Resources
Step Up to Quality is part of a vast network of resources for parents, early childhood
education providers and industry peers.
Parent resources
Child Care Subsidy
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services can help with the cost of child care via the Child Care Subsidy program. Child Care Subsidy provides benefits for parents and families who are working hard to support themselves.
Nebraska Early Learning Library
The Nebraska Department of Education operates the Early Learning Library, which is open to anyone in the state connected to early childhood education, including parents, teachers, administrators and students. The library is stocked with books and resources, and if you’re not able to visit the space in La Vista, the helpful staff will mail your selections free of charge!
Learning Begins at Birth
The Learning Begins at Birth Parent Guide is given to the parents of each child born in Nebraska to provide information on child development, child care, how children learn, children’s health, services available to children and parents, and any other relevant information. Learning Begins at Birth contains important information for families as they work to ensure their children have a strong foundation in their early years to help them thrive throughout their lives.
Additional resources
- Download our child care tour checklists, which have some great questions to ask and quality indicators to look out for.
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) for Families
- Nebraska Library Commission
- Public Broadcasting Services (PBS)
- Nebraska Extension – Early Childhood Development
- Nebraska Early Development Network
- DHHS Child Care Licensing Info for Parents
- American Academy of Pediatrics’ HealthyChildren.org
Provider resources
Press release and media outreach tips
To help you share your successes through the media, we’ve created a customizable press release template and tips on how to distribute the press release to your local media outlets.
Social media
If you use Facebook or other social media platforms for your program, we encourage you to promote your participation online! We’ve created a cover photo you can use to identify yourself as a quality-rated provider and have provided a few sample posts for you to use.
Newsletter/website blurb
Identifying yourself as a Step Up to Quality provider on your website and/or in your newsletter is a great way to share your quality rating. Just copy and paste this blurb to showcase your participation.
Parent letter
Your parents will be thrilled to hear your good news! We’ve put together a simple letter for you to distribute to parents and families.
“Stepping Into Quality” templates
Participating providers receive a copy of our children’s book, “Stepping Into Quality,” to read with children on their first day of child care. Use the templates below to create fun and easy graphics that you can share on social media to mark the occasion!
Template instructions
- Add Canva template to your canva by clicking the download links above
- On the left panel, click on the “uploads” tab and upload the image you’d like to see in the frame
- Drag the image into the canvas
- Right click or click “position” on the top left and click to set your image “to back” so it sits behind the graphic
- Situate the image until happy with placement
- Click the share button to download
Don’t have a Canva account? Sign up for a free account today!
Partner resources
Resource list
We’ve assembled all of the benefits and resources Step Up to Quality offers to early childhood educators into one list. Download our resource list and share with providers in your area who may want to learn more.
PowerPoint slide
If you need a quick and easy way to summarize Step Up to Quality in a presentation, simply download this PowerPoint slide and insert it into your deck.
Brochures
Brochures are available upon request. Please email nde.stepuptoquality@nebraska.gov to inquire.
Brand hub
To download logo and font files, visit our online brand guide.
Media resources
Annual report
More than 41,000 children in Nebraska have been educated by a Step Up to Quality-rated provider. To read more about our achievements and results over the past year, read our annual report.
Media inquires
If you are a member of the media who needs information about Step Up to Quality or if you’d like to schedule an interview, please contact Reece Ristau, public relations strategist at Emspace + Lovgren, by emailing reece@emspacegroup.com, or visit our about page to contact us.