The Child Care Network

The Child Care Network’s goal is to address the industry’s greatest challenges including antiquated business practices, low wages, isolation, and a large number of educators leaving the field. Since its inception, the network has grown to serve more than 1,400 child care providers across Nebraska.

Woman reading a book to a child

The Child Care Network Biannual Report

October 2020 – September 2022

In August 2020, NECC’s Quality Child Care Partnerships department launched a statewide initiative to respond to the growing challenges facing the child care industry. This program, called the Child Care Network, was born out of two innovative pilot projects and initiated in 2019. The Child Care Network’s goal is to address the industry’s greatest challenges including antiquated business practices, low wages, isolation, and large numbers of educators leaving the field.

In November 2022, a survey was sent out to Network participants who, in the last two years had participated in one or more program components. The purpose was to obtain their feedback on the degree they were satisfied with the program, the extent the program helped them with their business practices, their ability to obtain licensure, and to improve their interactions with children in their programs.

The Child Care Network improved educators’ business practices.

Many educators commented that participation in network activities helped them view themselves as professionals, become more knowledgeable on how to run their businesses, and gave them a chance to make connections with other educators.

Agreed they felt supported in their job

Agreed that network activities were helpful

Agreed their income increased

Get More Insights into NECC’S Child Care Network

“I have been doing child care for 35 years. The classes that I have taken… have helped me realize that I am a professional and not just a babysitter.”