning and Engagement Storytime for Kids: While parents learn about topics of interest, children join the youth coordinator for stories that inspire a love for reading. Take-Home Resources: Families receive a book and toy at every Family Cafe, encouraging continued reading and engagement at home. Mobile Story Walks: Reading Meets Activity At community events, GCC’s mobile story walks combine literacy with physical activity, making reading fun and interactive. When funds allow, free books are distributed to families, ensuring access to literacy resources..These initiatives foster a love for reading, build multi-generational connections, and promote literacy both at home and in the community. GCC is creating a culture of lifelong learning, one book at a time.

Activity Information
Ongoing
JoAnn Gieselman
N/A N/A
C-ACT-1173