OUR MISSION
To create community-driven solutions and partnerships which address family needs for high-quality care, produce engaging and educational environments for children, and allow local providers to grow thriving businesses.
OUR VISION
Our vision is a vibrant community that values quality early child care as a path to economic prosperity by attracting more families, helping providers start and grow their own businesses, offering quality local training and education, and supporting innovative child care solutions as a leader and partner in Nebraska.
OUR HISTORY
Loup Valley Childhood Initiative (LVCI) began with a question many families in rural communities find themselves asking, "What are we going to do for child care?" A simple conversation about struggles with finding care for our youngest community members led to what is now a movement of area residents and leaders to create change for future generations.
Loup Valley Childhood Initiative was formed in April 2020. Led by a volunteer group of Core Team members with various backgrounds and expertise, LVCI quickly gained momentum by advocating for and offering educational and financial resources related to the quality and capacity of local childcare. These volunteers joined forces to start the conversation of creating change in the Loup Valley, not just for working families, but also for children and their future as citizens in the Valley County area.
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Read more about LVCI's impacts here.
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While our history is still being written, there are many ways to be a part of this movement. Contact us to find out how you can be a part of the dynamic and impactful offerings and solutions for the local childcare landscape.
LVCI CORE TEAM MEMBERS
Michelle Dredge | Janet Eppenbach | Jeanette Koelling | Colin Lansman | Dr. Crystal Ramm
Chrisinda Scheideler | Shannon Adams-Weber
COORDINATORS
Melani Flynn | Katie Walmsley
SOCIAL MEDIA & OUTREACH COORDINATOR
Kristina Foth
LVCI NON-PROFIT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
After analyzing data based on the LVCI Core Team's 2020 Community Survey, local leaders joined forces to establish a non-profit organization. The non-profit designation allows for strategic ways to support and sustain quality childcare offerings in the area. The Non-Profit Board is also exploring the need and opportunities for a non-profit based childcare center to help meet current needs for area families and to also assist in our community's capacity for growth as a contributing factor when families are considering relocating to our area is the availability of childcare.