The Best Daycare Centers in Hershey, NE
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Hershey. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Hershey
Little Sprouts Childcare
Independent
Little Sprouts Childcare is Hershey's premier local childcare facility, offering personalized care in a home-like environment. The center provides a structured educational program that focuses on early childhood development through play-based learning and age-appropriate academic preparation. Staff members are certified in early childhood education and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios to ensure individualized attention. The facility features secure indoor learning spaces and safe outdoor play areas, with emphasis on safety protocols and regular communication with parents about child development milestones.
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North Platte Catholic Schools Early Childhood Program
North Platte Catholic Schools
Located just 15 minutes from Hershey in North Platte, this highly-regarded early childhood program combines academic preparation with faith-based values. The curriculum focuses on kindergarten readiness through structured learning activities, literacy development, and social skills building. Certified early childhood educators provide instruction in purpose-built classrooms with modern educational resources. The program emphasizes character development, community values, and parent partnership, with comprehensive safety measures and secure facility access.
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Great Beginnings Preschool & Childcare
Independent
Serving the Hershey area from nearby North Platte, Great Beginnings offers a comprehensive early childhood program with research-based curriculum and developmental tracking. The center features age-specific classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds, and certified teachers trained in early childhood education. Their educational approach balances structured learning with creative play, focusing on literacy, mathematics readiness, and social-emotional development. The facility maintains strict safety protocols, nutritional meal programs, and regular parent communication through digital platforms.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Hershey, NE
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Hershey, NE, and how do I find them?
In Hershey and the surrounding Lincoln County area, licensed childcare options primarily include family childcare homes (in-home providers) and daycare centers. Due to Hershey's smaller, rural community, family childcare homes are often the most prevalent and accessible option. To find licensed providers, parents should start with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Child Care Licensing website, which maintains an online searchable database. Additionally, contacting the local Child Care Referral service through the Panhandle Public Health District (which serves multiple counties) can provide personalized referrals. It's also common to find recommendations through local community networks, the Hershey Public Schools, or community bulletin boards.
What is the typical cost for full-time childcare in Hershey, and are there any local or state assistance programs?
In Hershey and rural Nebraska, costs for full-time childcare are generally lower than in metropolitan areas, but availability can be limited. For a licensed family childcare home, you might expect to pay between $120 to $180 per week for an infant or toddler. Rates for preschool-aged children may be slightly less. The Nebraska DHHS offers the Child Care Subsidy Program (often called "Title XX" or "ADC") for income-eligible families to help offset these costs. Eligibility is based on family size, income, and reason for care (e.g., employment, education). Parents in Hershey can apply through the North Platte DHHS office, which serves Lincoln County. It's crucial to apply early, as funding can be limited.
Are there long waitlists for daycare in Hershey, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Given Hershey's size, there are a limited number of licensed providers, which can lead to waitlists, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for popular family childcare homes or the limited center-based options in nearby North Platte to have waitlists of several months. To secure a spot, parents are advised to begin their search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Contact multiple providers to get on their waitlists, and be prepared to be flexible. Building a relationship with local providers by visiting (if possible) and communicating your needs clearly can also be beneficial. Exploring options in neighboring towns like Sutherland or North Platte may increase availability.
What are Nebraska's key licensing requirements for childcare providers that I should look for as a parent?
Nebraska law requires all childcare providers caring for four or more children from different families to be licensed by DHHS. Key requirements parents should verify include: annual health and safety inspections, background checks for all adults in the home or center, ongoing training in topics like Safe Sleep and First Aid/CPR, and adherence to staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants). Licensed providers will have their license visibly posted. You can also check a provider's compliance history online through the DHHS licensing portal for any serious violations. In a small town like Hershey, a provider's local reputation and word-of-mouth recommendations are also valuable indicators of quality.
What resources or programs exist for preschool-age children in Hershey, NE, outside of traditional daycare?
For preschool-age children (typically 3-5 years), Hershey Public Schools offers an early childhood education program. This may include preschool classes that operate on a partial-day schedule, which can be a complement to or substitute for full-time daycare. Availability may be based on screening for developmental needs or through a tuition-based slot. Additionally, some licensed family childcare homes in the area incorporate preschool curricula. For a more structured preschool experience, parents sometimes look to programs in North Platte, a short commute away. It's important to inquire about transportation, as it is often not provided for preschool programs in rural settings like Hershey.