OGALLALA- On Wednesday, a group of 26 advocates from across Nebraska gathered in Ogallala to kick off a six-month program that will help build leadership and a fresh strategy for early childhood care legislation and policy. Organized by First Five Nebraska, an early childhood research and advocacy organization, this year marks the fifth year in a row that the event, known as the annual Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy, was held

Participants selected for the latest class include childcare providers, teachers, and public health professionals. "The PLA goes beyond policymaking," said Jodi-Renee Giron, First Five's outreach director, "It develops skilled, knowledgeable, and credible movement builders who are prepared to lead change in their local communities."

Among the Academy's priorities this year, according to Giron, is reducing the time it takes for public agencies to complete fingerprinting and background checks for childcare provider applicants. This issue was brought up recently in the Nebraska Legislature by Sen. Teresa Ibach. The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also indicated that affordable and quality childcare is among the issues they will watch closely over the next year.

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