"We are better together, and together the children of Lincoln County will thrive."
About Us
C4KLC is a community nonprofit dedicated to improving childcare access and quality in Lincoln County. Our primary focus areas include advocacy, education, Early Learning Scholarships, and fostering community collaboration and awareness. Our target population includes children aged 0-8, individuals interested in becoming licensed childcare providers, families seeking safe and affordable childcare options, childcare providers seeking to improve quality through programs like Step Up to Quality, and those interested in working in childcare
Our
Story
In 2019 Communities for Kids North Platte was an initiative work group funded by Nebraska Children and Families Foundation. Families First Partnership served as the fiscal agent. The initiative of the workgroup was to focus on increasing childcare quality and available openings with licensed childcare providers to increase capacity.
In the final stages of the grant cycle, the passionate team saw a need to continue the grassroots movement's initial efforts, expand the vision, and broaden the territory to serve Lincoln County. With the support of NCFF, the fiscal agent, and community stakeholders, the workgroup created Communities for Kids Lincoln County. C4KLC was established and registered with the IRS as a 501(c)3 in April 2022.
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Meet the Team
Our Board of Directors serve our mission with knowledge, expertise, and connections to early learning stakeholders. Get to know the people behind our work.
President
Holly Hill
Holly is the Owner and Director of Trucks N Tiaras Intergenerational Academy. A devoted mother of five children, she has been dedicated to the field of early childhood education since 2012. For a decade, Holly operated as a family childcare provider, gaining extensive experience in nurturing young minds. In early 2022, she expanded her impact by acquiring an established childcare center, immediately working to enhance its operations and serve the community.
Since 2018, Holly has been an active member of C4KLC. She is honored to support the children in her community through meaningful projects and initiatives.
Vice President and Interim Treasurer
Amanda Purvis
Amanda and her husband are the proud parents of five children, whose ages range from 6 to 24. Her perspective as a parent and a community advocate inspires her work on the board, where she aims to help ensure that children and families in Lincoln County have access to essential resources and opportunities. Through her role on the C4KLC Board, she is excited to continue making a positive impact, assisting families in overcoming barriers, and fostering an environment where every child can thrive.
Secretary
Stephaine Morse, LIMHP, LADC
Stephaine is the owner of Platte Valley Counseling, LLC in North Platte, NE, where she serves as a Mental Health Practitioner specializing in therapy services for children and families, including facilitating Circle of Security Parenting and Circle of Security Classroom classes which promote positive relationships between caregivers, childcare providers, teachers with the children that they serve. With a strong commitment to advocacy, she is actively involved with C4KLC, championing the importance of quality early childhood education for all children and families in the community. Her expertise and dedication play a crucial role in enhancing the lives of those she serves and in supporting C4KLC's mission.
Board Member
TODD RHODES, Ed.D.
Dr. Todd Rhodes serves as the Superintendent of the North Platte Public School District, bringing a collaborative “we, not me” philosophy to his role on the C4KLC Board.
A familiar face in North Platte, Dr. Rhodes previously served as principal of Adams Middle School and North Platte High School from 2006 to 2013. His career in education began as a social sciences teacher and coach at Benedict High School in Benedict, Nebraska. Over the years, he has held leadership positions in Bruning, Shelton, Sidney, and Maxwell, ultimately advancing to the role of superintendent for Maxwell and Gothenburg Public Schools. In 2019, Dr. Rhodes earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Doane University, further refining his expertise in educational administration.
Dr. Rhodes and his wife are proud parents of four children, all of whom are graduates of North Platte High School.
Committed to the growth and success of the community, Dr. Rhodes is passionate about fostering academic and emotional development of the children in Lincoln County.
Board Member
KIM FLANDERS
Mrs. Flanders serves as the Principal of McDonald Elementary School and brings over a decade of leadership experience to her role. Before becoming an elementary principal, she dedicated her career to teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades and served as an instructional coach for North Platte Public Schools. Her professional journey reflects a deep commitment to fostering excellence in education and supporting both students and educators.
Mrs. Flanders is passionate about the importance of high-quality early childhood experiences as a critical foundation for lifelong success. She emphasizes the need to address the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of young children, ensuring they are prepared to thrive in school and beyond. She strongly believes in empowering the adults in children’s lives—educators, parents, and caregivers—with the knowledge, understanding, and resilience necessary to support this vital mission.
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Early Childhood Community Coordinator
Val Hyde
Val Hyde brings over two decades of experience in nonprofit work and a deep commitment to serving marginalized communities. Driven by a passion for equity, Hyde is dedicated to ensuring that every individual has access to opportunities for success, starting with meeting basic needs and fostering early learning opportunities. They believe that equitable access to quality early education is the foundation for building stronger communities and empowering future generations.
In addition to their professional work, Hyde is actively involved in their local community. Alongside their wife, Hyde is a proud parent to their son, embracing family life as a core part of their values. Hyde also serves as the coach for the North Platte High School softball team, sharing their leadership skills and passion for teamwork with young athletes.
A firm believer in collaboration and collective effort, Hyde is committed to making meaningful improvements in the community by fostering partnerships and inspiring action. Their dedication to building a more inclusive and supportive environment remains at the heart of everything they do.
