Welcome to the Noah’s Ark Childcare Page, where our wonderful staff specializes in the care of your child.  The YMCA continues to nurture the vision of building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. 

Our program is multi-modular and child-centered.  We encourage the use of creativity, knowing that each child is approaching different levels of development.  To maximize their development and aid the learning process, our staff strives to teach in the following areas:  gross-motor, fine-motor, pre-academic skills in pre-reading, number awareness, functional math, letter/sound recognition, writing, creative arts, social/sensory development, and dramatic play skills.

Our childcare staff also strives to teach our children the importance of character values, including:  care, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

If you have any questions, please email me, Amy Thacker, at childcaredirector_noahsark@yahoo.com

Childcare Documents (click to view and print):

YMCA Policy & Procedures

Discipline Policy

Release of Children Policy

Parent Statement of Understanding

Parent Questionaire

Price Listing

Our Wonderful Childcare Staff

Amy Thacker - Our Childcare Director: Hello!  For those of you that don’t know, my name is Amy Thacker and I am the childcare director for the Noah’s Ark Preschool and Childcare Center at the YMCA.  I have spent the last 10+ years as a special education/vision teacher, teaching children from birth to 3rd grade. I obtained my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Adolescent Counseling from Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas and my Master’s degree in Cross-Categorical Special Education and Teaching from the University of Phoenix in Arizona. I just married for the second time in July 2007 and have never been happier.  I have a stepson Jaden 12, Colin 4, and a black cat named Spook. I enjoy reading, being a mom/wife, and landscaping.  Family is very important to me.  I hold great expectations for the YMCA and I’m here to make a difference in your child’s life and to create a foundation for your child to build upon.  Here at the YMCA…we make dreams reality!

Jackie DelaCruz: My name is Miss. Jackie.  I have 4 children, which I am very proud of.  Their names are Maria, Chamila, Noel, and Salina.  Ages 12, 11, 9, and 8. I have lived in Alliance for about 8 years.  I have worked at the Alliance Headstart as a classroom aid, cooking assistant, and head cook.  I recently was hired at the YMCA as a cook and teaching assistant.  I really enjoy the children here and the staff.  I hope to be working here for a long time.

Sarah Cooper: My name is Miss. Sarah and I am currently a childcare aid at the YMCA.I have always been around kids.  I love how quick witted they are, and you never know what’s going to come out of their mouth next.  They definitely keep you on your toes! I also have a 5-year old daughter who at some times thinks she is 16. My husband and I moved here because of the railroad approximately 2-years ago.  We are both from a small town in Wyoming.  The kind where everybody knows everybody!

SaVannah Keefer: Hi, I am SaVannah Keefer (Aunt Hannah).  I’m 23 and the mother of Freedom (Free- Free) who is now 4.  We moved here from Guernsey Wyoming. I come from a very large family and have grown up in a small community. I learned to use my imagination very early on and I believe kids learn more by using their imaginations. Kids are the future and if we want a better world, we have to set the best example.  I am blessed to be working with your children.  I’m excited to learn more about all of them!

Stacy Fry: Hi!  My name is Stacy Fry.  I am from Chadron, NE.  I have a 1-year old daughter named Shelby.  I have worked with children most of my life and am excited to work with your children.  I can’t wait for all the adventures that are in store.   I hope the children will learn from me as much as I will learn from them.

Sandra Smith-Clark: My name is Miss. Sandra and I’m the infant teacher at the YMCA.  I enjoy working with children and had my own childcare for many years.  I also have a degree from WNCC in Early Childhood. I’ve been married for 18 years and have 4 children of my own.  Briar 14, Blaze 11, Seth 6, and Rhonda 4.  I enjoy bowling, crocheting, and spending time with my family and friends.

Melba Hippe - Substitute: I’m Melba.  I’ve lived here all my life.  I’ve been at the YMCA for 3 years, helping with the childcare and preschool.  I have retired, but am a substitute when needed. I just love seeing people and children everyday!