Skip to main content

Panhandle Childcare Expansion Project

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.

Thank You To Our Funding Partners!

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Partnerships, Collaboration & Support

Fiscal Agent: Panhandle Partnership, Inc.
Western Region Childcare Leadership Team:

  • Faith Mills, Panhandle Partnership, Inc. - Collective Impact Backbone Organization
  • Connor Wilburn, Panhandle Partnership, Inc. - Collective Impact Backbone Organization
  • Toshia Jones, 6 Regions, One Nebraska- Western Regional Navigator
  • Jamie Bright, University of Nebraska Panhandle Research and Extension Center – Communities 4 Kids (C4K) County Coordinator
  • Bryan Venable, Panhandle Area Development District – Economic Development Representative
  • Lori Marquez, Nebraska Department of Labor – Work Force Development Representative
  • Megan Barhafer, Panhandle Public Health District – Data Analyst
  • Nici Johnson, Educational Service Unit 13 – Early Childhood Expert
  • Valeria Rodriguez, Empowering Families – Community Advocacy and Education

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

Panhandle Partnership are Proud Members of:

MENU CLOSE