The Milford Childhood Learning Center has announced 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, stepped down from her role on Oct. 11. The MCLC board has promoted Samantha “Sami” Ahlers as the new MCLC childcare center director.
Ahlers, of Milford, has served as the lead preschool teacher since the center's opening in June 2024. She brings experience from her previous role as a childcare center director at Adventure Academy in Lincoln, and holds an associate’s degree in early childhood education from Southeast Community College.
"I am incredibly proud of what we've accomplished at the Milford Childhood Learning Center,” Schildt said. “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.”
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.
Additionally, Kylie Schildt will step down from her role as the volunteer program coordinator.
Both Kylie and Kathi 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 more than $2.5 million in local, state and federal childcare expansion funding.
The MCLC board will also have 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 its 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 seven full-time staff and two part-time staff members since opening in June of 2024.
Through collaboration with Seward County Chamber and Development Partnership, and Communities for Kids, 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 is currently fundraising to complete its capital campaign and pay off the remaining construction loan of $130,000 by Dec. 2024. To date, more then $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 using 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, contact Dave Welsch or email info@milfordchildhood.com.
