The Self-Sufficiency Standard for the Omaha, NE MSA 2002 for one (1) adult and two (2) children was $37,357 according to the Appleseed Center for Law, Lincoln NE. A woman with two children of her own providing child care in her home for state-subsidied children would find it hard to meet that self-sufficiency standard because their average annual income runs about $12,000. Without being licensed, although approved by the state, these providers can only legally care for a maximum of three (3) children. Most of these women can't afford the costs associated with obtaining a child care license. If they had the means to meet all of the licensing requirements their income could increase by 30% or to an annual income of about $40,000.
Midwest wants to help these women meet the self-sufficiency standard in Omaha and Lincoln metro areas. We can do so by providing them business start-up funds to become licensed. These funds would help providers pay for such costs as the electrically-wired fire/smoke detectors (approximate cost $500-$900) required by the state. Or help with purchasing a stove or refrigerator ($300-$800), new paint and a handrail ($150), even a fence to surround their yard ($800- $1200). With these improvements, the home can be licensed allowing these women to care for more children. An added benefit to this effort is these women will then increase the availability, accessibility and affordability of child care to other low income parents who are looking for employment or job training.

 

 

 

 

standard in
Omaha and Lincoln metro areas. We can do so by providing them business start-up funds to become licensed. These funds would help providers pay for such costs as the electrically-wired fire/smoke detectors (approximate cost $500) required by the state. Or help with purchasing a stove or refrigerator ($300), new paint and a handrail ($150), even a fence to surround their yard ($800). With these improvements, the home can be licensed allowing these women to care for more children. An added benefit to this effort is these women will then increase the availability, accessibility and affordability of child care to other low income parents who are looking for employment or job training.