VALENTINE, Neb. — With a shortage of childcare options continuing to affect many small Nebraska towns, including Valentine, Cherry County commissioners received an update this week on a long-anticipated community day care project.

As News Channel Nebraska previously reported, the Valentine Children and Families Coalition plans to open the new facility in the basement of St. John’s Episcopal Church.

During Tuesday’s commission meeting, Valentine Children and Families Coalition Director Jill Austin said the facility’s state licensing paperwork has been submitted, a process that could take three to six months.

Austin said the project has faced several unexpected hurdles but is nearing completion, with hopes to open in about three months—pending licensing approval.

“We do have a waiting list of kids, and a provider who is very excited about the project,” said Austin. “She was a 2nd grade teacher who had a baby and realized the childcare issue in the community.”

Austin said the facility will initially be able to care for up to 12 children, with potential for more if the provider subleases space.

The building could hold more than 30 children if a fire suppression system is installed throughout the entire church—an upgrade Austin was not optimistic about because of an estimated cost of $80,000.

Cherry County commissioners had previously committed $50,000 in ARPA funds to help move the project forward.