Back to School at CEDARS

As the summer comes to a close, kids everywhere will be heading back to the classroom. And so will the kids at CEDARS. Each day, there are nearly 1,000 kids in CEDARS care and we are dedicated to ensuring each one receives the best possible start.  

Whether a preschooler in our Early Childhood Development Center or a second-grader in our before-and-after school program or a sophomore in high school staying at our Emergency Shelter, CEDARS is here to help kids as they transition back to school and make plans for a successful year. While education support is woven into each program, we have highlighted a few services focused on delivering quality, enriching opportunities to kids in our care. 

CEDARS Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) is in the heart of our city to provide quality childcare and early education to children of working families. CEDARS ECDC is nationally accredited and was recently recognized by Nebraska Step Up to Quality with the highest possible rating, an honor only a handful of other providers in our state have earned. 

One parent had this to say about the care her son received at CEDARS ECDC: “Your role in his life extends far beyond that of educators—you have been mentors, confidantes, and most importantly, family.” 

CEDARS operates three before-and-after school Community Learning Center (CLC) programs for Clinton, Hartley, and Randolph elementary school students.  

In addition to providing a safe and welcoming place for students before and after school, kids in this program enjoy positive and enriching activities—like sewing and archery—as well as academic clubs to help kids become lifelong learners. CEDARS CLCs also encourage collaboration among the school, community, and families. Last year, nearly 500 students participated in CEDARS CLCs! 

Kids who are unable to live at home and have been welcomed to CEDARS often need additional educational support. Our team is here to help them enroll in classes, catch up on needed credits, and make plans beyond high school. CEDARS also offers tutoring and mentoring, giving kids the tools and resources they need to be successful in school and beyond.