On January 27, Nebraska’s Ravenna area officially became the 75th community to partner with Communities for Kids (C4K). That means Nebraska now has 75 communities collaborating with the initiative and the larger C4K network to develop community-led solutions that address local child care challenges and expand access to quality early childhood education.
The core team members in the Ravenna area applied to be a part of C4K to help their community prioritize child care efforts, and listed out a dozen short- and long-term goals in their application that will help give their early childhood landscape the boost it needs.
“This is a great group,” said Shonna Werth, Assistant Vice President of Early Childhood Programs (C4K) at Nebraska Children and Families Foundation (Nebraska Children). Shonna is is providing technical assistance to the community. “They’ve brought so many stakeholders to the table already—the team has members representing economic development, the local school, parents, health care workers, city council, child care professionals, and business owners of all kind! They are having important conversations and are eager to get to work organizing. C4K is so excited for this partnership.”
A Mission Rooted in Community
Established in 2017 by Nebraska Children, C4K has collaborated with communities to develop a scalable model for establishing and enhancing quality child care services.
“At C4K, our mission is grounded in the belief that the answers to a community’s challenges will be found in that community,” shares Marti Beard, Vice President for Early Childhood Programs (C4K) at Nebraska Children. “This guiding philosophy shapes our unique initiative features, employing a collective impact approach to tailor and co-create effective solutions for rural communities.”
C4K partners with community leaders, organizations, and stakeholders to identify challenges and develop sustainable solutions. Through strategic collaborations, communities gain access to essential resources, enhance educational opportunities, and advocate for policies that support children and families. Community core teams are empowered to engage their broader community, use data to shape strategies and messaging, and leverage statewide networks and resources. Progress is measured in three key areas: quality and capacity, scalability, and economic impact.
The results speak for themselves—just in 2024, C4K helped create 2,000 new child care spots across Nebraska.
Addressing Nebraska’s Child Care Shortage
Expanding child care capacity is no small task, especially in Nebraska, where access to quality child care remains a significant challenge.
According to a 2023 report from the nonprofit Voices for Children in Nebraska, 84 of the state’s 93 counties lack enough licensed child care facilities to meet the demand. Nine counties were classified as “child care deserts,” meaning there are little or no licensed facilities available for families living there.
By working with public and private organizations, C4K supports communities in planning and implementing strategies to increase access to early childhood education. Each partnership is customized to fit a community’s unique strengths and needs, ensuring long-term, sustainable growth.
Collaboration for Thriving Communities
Access to quality child care is not just a family issue—it’s a critical factor in community economic development. Without reliable child care, parents struggle to maintain stable employment, businesses face workforce shortages, and local economies suffer. Communities that invest in early childhood education see long-term benefits, including a stronger workforce, increased job retention, and economic growth. C4K is helping communities build a more sustainable and prosperous future.
C4K’s success is built on collaboration. Community leaders, organizations, and individuals work together to enhance access to critical resources, expand educational opportunities, and advocate for policies prioritizing children and families.
By investing in young children today, these communities are shaping Nebraska’s future. Every community’s unique contributions help create environments where children can thrive, grow, and succeed.
Support the Expansion of Child Care in Nebraska
Celebrate this incredible milestone with us! Follow Communities for Kids on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates on the communities they serve. You can also sign up for their eNewsletter to stay informed about upcoming initiatives and success stories on communitiesforkids.org.
To support the expansion of child care in Nebraska, make your gift at NebraskaChildren.org/GetInvolved.
© 2025 Nebraska Children and Families Foundation. All rights reserved.
Nebraska Children’s mission is to create positive change for Nebraska’s children through community engagement.
Growing the Good Life 
Leave a comment