Nebraska ranked 1st for kids’ economic well-being, but child care costs are still a problem

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The 2023 Kids Count Data Book was released Wednesday morning, and it ranks Nebraska children first in the nation for economic well-being.

But some organizations say there’s a discrepancy between the results of the study and the reality of child care challenges Nebraska families are facing.

Josh Shirk, a research coordinator at Voices for Children, said our state’s low unemployment rate went a long way in helping us land the top spot.

Despite all of those jobs, he said child care costs alone eat up about 10% of a couple’s income and 31% of a single parent’s income.

“Unfortunately, in today’s economy, it’s split into a high- and low-wage sector,” Shirk said. “And those who are working in the low-wage sector know that having a job does not guarantee you ‘the good life,’ even here in Nebraska.”

Michael Medwick with First Five Nebraska, an organization focused on expanding early childhood care, said child care costs vary depending on the children.

“Parents with very young children … tend to be younger families,” he said. “They may not have yet reached that peak earning potential that they have. They’re usually younger in their careers, and the financial impacts of child care costs on those families tends to be higher.”

As Channel 8 previously reported, the average cost of child care in Nebraska is often higher than in-state tuition at a four-year public university.

Emergency pandemic funds for child care providers are also set to run out at the end of September, so providers could increase their fees.

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Lincoln Littles said it works to bridge the gap for those who make too much to get subsidies but not enough to afford quality care.

Associate Director Suzanne Schneider said its programs have assisted thousands of families, so it’s surprising to hear that Nebraska was No. 1.

“It’s a little confusing to us on how some of those numbers turn out on reports the way they do when we do get calls weekly from parents looking for tuition assistance support,” she said.

Jennifer Sanchez, who works at Las Abejitas child care center, said the Lincoln Littles programs helped her to get her job and reduce tuition costs for her child.

She said these types of programs make it possible for many families who wouldn’t otherwise be able to get child care.

“There are a lot of families that need help, and part of the problem is that a lot of times they just don’t have the information of how to find the help they need,” she said.