Off Your Plate:

A Resource Guide for Child Care Providers in Lincoln

Running a child care program means navigating far more than daily routines, lesson plans, and relationships with families. Every program also depends on a complex ecosystem of vendors, service providers, regulatory requirements, safety systems, and administrative tasks that silently underpin daily operations. Across Lincoln, many providers perform these tasks themselves—out of necessity, habit, or simply because they didn’t know an affordable outsourcing option existed.

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To better understand what supports are available and what similar programs are paying, Lincoln Littles’ Access to Quality Care & Education (AQCE) group invited child care programs to voluntarily share information about the businesses, vendors, and professionals they rely on. This article brings together those responses so providers can learn what’s typical, what’s possible, and where they may have bargaining power.

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Important Disclaimer

The information in this guide was voluntarily self-reported by local child care providers and was not independently fact-checked for accuracy. Costs, contacts, and services may have changed since reporting. Inclusion of any vendor does not constitute an endorsement by Lincoln Littles or AQCE.

Our goals in sharing this data are to:

• help providers connect with businesses that understand early childhood programs and their unique needs;

• highlight opportunities where providers may be able to outsource or delegate tasks that have historically been done in-house;

• show what similar-sized programs are paying so that providers know where they stand when negotiating or comparing quotes.

Use this guide as a reference, not a guarantee, and always verify details directly with the vendor.

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Understanding the Numbers

Each cost category includes:

• Most Programs Paid: the middle 50% of responses (25th–75th percentile).

• Overall Reported Range: the lowest and highest real values reported (after removing $0, “included,” or N/A entries).

• Per-Child Ranges: calculated by dividing each program’s cost by its licensed capacity, then summarizing the middle 50%.

These per-child figures make it easier to scale costs and compare them to your program’s budget or size.

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1. Facility Costs: Lease & Mortgage

Finding and financing space is one of the most significant challenges for providers. Lease rates vary widely based on neighborhood, square footage, building age, parking, outdoor space, and whether the building already contains features needed for licensing.

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Many providers don’t realize that commercial landlords and developers often offer Tenant Improvement Allowances (TIAs). A TIA can cover construction or renovation needed to turn a space into a child care facility—sometimes as a cash allowance, sometimes as landlord-managed construction, and sometimes through free or reduced rent during the buildout phase. These funds can significantly reduce the upfront cost of opening, relocating, or expanding a program.

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In Nebraska, a real estate agent is generally not required to negotiate a commercial lease, and many providers negotiate directly with landlords. However, purchasing commercial real estate should be done with a licensed real estate agent, as state law and best practice require specific disclosures, protections, and brokerage expertise.

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Reported Cost Ranges (Monthly)

• Most programs paid:

  • $1,346–$3,338 per month

  • $51–$137 per child per month

• Overall reported range:

  • $975–$26,149 per month

  • $8–$399 per child per month

Vendors, Banks & Property Managers Mentioned

• Banks/Credit Unions:

  • Union Bank & Trust (UBT)

  • US Bank

  • PNC Bank

  • Cornhusker Bank

  • Liberty First Credit Union

  • Lincoln SDA Credit Union

  • West Gate Bank

• Landlords/Property Managers:

  • Multiple local commercial landlords, developers, and management companies

• Realtors/Commercial Brokers:

  • Individual licensed agents (names vary by program)
     

2. Accounting & Bookkeeping

Accounting is one of the most commonly DIY’d tasks in the industry, yet also one of the easiest to outsource affordably. Whether it’s monthly bookkeeping or annual tax preparation, partnering with an accountant can reduce audit risk, streamline Step Up to Quality documentation, and improve financial clarity.

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Monthly Accounting (if billed monthly)

• Most programs paid:

  • $165–$400 per month

  • $1.74–$5.00 per child per month

• Overall reported range:

  • $120–$600 per month

  • $0.78–$13.00 per child per month

Annual Accounting / Tax Prep

• Most programs paid:

  • $269–$1,088 per year

  • $23.50–$48.75 per child per year

• Overall reported range:

  • $150–$7,000 per year

  • $2.92–$70 per child per year

Accountants & Bookkeepers Mentioned

• Katt Bryant & Associates

• TKB

• Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative (back-office support)

• Labenz

• Bryan, Katt & Associates

• Burr Business Service

• Balanced Bookkeeping

• Forcynthia Accounting

• Burch & Associates

• Shotkoski & Associates – (402) 476-9650

• Welch Tax Service – (402) 475-7108

• Independent preparers: Justin Proett (“Taxes & Coffee”), Jon Grisham, Michael Jank, Hershberger, Lisa McDonald, Michelle Ehlers

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3. Business Insurance & Worker’s Compensation

Insurance is an essential component of licensing and financial safety. Costs depend heavily on facility type, claim history, number of staff, and riders (e.g., abuse/molestation coverage, extended property protection).

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General / Business Liability Insurance (Annual)

• Most programs paid:

  • $700–$8,902 per year

  • $66–$132 per child per year

• Overall reported range:

  • $200–$28,000 per year

  • $12.80–$180 per child per year

Worker’s Compensation (Monthly)

• Most programs paid:

  • $363–$1,111 per month

  • $5.04–$17.08 per child per month

• Overall reported range:

  • $100–$2,300 per month

  • $3.00–$38.33 per child per month

Insurance Agencies Mentioned

• Inspro

• Markel

• Farmers Mutual

• Farmers

• Farm Bureau

• State Farm

• Brotherhood Mutual

• Zimmerman’s Insurance

• Hometown Insurance

• Cornhusker Insurance

• UNICO

• Bunker Protect – (877) 968-9108

• Zander Insurance

• Hartford

• Nationwide

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4. Fire Safety & Monitoring

Fire inspection, alarm monitoring, extinguisher tagging, and sprinkler checks are all required either annually or semi-annually. These services ensure safety and provide documentation needed for licensing and insurance.

