Lincoln childcare centers preparing for summer rush of kids

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The summer months are quickly approaching, and kids will be trading in the school classroom for a new place to play.

Childcare centers across Lincoln are getting ahead of the rush, making sure they’re ready for kids to come through the doors.

“Summer starts planning in January. January or December,” said Victoria Hagan, the Assistant Director at Kids First Inc. “We open up our registration in January for enrollment. We have 24 summer spots available.”

At Kids First Inc., easing parents’ minds is a top priority during the summer.

So to prevent an issue other childcare centers have experienced, they’re working to keep staff numbers up.

“We have a lot of staff who go to college here,” Hagan said. “Some are not from Lincoln, so we have to work with them if they’re going to go back home for the summer or stay here. If they’re staying, we keep them on staff for the summer. If they’re not, we have to hire out. This year, we’re hiring three new staff members to be with our kiddos.”

Although it does get busier in the summer, Hagan said they are used to the loud noise.

Another big hurdle is how to keep kids entertained and ensure they have the best summer possible.

“I do all of the activity planning, field trip planning,” Hagan said. “Field trips in the Lincoln area fill up so quickly, so you have to do it right in January to get on their books, because you’re competing with other centers to get days and times.”