GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — A Nebraska nonprofit is set up at one of the biggest stages in the state to raise awareness for its cause.

We Care for Kids is operating an informational booth and display inside the Nebraska Building at the Nebraska State Fair. The Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative is helping out with the campaign. Program manager Ilissa Talkington says one of its goals is to share the importance of early childhood education.

“It’s a huge opportunity to really develop children at an early age. When you miss that opportunity, or when those children have not been given the care that they need, that has repercussions throughout the rest of their life,” Talkington said.

Campaign representatives say Nebraska doesn’t have enough providers to care for the state’s young children. 11 counties don’t have any childcare providers at all.

Parent ambassador Sarah Landell says it’s not just about recruiting new providers.

“Teacher retention is also a passion of mine. Retaining teachers in early childhood so that kids have optimal opportunities to build those connections,” Landell said.

The booth at the fair includes a question wheel with candy prizes, swag items and toys for kids to play with while parents get information. There’s also a chance to participate in some advocacy.

“We’re filling out postcards that we’re going to hand-deliver to the governor at some point, so he can just see how important early childhood care is to all of Nebraska, the people that have attended the fair,” Landell said.

Talkington says We Care for Kids hopes that raising awareness and talking to politicians can improve childcare options, which would then improve the state.

“When children are more successful and they’re developing healthy, they can become successful adults, which in turn, becomes a healthier workforce, revenue for our state," Talkington said. "There’s a lot of ripple effect from that.”