Child care licensing help eases process, provides financial help

KEARNEY, Neb. --

A collaboration put into place in late 2024 has seen 20 new childcare providing options built in central Nebraska.

The 6 Regions, One Nebraska initiative was workshopping the best ways to invest $200,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Tapping into the idea of such a need throughout the state, the creation of the Central Child Care Champion project was born.

"What's beautiful about this is it's creating these new licensed spots," said Dena R. Beck, the Central Regional Navigator.

They have helped construct provider options and created 218 new child care openings for parents to drop their child off, doing so in less than a year, thanks in part to offering a $2500 stipend to anyone who gets licensed.

"I think that stipend really catches the eye of people, because who doesn't want $2500 for their business," stated Beck. 

Furthermore, a person who is accepted will get guidance from one of six "champions" who are professionals well-versed in the field.

"When they become licensed," said Beck, "what is more valuable to them is the relationship with that champion that has mentored them throughout the way."

The Central Child Care Champions are trying to make the process easy to understand.

They believe it will help simplify the process for those seeking a license, while lightening the load on parents who may not have a child-care option.

"It shouldn't be really easy to become a licensed child care provider, because it's a big deal. You're watching people's kids," Beck said. "Sometimes, I feel like it shouldn't be that difficult."

If you're interested in becoming a child care provider in the 25-county central region, go to the web site and fill out the application. It's 10 questions, and can be done for free.

They are only focused on the in-home providers, whether it be family one, when up to 10 kids can be in the same home, or family two, a max of 12.

"After (the new providers) have been through it, we will check in with them six months later," said Beck. "I think it's 100 percent of them said they would not have become licensed had they not had this assistance."