Spring Creek Kids Center - A Future Solution to Childcare in Thayer County

The shortage of childcare is crippling the economic wealth of families nationwide. However, Spring Creek Kids Center plans to do its part in helping solve the childcare crisis in Deshler’s corner of America.

Currently, there are six great licensed in-home childcare providers in Deshler, with a few looking to retire in the near future. To help eliminate the gap, five community members (now board members) opted to pursue the non-profit childcare route and create Spring Creek Kids Center.

The Plan 

Spring Creek Kids Center is committed to providing a long-term option for childcare for Thayer County and surrounding communities. The vision began in 2022 after community members expressed a need for additional childcare options and is scheduled to become reality in May 2024.

The plan is to care for over 50 children, ages six weeks to five years old. The location will be in the existing downtown building housed at 279 E. Bryson Street in Deshler, rehabbing vacant space. This location is conveniently located in the center of town with plenty of indoor and outdoor space, perfect for children to learn, play, and grow. Rehabbing vacant space is cost-effective, time-saving, and can lessen the need for major construction.

We asked Spring Creek Kids Center Board Member Katie Werner about the long-term goals for the center. She said, “Spring Creek Kids Center would like to be the foundation of Deshler’s town and school systems. We have great schools here in Deshler, both private and public. Getting this center off the ground will help our town thrive and our school systems grow. We aren’t here to replace any in-home providers as those are still a need as well. We want to nurture and educate the youth in this community and help the community thrive well into the future.”

The Plan is in Motion

A non-profit business can always use support in many ways from avenues like donations and volunteerism. Also, Spring Creek Kids Center will employ local citizens, meaning wages will be paid. As Werner stated, “We will need support from not just the community of Deshler, but from the surrounding communities to make this a reality.”

Two veteran Deshler businesses must be recognized for offering a 100% matching donation challenge! Once the community raises $100,000.00, Reinke Manufacturing and Midwest Bank will donate $50,000.00 each to match the community’s generosity. With a strong foundation comes a strong standing, and these donations will help secure Spring Creek Kids Center’s foundation.

Fundraising efforts are happening, along with Big Give Thayer County in November. You can learn more about them by following Spring Creek Kids Center’s Facebook page.

Donations are ongoing and can be made in two ways:

• Dropped off at Midwest Bank in Deshler
• Online via Donate Now

TCEDA Can Help Your Non-Profit, Too

Spring Creek Kids Center’s board thanks TCEDA’s staff for helping secure ARPA funds and being instrumental in working with C4K to have Thayer County designated as a C4K County which opened up doors and grant options for Spring Creek Kids Center to consider.

As more childcare funds and resources become available, reach out to TCEDA to get your in-home or center-based businesses started now. If you want to know how TCEDA can help your business needs, contact TCEDA today. Your conversation today could be the start of your new business thriving here in the good life of Thayer County.