Eustis early childhood educators selected for the KNEW project, Year One, are (from left): Amy Moore, Kathy McReynolds, Katlynn Parker, and Colbie Grueschow, (Eustis Area Communities for Kids, Courtesy)
EUSTIS — Four Eustis-area early childhood educators, all employed by Kinder Haus Child Care Center, are joining a new program designed to bolster Nebraska’s rural early childhood workforce. This opportunity comes through the Knowledge Network for Early Childhood Education Workforce (KNEW) project, a statewide effort to recruit and retain educators in underserved areas.
The Eustis providers chosen for this specialized KNEW project coursework are:
- Colbie Grueschow
- Kathy McReynolds
- Amy Moore
- Katlynn Parker
The KNEW project (pronounced “canoe”) is led by the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Nebraska Extension, and Communities for Kids (C4K), an initiative of the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation. Eustis, in partnership with the Elwood Area Communities for Kids, is one of only 15 communities across Nebraska selected for the initial phase of this two-year program, which is supported by a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
“Investing in our Eustis early childhood educators through programs like KNEW is an investment in our community’s future,” said Eustis Area C4K Co-Chair Chelsea Gengenbach. “We’re proud of our providers for pursuing this high-level training and enhancing the quality of care available in Eustis.”
The KNEW project directly addresses the critical shortage of high-quality, affordable childcare across Nebraska, where 84 of 93 counties lack sufficient licensed facilities. By fostering collaboration and developing a “teaching toolkit,” KNEW aims to enhance training and build local capacity to support educators.
Eustis Area Communities for Kids, in coordination with Eustis FOOI, Inc., is committed to ensuring that every child has access to a strong start through early learning opportunities. Participation in the KNEW project significantly supports this vital work.
To learn more about the KNEW project, visit: https://www.unk.edu/academics/coe/project-knew/index.php
