About the MCLC.

The Milford Childhood Learning Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) childcare center formed by local Milford community members to address the childcare gap in Milford, Nebraska. The goal was to close the cited 50% childcare deficit and expand access to high-quality childcare for families in Milford and surrounding communities.

Milford Childhood Learning Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit recognized by the IRS, and all donations to MCLC are tax deductible in accordance with IRS regulations.

Why Childcare Access Is Important
Seward County Childcare Report
Seward County Economic Impact Report

Leadership

Board of Directors

  • Katie Spohn

  • Dr. Brandon Henley

  • Dave Welsch

  • Sid Burkey

  • Dr. Mitch Kubicek

  • Susan Nitzsche

  • Isabella Peterson

  • Justine Turner

  • Samantha Ahlers, Center Director, Ex-Officio

Make A Donation

  • Since January, my wife and I entrusted MCLC with our three-month-old daughter. Despite initial anxiety as first-time parents, we quickly realized this was exactly where she belonged. As an educator, I value MCLC's research-based approach to development. Their no-screen policy for infants benefits families concerned about screen exposure, while weekly skill-building activities prove this is more than just daycare—it's genuine early childhood education. MCLC excels in communication, providing real-time updates through the Procare app about everything from feedings to minor incidents. Their proactive approach to health concerns gives us daily peace of mind. The center builds community through monthly newsletters about upcoming events and learning objectives. This personal touch makes MCLC a place where children thrive with staff genuinely invested in their development. Maintaining MCLC's nonprofit status is essential to preserving the high-quality care many families depend on. Their focus remains on children, not profits. MCLC is vital to our community, and I urge everyone to protect its nonprofit status for future generations.

    Dalton Mogul, MCLC Parent

  • We started our little guy here because we heard so many positive things about it! MCLC has been phenomenal about accommodating our work schedule. I work from home and it’s nice to have a place we can take him so we can get a bunch of work done. He has so much fun and loves “playing with friends!” One ride home I asked him if he knew Mom and dad love him. He said “Yea. And my teacher loves me.” That told me all I needed to know! MCLC is amazing and does so much with the kids to teach them and also makes them feel loved.

    MCLC Parent Testimonial

  • MCLC has truly been an invaluable resource for the Milford community, especially as a young couple with no family in the community that could provide childcare and with limited childcare options overall. The staff are kind, attentive, and keep us well informed. It's evident that they genuinely care about the children’s well-being and growth. From fun theme days to age-appropriate activities that nurture developmental skills, they create an engaging and supportive environment. We’re so happy with our experience at MCLC and couldn’t be more grateful!

    MCLC Parent Testimonial

  • Great place to take our child. Child care providers are great and premises very well upkept. We like that you have a live program so that I can see how my kids day is going. Communication is also a great feature of the app. It's so easy to speak with my kids care provider.

    Justin Nieman, MCLC Parent

  • The addition of MCLC has had a tremendous positive impact on our family. Living, working, and now having our children in the Milford community not only is a nice convenience, but it is less stressful than having to commute to another town twice a day for childcare, our previous solution. The leadership at MCLC have created a professional, warm, and safe environment with great staff that we entrust our children with everyday. There's no doubt everything has been thought through. We've seen great development with both our children. Numerous days they will tell us, count, or sing a new piece of information that continues to impress us as parents. Our kids are also getting introduced to other children that will eventually be in there classes at MPS making it an easier transition once it's time to go to school full time!

    MCLC Parent Testimonial

  • As Milford graduates that initially moved away, our biggest struggle in returning back to Milford has been finding consistent childcare. The lack of infant care made expanding our family a difficult decision. Our kids have created fantastic relationships with other kids, their teachers, as well as other families and parents within the community. It is such a joy to see the projects they bring home and hear about the things they learned. Our kids are both highly social and being able to network with other young families and parents has been an unexpected bonus. We love the community of families that has formed around the MCLC. We are excited to welcome a new baby in our family this year and feel very confident in the quality of care that will be offered once we return to work. The MCLC is a fantastic resource for our family and we hope other community members see it as a worthwhile investment for the future of Milford as a whole.

    MCLC Parent Testimonial

  • MCLC has been a great choice for our little one. Since opening we have attended MCLC, and our little one has gotten wonderful care. Their location is very convenient and the facility is wonderful. The teachers are wonderful and really help each little one grow and learn. I would definitely recommend MCLC to anyone who needs a daycare.

    Courtney Giesenhagen, MCLC Parent

  • We moved to Milford when our son was 2 and struggled to find affordable childcare. When our daughter was born, the challenge became greater. We were fortunate to find temporary solutions, but needed permanent care. Since enrolling at MCLC in June, both children have thrived. They DO NOT want to leave when it's time to go home—always a battle, which shows they REALLY ENJOY IT. Our daughter has learned A LOT, from animals to colors. Every time I walk in, she's playing and laughing with friends. When she needs comfort, the teachers expertly redirect her attention. Our son has ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE in the preschool room, making friends he'll attend kindergarten with next year. He's learned days of the week and writing his name and other letters/words. He often refuses to leave early, wanting to stay and play. There's NEVER a dull moment at MCLC. Children engage in circle time, centers for writing, building, art, tracing, sensory play, and games. The staff ALWAYS keeps children safe while ensuring they get outdoor time when weather permits. We're grateful MCLC exists in our community. It's an AMAZING center and I couldn't imagine where my family would be today without it.

    MCLC Parent Testimonial

  • MCLC has been absolutely amazing with my family, every morning my daughter wakes up and her first question is if she gets to go to school today. The teachers are all so welcoming and understanding. Before my daughter started she couldn’t spell her name count to ten by herself or say her alphabet. Since starting she now spells her name, counts past ten and sings a good majority of the alphabet without help. She adores her teachers and the friends she has made. Her father and I were both hesitant putting her in another daycare due to bad experiences in the past. We have never felt better leaving her in the care of someone else. We all absolutely love MCLC.

    Skylar Marlow, MCLC Parent

  • We have loved bringing our daughter to MCLC! I have seen her thrive developmentally. We attended a daycare in Lincoln prior to transferring her to MCLC and have been so happy with the care they provide. Being able to attend MCLC for us means more time at home since we are not having to commute to Lincoln. I also have a peace of mind having her close to home. We can’t wait to see her grow more!

    The Davis Family

  • I don’t even know where to begin. I ONLY have good things to say about MCLC and its staff. To start from the beginning, we had our daughter at another daycare in another town (that we LOVED), but heard about this brand new daycare opening in our town and decided to give it a try! We went to the open house, got our name on the waitlist, and never looked back. From the first time stepping foot into MCLC to now, we have only experienced smiling faces, staff that’s became family, and our little girl thriving and excelling in every category you can think of. It is truly an amazing feeling as a parent to have 100% trust and faith every single day dropping your child off at daycare, that they are going to be safe, learn, and have so much fun! My daughter has had almost every teacher there, and I have nothing negative to say about any of them. The times that there have been anything I needed/wanted clarity on, I was met with open minds and was able to quickly work with the staff and director to voice my thoughts and come up with a plan to make me/my family more comfortable. This center is a blessing to this community and 10/10 times would recommend to anyone looking for affordable, innovative, and loving care for their child/children.

    Avery Beach, MCLC Parent