Who Sixpence Serves

Sixpence represents a statewide commitment to improving the school readiness and life outcomes of infants and toddlers, especially those most vulnerable to risk factors affecting early neural development and skill formation. It funds high-quality early care and learning programs designed to address the specific needs of local children and families, whether they live in the major metropolitan centers of eastern Nebraska, or the rural communities of the state's Panhandle.

Sixpence serves families facing circumstances and risk factors known to radically change children's prospects for school readiness and lifelong success.

Families Who Qualify

Typically, low family income (185% or less of the current Federal Poverty Level) is a commonly recognized indicator of potential risks to child development. Participation in Sixpence programs is voluntary on the part of parents. To qualify for Sixpence services, families must be subject to at least one of five risk factors:

• Low household income [≤185% Federal Poverty Level]--98% of families served by Sixpence in 2021-22.
• Parents with limited educational attainment [lack of HS diploma or equivalent]--38% of families served by Sixpence in 2021-22.
• English Language Learner [ELL] households--35% of families served by Sixpence in 2021-22.
• Teen Parent--38% of families served by Sixpence in 2021-22.
• Premature birth or low birthweight child--14% of families served by Sixpence in 2021-22.
• Other risk factors encountered as developmental stressors (not considered qualifying) are parent mental health issues, parent substance abuse, parental imprisonment, child who witnesses violence, and child in foster care.

Sixpence Service in Communities

Community Participants: Family Engagement and Center-Based Programs

Ethnic/Racial Distribution of Participating Families [Center-Based and Family Engagement Programs]

Distribution of Participating Families by Community Type [Center-Based and Family Engagement Programs]

Community Participant Characteristics—Child Care Partnerships

Ethnic/Racial Distribution of Participating Families [Child Care Partnerships]

Sixpence Grantee Contacts