Resources for Nebraska Parents
Choosing childcare is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your family. We've put together these guides to help Nebraska parents feel informed, confident, and at ease.
At Smiling Faces Academy, we believe informed parents make the best partners in a child's development. Whether you're searching for your first childcare center, exploring financial assistance options, or just want to understand Nebraska's quality rating system — these resources are here for you.
We serve families in Kearney, Nebraska with two convenient locations, flexible scheduling starting at 5:45am, and a curriculum-based approach designed to help every child thrive. Learn more about daycare in Nebraska →
How to Choose a Daycare in Nebraska
Not all childcare centers are the same. Here's what to look for — licensing, curriculum, teacher consistency, communication, and more — so you can choose with confidence.
Read the guide →Step Up to Quality in Nebraska
Nebraska's quality rating system helps parents identify high-quality childcare. Learn what the steps mean and why it matters for your child's development.
Read the guide →Daily Progress Reports in Childcare
Daily reports keep you connected to your child's day — meals, naps, activities, and milestones. Find out what to expect and why communication matters.
Read the guide →Field Trips in Childcare: What Parents Should Know
Weekly field trips enrich learning and build real-world connections. Here's how to evaluate a program's approach to safety, supervision, and learning goals.
Read the guide →Childcare Assistance in Nebraska
Nebraska offers several programs to help families afford quality childcare — from the Child Care Subsidy to agency scholarships. Learn what's available and how to apply.
Read the guide →Finding a Daycare with Hours That Work
Early mornings, late pickups, and flexible schedules aren't offered everywhere. Here's what to ask — and what families with non-traditional schedules need to know.
Read the guide →Why Kearney Families Choose Smiling Faces Academy
We're not just a childcare center — we're a second home. Owner-operated since 2010, we're the only licensed childcare on Kearney's Southwest side, and we take pride in knowing every child by name, personality, and pace.
- ✓Open Mon–Fri, 5:45am–5:45pm
- ✓Full-time, part-time & drop-in options
- ✓Daily progress reports for every family
- ✓Weekly field trips for ages 2+
- ✓Step 4 in Nebraska's Step Up to Quality
- ✓Tuition assistance & scholarship partnerships
- ✓Curriculum-based programs, infants to age 13
- ✓Calm, structured classrooms with consistent teachers