LINCOLN — A public uproar over proposed limits on child care group sizes led to an about-face by the state on Wednesday.

Department of Health and Human Services officials announced that they will suspend their efforts to change regulations governing child care centers, school-age-only centers and preschools. In a statement, HHS officials said they appreciated the feedback from a recent public hearing at which several child care providers raised concerns about the proposed group size limits.

“The purpose of allowing public comment is at the very core of why these types of forums are so invaluable to serving Nebraskans,” the statement said.

As proposed, the youngest children, those ages 6 weeks through 18 months, would be limited to eight per group or room. The limits increase with the age of the children, until they reach 30 for school-age children. An HHS statement said the agency will work with providers to “chart our path forward” and “ultimately ensure a collective approach towards a best in class model.”

“We appreciate this opportunity to strengthen and enhance our child care system here in Nebraska and look forward to improving our systems and developing innovative solutions, especially because of all we experienced and learned in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dannette Smith, the HHS CEO.

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