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Audubon County Early Childhood Organization

Community Survey

The Children’s Nest closed in the fall of 2025, leaving a significant gap in childcare options for families across Audubon County. In response, a small group of volunteers is currently serving as a temporary board under ACECO (Audubon County Early Childhood Organization) to evaluate the future of childcare in our community — including the feasibility of reopening of the current location, evaluating the difficult decision of permanently closing, or the potential development of a newly located center-based facility.

Over the past several months, this group has reviewed financial data, childcare supply and demand, wage competitiveness, and community needs. Current data shows that Audubon County has approximately one licensed childcare slot for every three children who may need care. While our in-home daycare providers serve an essential and deeply valued role in our county, many are at or exceeding capacity. Providers have shared that while in-home care remains critical, there may also be a need for a commercial, center-based option to complement existing services.

To operate sustainably and provide competitive wages for staff, a center would likely require tuition adjustments and supportive outside funding. For example weekly tuition could potentially increase;
  • Infant tuition to $235 (from $186),
  • 2–5 year old to $195 (from $155),
  • Part-time rates to $150 (from $111).
Your honest feedback will help guide next steps. We appreciate your time, your perspective, and your commitment to the future of childcare in Audubon County.
Section 1: About You
1.Do you currently reside in Audubon County?
2.Which best describes you?
3.Do you currently need childcare in Audubon County?
4.How many children in your household need childcare (now or in the future)?
5.What type of childcare do you currently use (if applicable)?
Section 2: Community Need & Concern
6.How concerned are you about childcare access in Audubon County following the closure of The Children’s Nest?
Very concerned
Somewhat concerned
Neutral
Slightly concerned
Not concerned
7.How has the closure of The Children’s Nest impacted you or your business?
8.In your opinion, is there a need for a licensed childcare center in Audubon County?
9.How important is it to have a center-based childcare option (like The Children’s Nest) in addition to in-home daycare providers?
Very important
Somewhat important
Neutral
Not important
10.If both options were available, which would you prefer?
11.What factors are most important to you when choosing childcare?
Section 3: Future Demand
12.In the next 5 years, do you plan to grow your family, requiring access to childcare?
13.If a childcare center reopened at competitive market rates, would you enroll your child(ren)? For example, weekly tuition for infants could potentially be $235, children ages 2–5 $195, and part-time rates starting $150.
Yes
Likely
Unsure
Unlikely
No
Section 4: Community & Business Impact
14.In what ways would a childcare center benefit you or your place of business?
15.For employers/business owners: How does childcare availability impact your ability to recruit and retain employees?
Section 5: Community Support & Involvement
16.In what ways would you be willing to help during the opening phases of a childcare center? (Select all that apply)
17.How would you be able to support the center each year after opening? (Select all that apply)
18.Additional comments or suggestions regarding childcare needs in Audubon County: