NORFOLK, Neb. — A new daycare center is coming to Norfolk, the result of a five-year agreement between the Norfolk Area Childcare Collaborative (NACC) and First Presbyterian Church. The center is set to accommodate over 50 children, addressing a critical childcare shortage in the region.

For the past three years, the NACC, a business-led group, has been working to alleviate the childcare shortage in Norfolk and its surrounding communities. According to the NACC, a study last fall revealed a gap of 299 childcare spots in Norfolk alone, not including the additional needs in nearby Pierce, Battle Creek, Stanton, and Madison.

The NACC initially considered remodeling space in the Daycos building, which offers 5,000 square feet of unused space. However, the high cost and limited capacity only housed 35 children. They also explored the possibility of using the local Legion building next door, which could house a larger number of children, but the estimated $3 million price tag proved too expensive.

On Thursday, Oct. 16, the NACC finalized an agreement with First Presbyterian Church to utilize their educational space. This partnership will allow the center to serve up to 71 children, significantly expanding childcare options in the area.

This initiative, backed by Flood Communications, Daycos, Northeast Community College, and Elkhorn Valley Bank, not only benefits the community but also provides employers with an incentive to retain valuable employees.

NACC Project Coordinator Beth Shashikant emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "A lot of times businesses have trouble hiring because potential employees can't find childcare when they move here. So, with this model, our businesses have the advantage of being able to offer a spot in the childcare center."

While the childcare space isn't quite ready, Shashikant anticipates that after a few fire inspections and board meetings to ensure it's fully child-care proof, the center could open within the next year. "We do need a few things in that building," Shashikant said. "The biggest one is installing fire suppression sprinklers in that space, and we are looking at opening sometime in the spring of 2026."