$150,000 in grants give extra boost to 24 Lincoln child care centers

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Around 1,500 kids are benefitting from grants handed out by Lincoln Littles.

Nearly $150,000 was given to 24 different child care centers in the capital city.

“Child care providers don’t have access to extra funding,” said Suzanne Schneider, the associate director of Lincoln Littles. “And as we know, they’re making every dollar stretch as is, and they’re focused on their wages and their staff.”

The nonprofit partnered with the Lincoln/Lancaster County Joint Budget Committee to help providers buy things they might not be able to afford.

Highlands Academy, a child care center in north Lincoln, was one of the recipients.

The rooms at the center all have a fresh coat of paint and plenty of new toys.

Schneider said many providers are doing their best to keep their rates low for parents, but the minimum wage is going up again next year, so they’re in a tough spot financially.

She said these grants can take a bit of that stress off.

“If we can put some dollars and focus on quality, it’s a win-win,” Schneider said.

She said these smaller investments now can have a big payoff in the future, helping the children in their day-to-day life.

“They’re engaged, and they’re busy,” Schneider said. “And it helps begin that lifelong love of learning. It helps with that kindergarten readiness.”