This is an important achievement, not only for our expanding community of providers, but also for elevating the caliber of early childhood education in Nebraska. When we invest time and other resources into early childhood education, everyone benefits. Investment in early childhood education returns over $7 for every dollar invested, particularly when reaching disadvantaged families, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. In addition to joining a community of supportive, like-minded professionals in early childhood education, Step Up to Quality offers advantages to participating child care providers. She has served in early childhood education roles in public schools, nonprofits, federal government programs and privately run child development centers.