There is no registration fee to attend the conference.

The 2026 Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference will take place Tuesday, September 22, with the C4K Convening Day to follow on Wednesday, September 23, at Younes Conference Center North in Kearney, Nebraska.

This is the ninth year of the conference, and we have found that participants gain the most from the experience and develop the most meaningful connections through an in-person event. Therefore, the conference will be offered in-person only.

The keynote session will be recorded and made available following the conference. Conference sessions will not be livestreamed.

Everyone is welcome at the conference. The Thriving Children, Families, and Communities Conference brings together individuals and organizations committed to strengthening children, families, and communities across Nebraska.

In past years, attendees have represented a wide variety of sectors and industries, including but not limited to:

The conference vision is a Nebraska where every community is empowered and united in its commitment to high-quality early childhood education and care. By fostering collaboration, amplifying local voices, and equipping leaders with knowledge and tools, the conference inspires action to address critical challenges and embrace new opportunities.

Click here to register.

You may also access registration using the registration button located in the upper right corner of the website.

Yes. Registration closes on Monday, September 14, 2026.

There are multiple hotels conveniently located within walking distance of the Younes Conference Center North. Please visit the Location & Lodging page for lodging information and conference hotel details.

Clock hours, certificates, and continuing education hours are not available for this conference.

Morning Refreshments, lunch, and snacks are provided as part of the conference. Attendees are asked to indicate any dietary restrictions or accommodation needs during registration. 

Please visit the Location page for information about nearby dining options.

Business casual attire is recommended. Conference room temperatures can vary, so attendees may wish to bring a light sweater or jacket.

Communities for Kids (C4K) is one of the two founding initiatives of Early Futures Partnership, working to bring practice and policy together to strengthen outcomes for children and families across Nebraska.

Through partnerships across the state, Communities for Kids helps prioritize early childhood care and education by strengthening local systems, expanding access to high-quality early learning opportunities, and supporting children and families through community-driven solutions. By connecting local leaders, service providers, educators, and policymakers, C4K works to build sustainable systems that help every child, family, and community thrive.

C4K Convening Day, held on the second day of the conference, is designed specifically for Communities for Kids community partners and partnering organizations. The day provides an opportunity to connect with peers from across Nebraska, share successes and challenges, learn from one another, and strengthen efforts to support children and families in local communities.