COLUMBUS — Access to quality early childhood care impacts every community in Nebraska. It is a complex issue—balancing affordability for families, meeting licensing requirements, and supporting a professional, well-trained workforce. This balance often comes at a cost, and too often, that cost becomes a burden for working parents.
When families cannot access affordable, quality care, our workforce suffers. Employers struggle to find and retain workers, and our economy pays the price. According to We Care for Kids “In Nebraska, more than 75 percent of children under age six live in homes where all adults work. These families rely on early childhood educators to continue the nurturing and learning that begins at home. Supporting and investing in these professionals is essential — not just for the children they care for, but for the future of our workforce and the strength of our state.”
But help is available in the form of tax credits offered by the state of Nebraska. Columbus Area United Way, Community & Family Partnership and other area organizations want to increase the public knowledge of these tax credits that will not only benefit the taxpayer but qualifying early childhood care providers. They are offering a presentation on Thursday, Oct. 16 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Kramer Conference Center located at 2410 16th St. in Columbus. A meal and child care will be provided for those that wish to attend. Registration is required. Please register at https://web.nechamber.com/atlas/events/child-care-resources-743/details.