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From sunup to sundown, you’ll find Montana Thatcher at her day care, Tana’s Tiny Tots, diligently watching over the children of 24 families from the Fairfield, Nebraska, area.
Along with her six full- and part-time employees, Montana spends five days a week helping shape the minds of children from 6 weeks to 10 years old. She splits the kids by age into two classrooms with two different curriculums that offer age-appropriate lessons to help with basic skills, plus prepare the older children for schoolwork.
While that might sound exhausting to some, the 24-year-old thrives on being surrounded by such youthful energy.
“I have always loved being around kids,” Montana said. “When I was younger, I’d be the one helping babysit or watch the kids. It’s so fun to interact with them and see their minds work—they always seem so eager to learn.”
Montana took over the day care in February 2023 after working there for more than three years. When her boss offered to sell her the business, she was able to buy it with financing assistance from the Center for Rural Affairs.
Recently, she crossed paths with the Center again, participating in a Childcare Accelerator Award Program presented by the Center’s Women’s Business Center (WBC), Stearns Bank, and the Association of Women's Business Centers.
Designed to assist licensed child care providers in scaling operations, expanding services, and improving sustainability in their communities, the program included 10 Nebraska child care providers. Owners had the opportunity to attend sessions where they engaged in hands-on training, personalized technical assistance, and guidance in financial services.
The Center’s WBC was among seven across the country selected to serve as accelerator hubs and to receive grant funding.
“This innovative program comes at a critical time, as access to dependable and affordable child care remains a major issue across the country and in rural communities,” said Jessica Campos, Center WBC director.
For Montana, the most impactful part of the program has been working on the financial side of her business.
“I learned about how to be wise on what is beneficial to spend for your business to help it grow and be prosperous,” she said. “This information will help us to grow stronger and keep the business running smoothly.”
Montana enjoyed the early learning guideline courses as well, as she and her staff were able to improve their skills. Upon completing the program, participating child care businesses each received a $10,000 Childcare Accelerator Award Program Grant by Stearns Bank.
The stipend has gone to good use at Tana’s Tiny Tots, as upkeep on any business takes significant effort and financial support.
New carpet will be installed this winter, and once spring comes, Montana wants to change the outdoor playground surfacing. She has also done necessary upgrades like updating the playground equipment and painting.
“I am proud to say I have started marking off some of my goals I had when I first started this business, so that’s exciting!” said Montana.
Her enthusiasm runs deep. Her business slogan is “keeping the wheels of imagination turning,” which, for Montana, is what child care is all about.
“(The slogan means) having them come to a safe place where they can learn while also playing with friends,” she said. “It’s letting them be kids while they are still kids and not having to worry about school or the structure that comes with school. We still have structure, but it’s more open to let their imaginations run wild.”
Montana also gets involved with the local library, coordinating activities in which her day care kids can be included. She takes advantage of any opportunity she can to give them different experiences in a small town.
“Being a day care owner isn’t just a job to me, it's a labor of love and a true reflection of my passion,” Montana said. “Running a day care in a rural community can be challenging just for advertising openings or getting employees without having the broad reach that the bigger cities can offer. We rely on the community and our families to help advertise by word of mouth.”
Having a network of support is important to Montana, within her town and beyond. Taking part in the Childcare Accelerator Award Program demonstrated just how far that support can reach.
“My biggest takeaway would be the community (of providers created) within this program, as well as the connection the Center for Rural Affairs created with the bank who helped with the grant,” she said. “The benefits aren’t only financial—it’s wonderful to see everyone help support us day cares and give us the resources we need to continue doing what we love.”
The Childcare Accelerator Program was made possible by Stearns Bank in partnership with the Association of Women's Business Centers. The Nebraska program is held in partnership with Sixpence Early Learning Fund and Nebraska Educational Service Units. The Childcare Accelerator Award Program ran from Aug. 23 to Sept. 13, 2025.
For more information, visit cfra.org/small-business-training.
Photos by Kylie Kai. Click to enlarge.
