Nearly 60% of three- and four-year-olds in Nebraska are not attending preschool, despite the recognized benefits of such programs for future academic success.
However, for over a decade, most preschool-aged children on Nebraska’s Winnebago Reservation have been enrolled in the national Educare Learning Network.
Amy LaPointe-Houghton, education director for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, described Educare as “Head Start on steroids.” She highlighted that since joining Educare, Winnebago children have significantly improved academically, now aligning with peers in 24 other Educare centers nationwide.
“Our progress is evident through data,” LaPointe-Houghton explained. “Each year, we compile our data and use it to identify areas for improvement.”
She noted that evaluators from the University of Nebraska Medical Center assess children at the beginning and end of each school year. Educare Winnebago stands out as the sole Educare program located on an Indian reservation in the United States.
LaPointe-Houghton credited Educare’s success to four main pillars: data-driven decision-making, ongoing professional development, high-quality teaching practices, and active family involvement. She emphasized their focus on social-emotional learning, which equips children with skills to manage emotions and cope with stress and trauma.
“We aim to equip children with tools to navigate stressful situations,” LaPointe-Houghton added. “This could potentially improve their long-term physical health outcomes, given the link between stress and chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.”
To enroll in Educare Winnebago, children must reside in Winnebago, though tribal membership is not required. The program prioritizes children with the greatest educational and developmental needs.