The Critical Role of Childcare in Supporting Omaha Families Amid Adversity
OMAHA, Neb. – Troy Lawrence, the owner and director of Benjamin Academy Daycare, is devoted to providing essential support to Omaha’s children and their families around the clock. As an advocate for working parents, Lawrence addresses one of the significant challenges in childcare availability—especially for those employed in non-traditional shifts.
“The demand for flexible childcare options often goes unmet, particularly for parents who work third shifts,” stated Lawrence. “Many facilities close by 6 p.m., leaving limited options for parents who are trying to secure employment during those hours.”
The urgency of this issue has become particularly pronounced in light of recent trends in Douglas County, where a report from the Nebraska Legislature indicated that 47 childcare facilities shut their doors during the pandemic in 2020. The closures have brought the ongoing childcare crisis into sharp focus and highlighted the strain that financial difficulties, staffing shortages, and mental health challenges have placed on licensed providers.
Bryonna Ward, a representative from the organization I Be Black Girl, shares insights on these pressing concerns. “The decline in licensed childcare providers is alarming and unsustainable,” Ward commented. She oversees the organization’s Childcare Business Catalyst Program, an initiative designed to empower childcare providers like Lawrence with necessary business training. The program focuses on key areas such as branding, marketing, financial management, and strategic planning.
Lawrence has benefitted significantly from this program, stating, “It has broadened my perspective on investing back into my business.” Her enthusiasm speaks to the broader potential for positive change within the childcare landscape as she continues to adapt and grow her operations.
The inaugural cohort of the Childcare Business Catalyst Program is set to celebrate their graduation on December 7, 2024, marking an important milestone for these new childcare advocates. A second cohort is anticipated to launch in 2025, further contributing to the stabilization of the childcare industry in the region.
As the community grapples with the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, the need for reliable, accessible childcare services remains a priority for many families. The concerted efforts by providers like Lawrence and organizations such as I Be Black Girl aim to rebuild and strengthen this crucial sector of the economy.
In a rapidly evolving employment landscape, addressing childcare access is not merely a private concern; it is a community imperative that fosters family well-being and economic stability.
