Affordability
Every family deserves access to quality child care —
without impossible financial barriers.
Finding affordable, high-quality child care can feel overwhelming. Paying for child care can place enormous pressure on families. Lincoln Littles helps connect families and providers with tuition assistance and support that can make quality early childhood education more accessible.
Why Affordability Matters
For many families, the cost of child care is one of the biggest challenges to balancing work, school and everyday life. In Nebraska:
Parents are often forced to make difficult decisions about work opportunities, school and the type of care they can afford for their children.
- Child care is among the least affordable in the nation.
- The annual cost of care can take up a significant portion of a family's income.
- Many families earn too much to qualify for state subsidy — but still struggle to afford quality care.
Our Approach
How Lincoln Littles Supports Affordability
Making Child Care More Affordable
Since its inception, Lincoln Littles has raised and distributed nearly $5 million in childcare tuition assistance.
Helping Families Access Tuition Assistance
Emergency and ongoing tuition assistance can help families continue working, attend school and maintain stability during difficult seasons.
Qualifying Child Care Programs
Licensed childcare providers are eligible to offer tuition assistance by meeting quality standards, including participating in Nebraska Step Up to Quality at Step 3 or higher.
Connecting Families to Resources
Families can explore childcare options, learn about subsidy programs and use tools that help determine possible eligibility for assistance.
Building Long-Term Solutions
Affordability takes more than short-term fixes. Collaboration, advocacy and public funding efforts can help expand access to quality care for more children and families over time.
The Goal
Access to more affordable, quality child care helps children thrive, supports working families and strengthens the entire community.
Your support helps more local families access the care and opportunities they need. Give today.
Stories
About Affordability
Affordability · Policy
Small Voices, Big Echoes: How the Lincoln Early Childhood Network Strengthens the Foundation
In the marble halls of the Nebraska State Capitol, the distance between policy and people can sometimes feel vast. But on a cold December Tuesday, that gap disappeared — bridged by a wagon, a group of dedicated childcare providers, and the innocent curiosity of children. “Who sits at all those desks?” The question came from […]
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About Us · Affordability · Quality
Meet Sara, Lincoln Littles New Tuition & Quality Manager!
Sara Voss has dedicated her life to bettering early childcare. With over 20 years dedicated to early childhood education, Sara’s professional journey has equipped her with a deep understanding of the field’s challenges and rewards. Her love for working with children of all ages and their families is vast. With her experience and love for […]
Read story Affordability
Tuition assistance a “game changer” for families
Kylie Burket has an adorable little boy, Hudson, who requires childcare while his mom returns to graduate school this fall to become a mentalhealth counselor. Malika Lockett works at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln Children’s Center, yet as the major breadwinner faces the daunting price tag of childcare for her three children: Zy’Aire, who […]
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