Listen to the full interview with Angela Blaesi on our Kubota Podcast
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Angela Blaesi has spent nearly 16 years creating a second home for children in her in-home daycare, and now her dedication is being recognized. Blaesi has been named the latest Community Hero for Kids, an honor celebrating those who go above and beyond for youth in the area.
Blaesi said she was surprised when she received the call notifying her of the award.
“I was absolutely shocked and so excited that somebody thought of me,” she said.
A single mother, Blaesi started her daycare after deciding she wanted to spend more time with her own children. What began as a suggestion from a customer during her time working at Verizon Wireless turned into a life-changing decision.
“Almost 16 years ago, I decided to change my whole life and open up an in-home daycare,” she said. “I have had numerous children come in and out and I love it. I absolutely love spending time with these little tiny humans.”
Blaesi runs a play-based daycare, allowing children to guide their daily activities while incorporating learning into their play. From math and early literacy to Spanish and sign language, she focuses on making education engaging and natural.
“They’re playing and having fun, but we’re actually learning,” she said.
In addition to academics, Blasey emphasizes social and emotional development, helping children build foundational life skills before they enter school.
“I want to get them ready to learn how to share and to learn how to obey and to listen and to follow directions,” she said. “We learn how to be kind and helpful and safe.”
Blaesi also makes it a priority to connect her daycare children with the broader community. Whether attending local events like NebraskaLand Days, visiting parks, or delivering treats to teachers, she believes those experiences help shape well-rounded, compassionate individuals.
“North Platte is such an amazing community and we all come together and we love each other,” she said. “I want the kids to see that.”
Her approach to childcare centers on consistency, clear boundaries, and positive reinforcement. Instead of traditional discipline methods, Blaesi uses what she calls “time ends,” where children sit with her to talk through behavior and learn from the experience.
She credits the success of her daycare not only to her own efforts, but also to the strong network of childcare providers in North Platte.
“North Platte has amazing childcare providers, both in-home and centers, and we have really come together to support each other,” she said. “That’s just amazing.”
Blaesi said one of the most rewarding parts of her job is the relationships she builds with the children in her care, many of whom come to view her daycare as a second home.
“When they walk in in the mornings and they’re like, ‘Hey, this is what I want to do,’ it just makes my day,” she said.
She also encourages parents to stay actively involved in their children’s care and education.
“Your daycare… is a second home for your child,” she said. “We love your child just as much as you do. So please, be involved.”
Blaesi was nominated for the award by a member of the community who praised her for going above and beyond for the children she cares for.
As for the recognition, Blaesi said she feels grateful and humbled.
“I felt absolutely blessed when you called,” she said.