Raising young children is expensive, especially when licensed child care is part of the equation. Whether working parents can afford child care depends on what income remains after paying other, necessary household expenses such as food, gas and utilities.

The Nebraska Child Care Affordability Calculator is a collaborative project between the Committee for Economic Development and First Five Nebraska. This tool helps policymakers better understand the challenges working parents face when trying to balance household expenses against the need for licensed child care.

Access to child care assistance is a lifeline for thousands of Nebraska parents like Haley, a widowed mom who works hard to provide for her kids. Listen to Haley's story and learn how you can help lawmakers understand why passing LB304 in the coming legislative session is crucial to our families, communities and state.