New report, backed by City of Lincoln, shows inadequate child care impacts

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A new report from First Five Nebraska, sponsored by the City of Lincoln, Lancaster County, the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and Lincoln Littles, examined the availability of childcare in the area and the impact of those findings.

The report, “Growing with Care: Child Care and Economic Opportunity in Lancaster County,”  found that families earning less than $100,000 were more likely to experience economic challenges related to child care.

“When families can’t find or afford quality child care, it affects more than their budgets—it affects their ability to work, meet basic needs and build a stable future,” Anne Brandt, the executive director of Lincoln Littles, said. “This report makes clear that child care is essential to the well-being of families and the economic strength of our community.”

The report also showed a loss of $264.2 million in lost labor income due to inadequate child care.

Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said the findings affirm the City’s decisions to direct $2 million toward early childhood education.

“The findings of this report reinforce why this work matters and why we must continue looking for solutions that strengthen our workforce and support our families,” Gaylor Baird said. “We also know that no single organization can solve this challenge alone. It takes employers, child care providers, educators, government, families and community partners working together.”

According to the report, child care programs in Lancaster County have decreased 25.6% since 2019, starting with 442 and having 329 in 2026.