Who We Are

Mission Statement:
To enhance the care of children by supporting women’s self-employment

History of Midwest Child Care Association (Midwest)
Midwest was founded by Janet White Phelan in 1979 as a Child Care Resource and Referral Agency and had for many years served as the Nebraska representative to the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (NACCRRA). In 2012, NACCRRA changed its name and is presently known as Child Care Aware of America.

In 1980, Midwest was approved to sponsor the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to licensed and approved child care homes across Nebraska. In July 2007, in addition to family child care homes, Midwest began to sponsor the CACFP to licensed child care centers. Also in 2007, the board of Directors created an umbrella corporation named Midwest Women and Children's Services.  This new corporation was needed to handle the growth in the number of programs and services Midwest was providing.

The Executive Director is responsible for developing the policies and procedures for the agency and ensures that these are carried out by staff. These policies and procedures have been approved by the Nebraska Department of Education and the Board members of Midwest.

Midwest has always been considered a leader in the fields of early childhood education and child care. It has won many distinguished awards and our staff have been called upon to serve on numerous committees and boards locally and nationwide.

Our Primary Responsibility
Our primary responsibility is to monitor the USDA - Child and Adult Care Food Program in Nebraska's child care facilities. We have a membership of over 700 child care facilities throughout the state. We train these professionals in child nutrition, health, safety and physical activities. In addition, we provide training in business and management of child care facilities.

If you are interested in joining our child care food program or finding out more about our organization, please contact Midwest.