Gering Takes a Multi-Faceted Approach to Reducing the Childcare Deficit

Childcare is a national economic development issue, with up to 1.9 million parents reducing their hours or missing work monthly because of inadequate childcare. Lack of access is also felt in Scotts Bluff County, with the community losing $6.9 million annually (and businesses losing $3.9 million in lost productivity) due to inadequate childcare.

“When there is a crisis, look for the helpers,” says Jordan Diedrich, Executive Director of the Twin Cities Development Association (TCD). “There are multiple organizations and community leaders across Western Nebraska working to improve childcare options and support families. The changes we have seen in the past five years have been incredible.”

The community of Gering, in particular, has made significant changes through its Communities 4 Kids program. Learn how this program helps families and how the entire region benefits from childcare. 

Gering Increased Its Preschool Footprint to 10 Classrooms 

In 2020, Gering Public Schools had two classrooms dedicated to preschool education. When it received a grant to develop the Communities 4 Kids program, it set out to make a long-term difference in childcare access for local families.

“We discovered there were 264 children who weren’t participating in any form of early learning, preschool, or daycare,” says Jennifer Sibal, Director of Communications & Engagement at Gering Public Schools. “In a community of our size, that’s a lot of kids.”

Demand for childcare was so high that businesses would call asking about preschool openings. Local companies wanted to hire employees, but knew parents couldn’t work without childcare.

In the following years, Gering Public Schools worked to increase its preschool offerings to 10 classrooms, each accommodating 15 to 20 children. Gering Communities 4 Kids also worked with private providers, local public organizations, and passionate individuals who cared about childcare. Today, there are fewer than 100 kids needing childcare access in Gering. The work isn’t done, but the community has made significant strides. 

Increasing Childcare Access Was a Team Effort

Sibal says growing childcare options in Gering wouldn’t have been possible without private childcare providers. Local daycares took steps to expand their capacity and increase their offerings, aligning with the vision of Gering Communities 4 Kids.

“The part I am most proud of is how the entire community came together,” says Sibal. “Private and public partnerships are essential to support our families. We call it braiding resources because we are layering multiple solutions to address the problems.”

For example, Gering Public Schools developed programs with the YMCA. Kids can enjoy after-school programs during the year and day camps in the summer. When school is out, camp is in session. The day runs from 7:30 to 5:30 to accommodate work schedules, and there are free meal options for kids who need them. These camps are also entertaining. The YMCA has more than 50 community partners that offer field trips or bring fun experiences to the campers.

The childcare efforts specifically target parents who fall in the middle ground of affordability: they make just enough to not qualify for daycare assistance, but they still can’t afford private childcare. Gering Communities 4 Kids works to find government subsidies and scholarships to make daycare affordable for these families. 

Gering Has Quality Private and Non-Profit Childcare Providers 

Multiple daycare providers across Gering want to expand but lack the resources. The Learning Tree, for example, has proudly served the community since 2006 and has become a staple for families across town. The center can only accommodate 60 children at a time and has a waiting list for infant care.

“We continue to receive calls daily for care,” says Kerri Garvin, Director at The Learning Tree. “We have positive relationships with our families, which is why people are attracted to us.”

Garvin and her team are working to create a community garden so kids can learn while getting their hands dirty. This garden gives kids experiences like picking and eating their own vegetables and watching plants grow.

The Learning Tree sees the benefits of Communities 4 Kids because it helps address significant daycare gaps in Gering. While Garvin’s facility is at capacity, other providers across the region can step in to help support families.

“Structured daily routines are a huge benefit for kids,” says Katy McAllister, Assistant Director at The Learning Tree. “They know to expect the same thing each day. Daycare also gives them school readiness by being with others and building relationships outside the home, both with adults and other kids.”

McAllister adds that kids can improve their cognitive and motor development alongside their peers. They may learn to speak sooner, walk sooner, and play with age-appropriate toys through daycare centers.

“We are trying to create a safe learning environment for children,” says Garvin. “We are creating a second home for kids and want parents to trust us when they drop them off each day.”

Scotts Bluff County is Committed to Providing Childcare 

Access to childcare is an economic issue because it affects residents' employment, spending power, and tax collection. It also affects companies' productivity and profits. When family members have lower incomes because they can’t work due to childcare needs, they can’t support local businesses.  

However, childcare access is also important on an individual level. Research shows 90% of the brain develops by age five. Time spent in daycare and preschool settings, when kids learn motor skills, curiosity, and social skills like sharing, can help them succeed throughout their entire lives.

“We are talking about prevention versus intervention,” says Sibal. “The first years are the foundation on which the rest of your life is built.”  

The next generation of Western Nebraska entrepreneurs, community leaders, and problem solvers is currently in preschool. Daycare options through Gering Communities 4 Kids and The Learning Tree play an essential role in preparing these kids for success. 

Multiple Organizations Support Western Nebraska Families 

Several organizations are committed to improving life in Western Nebraska and supporting the families here. These groups range from childcare providers like Gering Communities 4 Kids to organizations that offer workforce housing loans and entrepreneurial resources. When everyone contributes their skills and follows their passions, the entire region can grow.  

“We are primed for innovation,” says Sibal. “This isn’t just one person’s problem to solve. We will figure it out together.”

Learn more about the services offered by TCD and how it works with communities across Western Nebraska to help them grow. Whether you are a business owner or resident, you can benefit from economic development efforts.