Kelly's Kids North East Child Care Center Serving Children and Families in Lincoln with Quality Early Childhood Education Programs.
Frequently Asked Questions Kelly's Kids Childcare
Q: How can I schedule a tour and meet the director of Kelly’s Kids?
A: To tour call (402) 436-4005. You can speak with the Director or Assistant Director to schedule a tour. They will answer any questions you may have, and set up a time for a tour; appointments can be scheduled during business hours.
Q: Is there a parent handbook that answers many of these questions in detail?
A: Yes. We have prepared a parent handbook that details our center policies. Anyone scheduling a perspective enrollment meeting will be provided with a copy of the handbook.
Q: What payment methods are accepted?
A: Payment for childcare service is paid in advance, every other Friday. We accept cash, checks, or money orders.
Q: Do you accept state aid?
A: In Nebraska, this is referred to as Title 20. The State of Nebraska, through several programs, provides financial aid on a needs basis to cover childcare. The state pays the funds directly to the childcare provider. The provider voluntarily enters into a contract with the state to provide this service. Kelly’s Kids Learning and Development Center is now accepting a limited number of Title 20 enrollments.
Q: Why is childcare so expensive?
A: We realize that paying for childcare can be a major part of your household budget. Providing quality childcare in a safe environment with trained staff is a complex undertaking, much more than babysitting on a grand scale. A commercial childcare center is very much like a public school; however, it is totally paid for with private funds. While at first glance the facility might seem like the major expense, it is actually the cost of providing payroll for the staff that eclipses all other expenses. Having stated this, it should be noted that people who choose to enter the childcare field do so because they love kids, not for financial gain. This statement is true for the teachers, and it is also true for the owners/operators of childcare centers.
There are many childcare options in Lincoln, from in-home, to church-based, to commercial centers. All childcare providers struggle with finding a balance between charging enough to meet payroll and operating expenses, and providing quality care at a cost that parents can afford.
When we established our initial fee structure, it was based on a careful analysis of our overhead, our child to teacher ratios, and a fair wage necessary to attract qualified and energetic teachers and support staff. The ratios for younger children and infants in particular are much lower, and as a result, the fee for younger children is higher. This is the case with other caregivers across Lincoln. Once we had these cost-analysis figures, we compared them to the average cost of care from similar centers located in Lincoln. Our cost-analysis numbers were within a few dollars per week of the average Lincoln rates. This process confirmed our belief that it is the love of kids that bring people into this venture, not the love of money.
Q: Do you accept children with disabilities?
A: The answer to this is generally, yes. We are happy to assess the appropriateness of Kelly’s Kids Learning and Development Center as a fit for children with special needs. Federal laws govern the terms of acceptance, and we are happy to discuss needs on an individual basis. Our center meets all of the latest ADA, safety requirements and building codes.
Q: Do you have a bus or will you pick up and/or drop off?
A: At present, we offer before and after school care, as well as a summer program for
“school agers” at Kelly’s Kids North. We have a 15-passenger bus and provide drop off and pick up to Norwood Park Elementary school. If we receive enough interest, we may add drop offs and pick ups from Pershing Elementary school.
Q: Do you have a part time program?
A: We will do our best to accommodate a limited number of part time openings. In our young toddler room, we have 4-day care available, and in our toddler, preschool, and pre-kindergarten classrooms we offer both 3 and 4 day care. Infant care is only available on a full-time basis. Please call to inquire if we currently have space, or check the website home page under the announcements for openings.