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

This article originally appeared on and was written for Twin Cities Development Association by Golden Shovel Agency.

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.”

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