NORFOLK, Neb. — A recent study done by We Care for Kids on childcare centers in Nebraska shows 49% of Nebraskans say childcare has gotten worse since the pandemic.

“Childcare is vital to our economy and having parents be able to reliably find affordable childcare," Wockenfuss said.

Dana Wockenfuss, director of development at the Women's Empowering Life Line (WELL), said plans to open a new daycare began back in 2020.

In Norfolk, after the North Hills closed down, over 600 kids under the age of five needed childcare in the area.

Executive Director Donny Larson said Northern Hills is planning to take state subsidies, which most daycare providers are unable to get.

“[Families in poverty] maybe haven’t been able to traditionally access childcare services because there are so many places that don’t take state subsidies," Larson said. "So that’s one of the populations we’re looking to serve to be able to provide them with quality childcare.”

Trying to keep competitive wages in the childcare field is an important aspect of the new childcare center.

“Childcare providers, they have to have education," Larson said. "This isn’t just about people babysitting. This  is about people providing child education.”

Starting wages will begin at $15 an hour but Larson said she would like to see that number increase in time.

For parents who work evening shifts, Larson said the daycare is planning to start their hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and will look to expand them after some time.