By Andrew Coughlin, OMAHA, Neb. – Parents across Omaha are facing an increasingly dire childcare shortage across the metro, with long waitlists, costs increasing by the day, and staffing shortages that push many families to scramble. As demand for daycare services skyrockets, working parents are being compelled to make difficult choices, including cutting back hours on their jobs.
Childcare providers cite multiple factors behind the shortage, including a lack of staff, rising costs, and regulatory barriers. Many daycare centers say that they would like to expand but can’t find or afford enough qualified staff to increase capacity.
They also point to increasing operational costs. Rent, food, and supplies have all gone up in price with the recent economic uncertainty, which makes it harder for daycares to remain financially stable and provide the care that they must. Some organizations have even been forced to close, further exacerbating the shortage.
For many parents and families, the lack of available daycare is forcing them to make tough decisions. Some turn to relatives for childcare, while others consider unlicensed or unregulated daycare options. The financial burden is also growing, with costs in Omaha rivaling those of rent or a mortgage. The situation is especially challenging for students who may have children, as many are dependent on campus-affiliated daycare programs, but those too are facing staff shortages and limited capacity.
Jennifer Adhima of the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative (NECC) suggests that Omaha needs a combination of policy changes and community-driven solutions to address the crisis. “Nebraska state and local governments obviously play a crucial role in addressing our childcare issues”, said Adhima. “We really need government to support policies that enhance accessibility.”
For now, many families remain in limbo, navigating an uncertain future in a city where proper daycare is becoming increasingly scarce. Parents, providers, and advocates are calling for action, but whether meaningful change will come around remains to be seen. As Omaha continues to grow, addressing this shortage is crucial to supporting families and children.
Watch the full report by Andrew Coughlin here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeZnJexUIKg
