top of page

Welcome
to Our Site

We are excited to see Sandhills First Steps Early Learning center come to fruition.  It is because of you and the support you have given.  Thank You.!  We are adding new things to the website.  Under forms you will find a survey monkey that will collect information for our Waitlist.  Anticipated opening DECEMBER 2023

Sandhills First Steps

Supporting the entire early childhood landscape of the greater Burwell area.

The Need for Childcare

By the Numbers

39

According to a survey of Burwell and Garfield County conducted by Communities for Kids (C4K), an initiative by the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, there are at least 39 children under age 6 not enrolled in a private licensed or public preschool, representing a gap in childcare options.

82%

In a recent survey, 82% of respondents rated the Sandhills First Steps initiative to build a new child development center in Burwell as a high priority.

$1.4 million

Childcare is something we cannot continue to put aside as we are losing $1.4 million annually as reported by childcaregap.com due to lack of childcare opportunities for families.  This is a stated economic impact but it reaches farther than just economics in our small town.  Children who are not given the opportunity for high quality care do not have the same advantages as those who do receive care. 

104

The United States Census Bureau predicts according to 2019 population estimates that there are 104 children under age 5 in Garfield County.

36%

A report by the Council for a Strong America revealed that 36% of rural Nebraskans live in a childcare "desert," where the number of children under age 5 exceeds the number of high quality early childcare spots.

image0 (8).jpeg

Our Purpose

Our Vision:

Sandhills First Steps vision is to support the entire early childhood landscape in the greater Burwell area, so that we are the destination community for people who want to plant roots where the good life grows. 

Kids Playing Tug of War

Get in Touch

Sandhills First Steps
c/o Loup Basin Public Health Department
934 I St
Burwell, NE 68823

board@sandhillsfirststeps.com

  • Facebook

Thanks for submitting!

bottom of page