The Nebraska Good Beginnings (NGB) Initiative.
Nebraska Good Beginnings was initiated at the recommendation of former Governor E. Benjamin Nelson's Commission for the Protection of Children. NGB encouraged communities across the state to develop a coordinated, proactive approach toward strengthening families with young children. Collaborative coalitions were comprised of parents, local businesses, health, education, social services, government, nonprofit organizations and volunteers. Because of new directions in state government with regard to early childhood development initiatives, NGB was merged into other initiatives. Still, many Good Beginnings programs and communities continue to operate throughout the state of Nebraska.

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Nebraska Good Beginnings (NGB) Communities and Programs.
Nebraska Good Beginnings programs and communities work to:

Promote early childhood health;
Assure that children arrive at school ready for success;
Reduce child abuse and neglect; and
Advocate for comprehensive, integrated programs.

Nebraska Good Beginnings communities have a broad-based coalition or team to coordinate a unified approach to early childhood services. Their approach is tailored to the requirements of the diverse types of families in each community. This approach addresses issues using a unified, integrated method of service delivery focused at the family level.

To be recognized as a Nebraska Good Beginnings community, there must be a demonstrated community-wide commitment, as well as commitment from service providers, to collaboration among programs that support young children and their families. To be recognized as a Nebraska Good Beginnings effort, communities:

Engage several local organizations or agencies in collaborative planning;

Offer innovative, accessible approaches to delivering services; and

Integrate early childhood care and education, health, and parent education and support of families with children prenatal to age five, or establish linkages with other service providers to deliver comprehensive services that include education, health, and support for families.

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Nebraska Good Beginnings (NGB) Today.
NGB Community Teams can access technical assistance and community development support through the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation. The Early Childhood Training Center assists by determining training needs and assisting communities to access existing area resources. NGB Parenting Education Materials are available through the ECTC Media Center and the Nebraska Department of Education. Although no longer an specific statewide initiative, the NGB legacy lives through the communities and programs that continue to work together to meet the needs of Nebraska's families with young children.

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