‘My heart broke’: Crete families feeling the pain of funding delays at local childcare center

CRETE, Neb. (KLKN) — The Blue River Early Learning Academy was forced to make devastating decisions when it comes to childcare.

The academy is a program within Blue Valley Community Action that serves both private-pay and Head Start families.

But due to critical funding delays and a staffing shortage, the organizations decided to reduce their hours and the number of private-pay childcare spots.

Adrienne Riley is one of the families who can no longer rely on the center’s care.

“We had been there for six years, and my daughter grew up there. Forcing her to leave everything she’s known was tough,” she said.

Families affected by the changes received a letter in advance.

But with Crete having limited childcare options, Riley said she had to think quickly.

“That morning, when I received the letter, all sorts of things were going through my head,” she said. “Am I going to be able to find a spot? Am I going to have to quit my job?”

Thankfully, Riley found another place to take her three children, but it was an emotional decision.

“My biggest worry was how was my daughter going to adjust to meeting new teachers, and new friends because she got along so well there,” she said. “We woke up, we went to daycare, she got to see her friends and she loved her teachers, she loved her friends. My heart broke for her.”

Blue Valley Community Action chose to consolidate its services in Saline County into a single building, but until it has more staff, the funding isn’t sufficient.

Head Start and Head Start families will not be affected.

The organization’s focus remains on protecting classroom quality, staff stability, and child safety.

Chief Executive Officer Shari Weber said it was not an easy decision, but the future is too uncertain.

“Our program is funded by private pay and also through grant funds,” she said. “So, it just became a financial difficulty for our agency to continue to be able to provide that.”