Panhandle Childcare Expansion Project
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The Panhandle Childcare Expansion Project in collaboration with Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative (NECC) will expand access to licensed Family Home childcare in the Panhandle of Nebraska through mentorship, training, and financial support for providers. The project aims to create 200–250 new childcare spots across 25 Family Home providers over 30 months, ensuring families have reliable childcare, and employers can attract and retain workers.
Why This Matters
- Childcare is economic infrastructure: without it, families struggle and businesses lose talent.
- Licensed, high-quality care = safer environments and better outcomes.
- Existing providers need support to scale and sustain.
Regional Benefits
- Workforce stability – parents can work knowing care is available.
- Stronger local economies & business growth. Healthier child & family development.
- Improved community retention & resilience.
Your Investment Supports
- Stipends for new and expanding childcare providers.
- Mentorship from experienced providers.
- Creating sustainable solutions for childcare.
- More childcare spots in Western Nebraska.
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Program Application
Thank You To Our Funding Partners!
Partnerships, Collaboration & Support
Fiscal Agent: Panhandle Partnership, Inc.
Western Region Childcare Leadership Team:
- Faith Mills, Panhandle Partnership, Inc.
- Connor Wilburn, Panhandle Partnership, Inc.
- Toshia Jones, 6 Regions, One Nebraska
- Jamie Bright, University of Nebraska Panhandle Research and Extension Center
- Bryan Venable, Panhandle Area Development District
- Lori Marquez, Nebraska Department of Labor
- Megan Barhafer, Panhandle Public Health District
- Nici Johnson, Educational Service Unit 13
- Valeria Rodriguez, Empowering Families
Statewide Partners:
- Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative (NECC)
- First Five Nebraska
- Rooted in Relationships
- Sixpence
Regional Partners:
- Panhandle Partnership System of Care Birth to Eight - Over 20 panhandle wide childcare
organizations - 6 Regions, One Nebraska – Central Region Childcare Action Team
