The City of Omaha is calling on parents and guardians with children 12 years old and younger to fill out a survey. The results will help shape the city’s and local nonprofit’s mission to address affordable childcare and early childhood education.
Organizers gathered in the mayor’s office Thursday to announce the survey. They said feedback from parents and caregivers will help them to better understand the real challenges families face in finding, affording and accessing childcare that meets their needs.
Over the last year, the city has been focused on goals in affordable housing, homelessness, workforce development, dual enrollment and early childhood care and education, said Cailin Dejillas, leader of Omaha’s Poverty Elimination Action Plan.
“Childcare is very important when addressing poverty, and it’s also a key economic driver,” Dejillas said. “So, whatever your perspective, please weigh in through the survey and help inform our progress together.”
The survey can be found in English and Spanish on the city’s website. It will be open until Nov. 25.
Mayor John Ewing said the Poverty Elimination Action Plan was one of his priorities when elected. The initiative was established by legislation.
“We know how vital those early years are,” Ewing said. “How we care for our youngest, most vulnerable members of Omaha, while caring for their families can make such a difference.”
Dejillas cited a 2025 study by LendingTree that found the average monthly childcare cost for two children in Omaha is $2,891, which is more than twice the cost of the average monthly rent at that time.
“It’s especially an especially large issue for low-income people and people that are living in poverty, especially those people that might not qualify for a subsidy,” Dejillas said.