In June, the Milford Childhood Learning Center (MCLC) opened its doors, achieving a significant milestone for the Milford community. With an initial cost of $1.2 million for the childcare facility, the center’s next goal was to become debt-free. By the end of their fundraising efforts, only $130,000 remained to be raised—a remarkable achievement that paved the way for a financially stable future.
Identifying the Need
In spring 2023, Milford graduates Kylie Schildt and J.R. Douty returned to the area from Kansas City with their children, a 10-month-old and a 3-year-old. After their in-home childcare provider retired, they found themselves without viable childcare options.
Kylie, now the Program Coordinator for MCLC, discussed the issue with her mom, Kathi Schildt, who suggested exploring the idea of a childcare center. This idea gained traction when Kylie met with Jonathan Jank, President & CEO of the Seward County Chamber & Development Partnership, who shared findings from a recent childcare survey. The survey revealed a 50% childcare deficit in Milford, with an alarming 90% infant care deficit. Recognizing the urgency, they began laying the groundwork for a community solution.
Jank had already done all the work to make Seward County a member of the Community for Kids (C4K), an affiliate county. She then met with Lindsay Bartlett, the C4K contact, and she went through the list of grants that were available. There was a grant through Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) that was closing in June. Bartlett suggested that they come up with a plan and apply for this grant.
Building the Foundation
Key partnerships played a pivotal role in MCLC’s development. Bellwood Mennonite Church agreed to lease a plot of land across from their building for just $1.00 for 50 years. This generous lease, coupled with support from Kathi Schildt, enabled the establishment of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, securing tax-exempt status and making all post-June 3 donations tax-deductible—a critical step in reaching their debt-free goal.
Collaboration with Southeast Community College (SCC) was another game-changer. SCC students, who annually build homes as part of their curriculum, constructed the childcare facility at the cost of materials plus 10%. This educational rate was significantly lower than commercial contractor prices, saving MCLC thousands of dollars.
Funding Success
The project cost totaled $1.2 million. Through tireless effort, MCLC secured $742,000 in grant funding, including a $652,000 Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) grant. Additional grants included $70,000 from Milford LB840 and $19,000 from Seward County’s Communities for Kids (C4K) initiative. Community donations poured in, raising $330,000. The remaining $130,000 was initially borrowed from the bank, with plans for repayment under the Financial Sustainability Campaign.
A key turning point came from the Nebraska Child Care Tax Credit (LB754), enacted January 1, 2024. This legislation provided a 75-100% state income tax credit for donors supporting local childcare. Board member Dave Welsh took the lead in promoting this incentive, successfully engaging past donors and attracting new contributions from community members, many of whom did not have children enrolled at the center.
Celebrating the Impact
Thanks to meticulous planning, resource evaluation, and strategic use of tax-efficient and non-profit frameworks, MCLC has achieved its debt-free goal. Kylie Schildt credits much of the success to her mother, Kathi, who served as the driving force behind the project.
“Kathi was the hammer that got everything done,” Kylie said.
“Reflecting on her time with MCLC, Kathi Schildt stated, “I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished at the Milford Childhood Learning Center. The quality of care we provide and the exemplary staff culture we’ve created are truly outstanding. As both a small business owner in Milford who needs access to childcare for my staff and a proud grandmother whose grandchildren attend the center, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact MCLC has on our community.”
Today, the Milford Childhood Learning Center provides full-time childcare for 44 children from 28 local families.
“Providing affordable and reliable childcare is a critical part of supporting our local workforce,” said Jonathan Jank, President & CEO of Seward County Chamber & Development Partnership. “The Milford Childhood Learning Center has done a tremendous job meeting the needs of local families, allowing parents to confidently go to work.”
A Bright Future
As MCLC looks ahead, it stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration and innovation. By addressing a vital need with strategic partnerships and a clear vision, Milford now has a thriving childcare center poised to support its families for generations to come.
Milford is a retail served community of Nebraska Public Power District.