PRESS RELEASE: Milford Childhood Learning Center Announces Leadership Transition
MILFORD, NE - The Milford Childhood Learning Center (MCLC) is pleased to announce significant changes in its leadership structure, marking a new chapter in the center's growth and development.
Kathi Schildt, who has served as a volunteer as the interim center director, will be stepping down from her role on October 11, 2024. The MCLC board is excited to announce the promotion of Samantha (Sami) Ahlers as the new MCLC childcare center director. Sami, a Milford local, has been serving as the lead preschool teacher since the center's opening in June 2024. She brings valuable experience from her previous role as a childcare center director at Adventure Academy in Lincoln, NE, and holds an associate’s degree in early childhood education from Southeast Community College.
Reflecting on her time with MCLC, Kathi Schildt stated, "I am incredibly proud of what we've accomplished at the Milford Childhood Learning Center. The quality of care we provide and the exemplary staff culture we've created are truly outstanding. As both a small business owner in Milford who needs access to childcare for my staff and a proud grandmother whose grandchildren attend the center, I've seen firsthand the positive impact MCLC has on our community. I have full confidence that Sami will do an excellent job in her new role as director, continuing to build on the strong foundation we've established."
Kathi Schildt will continue to support MCLC in an executive director capacity for the next six months, providing nonprofit management services through her local business, Advanced Association Management. Kathi Schildt, along with her husband Rod, are also the local owners of Eagle Fitness and RAAM Marketing.
Additionally, Kylie Schildt will be stepping down from her role as the volunteer program coordinator. Both Kylie and Kathi Schildt were instrumental in initiating the MCLC program, securing the land donation from Bellwood Mennonite Church, purchasing the Southeast Community College 2023 building construction program home build, and writing multiple grants that resulted in over $2.5 million in local, state, and federal childcare expansion funding.
The MCLC board is pleased to welcome three new board members: Sid Burkey, Susan Nitzsche, and Dr. Mitch Kubicek. They join existing board members Dave Welsch, Tim Springer, Katie Spohn, and Dr. Brandon Henley.
The MCLC currently serves 30 children from 26 local families and will expand to serving 43 children by early spring of 2025. Pre-enrollment for their 19 infant spots is at full capacity, with the next available infant openings in November 2025. The MCLC has a total capacity of 54 children. The center has successfully onboarded 7 full-time staff and 2 part-time staff members since opening in June of 2024.
Through collaboration with Seward County Chamber and Development Partnership, and Communities for Kids (NCFF), the MCLC along with two other new Seward County childcare centers, transformed Seward County from a "childcare desert" into a "childcare oasis," effectively closing the 2022 cited county-wide childcare gap. The MCLC board would like to thank Jonathan Jank and Jacob Jennings (SCCDP) for their expertise and support through the entire project.
The MCLC is currently fundraising to complete its capital campaign and pay off the remaining construction loan of $130,000 by December 2024. To date, over $40,000 has recently been raised leaving only $90,000 left to reach the year-end goal. Dave Welsch, MCLC Financial Sustainability Chairman, is leading the campaign and is available to assist community members in utilizing the new Nebraska Child Care Tax Credit (LB754).
The MCLC provides support to families needing payment assistance through the AccessNebraska childcare subsidy support system. This qualifies donations to the MCLC through LB754 for a 100% nonrefundable state tax credit, offering a unique opportunity for Milford locals to support their community while benefiting from tax incentives. Tax credits are limited, so do not wait to contribute.
For more information on how to contribute or to receive pre-filled tax forms, please contact Dave Welsch or email info@milfordchildhood.com.
The MCLC board expresses its sincere gratitude to Rod and Kathi Schildt and Kylie Schildt and JR Douty for their unwavering support, work ethic, and financial contributions in providing this essential service to local Milford families. As MCLC transitions into a self-sustaining entity, the board looks forward to continued growth and service to the Milford community.