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New Survey Shows Nebraskans Experiencing Child Care Crisis

By Tom Stanton Mar 22, 2023 | 9:40 AM

A new statewide survey shows Nebraskans are experiencing a child care and early learning crisis that is hurting families, employers, and
Nebraska’s reputation as a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

The public opinion survey of registered voters was released by Nebraska Extension at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and We Care for Kids.  More than 80% of respondents said the lack of child care in Nebraska is a problem that will not solve itself and believe Nebraska should support child care and early learning like it does K-12 schools and higher education.

74% of respondents see the child care crisis as a serious problem facing the state, on par with crime and the cost of housing. “Families across Nebraska are at a crisis point in finding quality, affordable child care, and that is hurting everyone,” says Kathleen Lodl, Associate Dean and Professor at Nebraska Extension. “We have a responsibility to our children, our families, and our communities to come together as a state to identify effective solutions to address this crisis.”

She says this is also an opportunity to draw upon the many creative solutions that communities throughout Nebraska are using to meet the needs
of families, communities, and businesses.  “It will take all of us,”  Lodl says.

Click here to see the entire report.