Hebron Welcomes Thayer Kids Academy, Inc., a New Non-Profit Dedicated to Childcare

Thayer Kids Academy, Inc. is thrilled to be establishing a vital non-profit childcare resource in Hebron, serving families across Thayer County. We are currently operating under the guidance of a committed Board of Directors and are eagerly awaiting our official 501(c)(3) designation. As a "brand new" initiative, we are starting fresh and need the support of our community to flourish.

What began in November 2023 as a for-profit childcare facility in Hebron, owned and operated by Hannah and Chris Dunlap of Five-R-Amenities, LLC, has evolved into the vital non-profit Thayer Kids Academy, Inc./ DBA Thayer Kids Academy, is now experiencing considerable growth. A forward-thinking plan, Hannah initiated a dedicated Board of Directors (Kelly Schmitt, Tyler Van Cleef, Stephanie Berger, and Judd Martin) in collaboration with Executive Director Kendra Taylor and Director of Childcare Development Kate Schmitt, to facilitate this transition to enable greater expansion, access to grants, and diverse funding avenues. Underscoring the initial founders' ongoing dedication, Hannah Dunlap now leads the fundraising committee, a role designated by the Board to support the academy's continued development.

Located at 755 South 3rd Street, the academy proudly serves the Hebron community and extends its welcoming arms to families beyond the Thayer County border. The positive impact of Thayer Kids Academy is evident in its skyrocketing enrollment numbers, with 60 children currently enrolled, most notably a quadrupling of its Preschool classroom since September of 2024 and the current wait-listing of both toddler and infant classrooms. This continuing waitlist for other classrooms will be addressed as the academy works towards hiring additional qualified staff to support further expansion, including the planned opening of an additional infant/toddler classroom.

Your support is vital to the growth and success of Thayer Kids Academy, Inc., allowing us to expand our reach, as evidenced by our recent capacity increase to 100+ children licensed by Nebraska DHHS. While we are incredibly grateful for the assistance we receive from grants and foundations, a significant source of support comes from individuals like you who utilize the Nebraska Tax Credit for childcare. This unique program, established to benefit childcare facilities, enables Nebraska income taxpayers to contribute to Thayer Kids Academy, Inc., and receive a full 100% credit on their Nebraska income tax liability. This means that instead of paying those taxes to the IRS, you can directly invest in our program, with the added benefit of any remaining credit being eligible for carry-forward for up to five calendar years. https://revenue.nebraska.gov/tax-credits/child-care-tax-credit-act/child-care-nonrefundable-tax-credit

While operating under a committed Board of Directors and progressing towards its official 501(c)(3) designation, the academy's success underscores the critical need for its services and the nurturing environment it provides. Continued community support remains essential to sustain this momentum and allow Thayer Kids Academy to further enrich the lives of local children. You can reach them at 402-200-2045 or thayerkidsacademy.kendra@gmail.com

Ways to Partner With Us:

-Financial Contributions: Donations of any size are deeply appreciated and will have a significant impact.

-Nebraska Tax Credit Program: Explore the benefits of donating through the Nebraska Tax Credit.

-Fundraising Assistance: We welcome your involvement in our fundraising activities.

-Be a part of building something special for the children of Hebron!