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Annual Fire Safety Cost Ranges

• Most programs paid:

  • $100–$788 per year

  • $5–$14 per child per year

• Overall reported range:

  • $10–$1,680 per year

  • $0.83–$100 per child per year

Fire Safety Vendors Mentioned

• Midwest Alarm – (800) 227-9805

• Midwest Fire

• Summit Fire Protection

• Great Plains Fire & Safety

• General Fire

• Electronic Contracting Company

• ADT

• Local fire departments (inspection authority)

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5. Cleaning Chemicals & Sanitation Supplies

Monthly spending on chemical supplies varies based on program size, whether a dish machine is used, and whether providers buy wholesale, retail, or under contract.

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Monthly Chemical Cost Ranges

• Most programs paid:

  • $60–$155 per month

  • $1.52–$10.00 per child per month

• Overall reported range:

  • $30–$1,200 per month

  • $0.25–$20 per child per month

Vendors Mentioned

• Cintas

• Ecolab

• Melaleuca

• Norwex

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6. Janitorial Services

Outsourcing cleaning remains one of the most cost-effective ways programs reduce daily workload and maintain consistent sanitation standards. Frequency ranges from weekly to daily service.

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Monthly Janitorial Cost Ranges

• Most programs paid:

  • $601–$1,925 per month

  • $11.61–$23.75 per child per month

• Overall reported range:

  • $240–$3,500 per month

  • $7.50–$68.50 per child per month

Janitorial Vendors Mentioned

• Ren5

• Stratos

• Maid Cleaning Easy

• Sanitize 360

• Vanguard Cleaning Systems

• Performance Chores

• PureCare (carpet cleaning)

• Cleanest by Farr

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7. Equipment Leasing & Procurement

Child care programs rely on a wide range of equipment—from dishwashers and refrigeration units to laundry machines, office technology, playground structures, and specialized cleaning equipment. Some providers choose to lease equipment to reduce upfront costs and ensure timely service when repairs are needed. Others purchase equipment outright from retail or commercial suppliers.

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The financial approach depends on the type of equipment, expected usage, and the availability of service contracts in the area. While the survey data included the most detailed information for dish machine leases, the vendor lists shared by providers cover a broad spectrum of equipment types used in child care settings.

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Dishwasher & Kitchen Equipment Leasing (Monthly)

• Most programs paid:

  • $125–$425 per month

  • $1.95–$2.34 per child per month

• Overall reported range:

  • $25–$500 per month

  • $1.75–$2.54 per child per month

Commonly Leased or Purchased Equipment

(Providers didn’t consistently report numeric costs for these items, but shared where they obtained them.)

• Commercial refrigerators and freezers

• Kitchen prep equipment

• Laundry machines

• Office printers and large copiers

• Security systems and cameras

Though not all programs provided specific pricing, many noted that leasing certain types of equipment—especially dishwashers, copiers, and some kitchen appliances—allowed them to avoid large capital outlays and receive included maintenance or repairs.

Equipment Vendors Mentioned

• Hobart

• True Refrigeration

• Sysco

• Ecolab

• Nebraska Furniture Mart

• Schaefer’s

• Home Depot

• Bishop Business

• Ace Rent-to-Own

• Webstaurant Store

• KaTom

• Ernie’s in Ceresco

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8. Building Systems: Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC

Programs typically contract these services as needed. Because these are billed per job and vary dramatically based on severity and timing, per-child ranges were not calculated.

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Plumbing Vendors Mentioned

• Joe Plumbing Company

• Mark’s Plumbing

• Veits Plumbing

• Select Plumbing

• Taylor’s Plumbing

• Green’s Plumbing

• American Professional Plumbing

• Do Right Plumbing

• Deals Plumbing

• Todd’s Plumbing

• Holmes Sewer and Drain

• John Henry’s – (402) 435-5555

Electrical Vendors Mentioned

• Ace Electric LLC

• Scheer Electric

• Electrical Enterprises

• ABC Electric

• Wolfe Electric

• Eric’s Electric

• Stuart Johnson Electric

• Andy’s Electric

• John Henry’s

HVAC Vendors Mentioned

• Property-managed maintenance teams

• Star City Heating & Cooling

• Allpro

• Bryant

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9. Payroll Services

Payroll outsourcing prevents late filings, avoids tax errors, and reduces administrative load. Fees vary based on whether HR, benefits, timekeeping, or worker’s comp are bundled. Due to inconsistent survey reporting, cost ranges are not provided here.

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Payroll Vendors Mentioned

• Heartland Payroll

• Gusto

• Paycor

• Vensure

• QuickBooks Payroll

• Procare

• Paychex

• ADP

Help Keep This Resource Up to Date

If you discover that any vendor information here is out-of-date—or if you are a contractor, business, or service provider wishing to support Lincoln’s child care ecosystem—please use the form below to submit updates or introduce your services. Our goal is to provide a resource that remains useful, accurate, and reflective of the needs of our community.

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