Child Care
Popular Questions
License Exempt providers include the family, friend, and neighbor providers who care for children known to them. These types of child care providers do not need to be licensed.
Nebraska requires that anyone providing services to four or more children at any one time (from families other than that of the provider and for payment) to be licensed. Licensing requires that the caregiver/teacher and the facility both meet minimal health and safety standards. Most importantly, licensing means that the facility has been inspected by a fire marshal and background checks have been ran on all caregivers.
Please remember, licensing regulations are minimal standards and do not provide any guarantees. As a parent, you are strongly encouraged to visit and evaluate any child care facility you are considering for your child. Spend at least 15 minutes interviewing the prospective provider and visit the facility with your child more than once, with one of the visits unannounced.
Visit the License Information System Search to find out if your child care provider is licensed.
Share your concerns with your child care provider. However, there may be situations where you believe that the program is not responding to your concerns and may not be meeting state licensing standards.
Please contact DHHS Regulation and Licensure Child Care Licensing 1-800-600-1289.
If you suspect abuse or neglect, call the Adult & Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline 1-800-652-1999.
The Nebraska Child Care Subsidy can help with the cost of child care.
Learn more about Nebraska Child Care Subsidy
The Nebraska Resource and Referral System (NRRS) can help you locate the child care. NRRS allows you to compare child care services and learn how to find the right child care for your child.
NRRS The Right Place Child Care Finder