Norfolk Childcare Collaborative aims to close the gap on affordable child care

NORFOLK, Neb. -- Childcare in Nebraska is a hot button topic.

This is a big issue in a lot of towns in Nebraska, as a lot of parents and families have limited access to these places. Because of that, it's causing many people and families to not take jobs because they have to take care of their children. This is where the Norfolk Childcare Collaborative steps in to help address the issue.

“Without knowing more, it's never going to grow," said Kelsey Schnoor, Director of St. John Early Learning Center. "And the childcare crisis is only going to get worse.”

According to a study from the Buffet System, 10% of childcare systems closed during COVID in Nebraska. In Norfolk, 433 children under the age of six are not enrolled in a childcare system. With the closure of Northern Hills, that number is closer to 600. 

“In Battle Creek, specifically, there's a shortage of childcare, just like in Norfolk, it's the same thing,” Schnoor said. “There's not a lot of facilities and a lot of that is a multifaceted problem and a lot of it comes from the cost of care.”

While St. John is able to keep a steady sail, other places are struggling. 

“We offer full benefits, but it's hard to offer too many of those because benefits are expensive for small businesses,” Schnoor said. “To be able to offer benefits for our staff, plus pay them a livable wage; it's not sustainable for us to do on our own.”

Many childcare services have to rely on part-time employees and low wages. Because these are not sustainable, many people are forced to seek other areas of work. 

This is where Norfolk Childcare Collaborative steps in; offering not only funding but heading the support for childcare in northeast Nebraska. 

Jessica Walker, General Manager at Flood Communications, spoke about how the company contributes not only through funding, but through education and leadership. 

“Flood Communications along with the other six core member organizations, we really get to help lead this and define what it looks like,” Walker said. “We have a lot of people that are helping. Our current, you know, childcare facilities, we're getting their input from the community from, you know, people with the state. We get a lot of input and we really get to decide what this looks like and make sure it's a success for northeast Nebraska and other communities.”

Flood Communications is only one of seven member organizations involved. The others include: Continental Manufacturing, Daycos Revenue Solutions, Elkhorn Valley Bank, Northeast Community College, Norfolk Medical Group and Unity Eye Center. 

“I think having a collaborative model, it'll help bring other people to the table so it's not on one entity to cover the cost,” Schnoor said. “So with that, there's a lot more. There's a lot more that can be brought to the table. As far as funding goes. There's a lot more voices to be heard.” 

Construction for the first facility is anticipated to begin construction in early 2025.