‘I’m not sure where they all are’: Seward daycare has dozens of openings

SEWARD, Neb. (KLKN) – A Seward woman is taking over a child care center in Seward next week and she’s walking into a unique situation.

Tiffany Choma is the new director of Little Cubs Daycare Center, and she said many Nebraska families are struggling to find childcare.

When Choma talked to the previous director of the daycare she learned there were dozens of open spots waiting to be filled, which was surprising to her.

“I wasn’t expecting it when she told me how many kids she had,” Choma said. “I was really hoping for more numbers than that. I’m not sure where they all are.”

There are currently 27 children enrolled at Little Cubs, with six of them soon to be leaving.

The center’s capacity is 68, so Choma is looking for around 40 children to enroll in the program.

Choma believes there could be an explanation for why it’s so empty.

She said the former director wasn’t from Seward, and in a town that size, community connections can be valuable.

“So I’m hoping we can build that trust with parents and build that communication and advertise, let people know we’re here,” Choma said. “We’re here and we have the space.”

Many daycares are struggling with staffing shortages, but Choma said that’s one aspect that’s going really well.

There are enough employees for the amount of kids at the center, and since Choma made a post on Facebook, she’s had five people reach out for employment opportunities.

But right now, her main priority is finding new families in need of child care.

“Kids only get one chance at a childhood, and I’m here to make it great,” Choma said.