Address: 620 N. Chestnut Ave, Earlham, IA 50072
Day Care Center Earlham, IA
The Nest Child Care & Early Learning Center
Where Every Child Can Learn To Fly
Our Purpose
THE NEST is more than just child care —it’s a community dedicated to raising the future.
The Nest Child Care and Early Learning Center is dedicated to providing a nurturing, safe, high quality learning environment. A child’s development will be supported with well-planned intentional practice of social, emotional, cognitive, physical, motor, language, and communication skills. Joyful environments will allow for daily opportunities to practice these skills through play, music, art, daily routines and connecting with nature. Children will be served daily by knowledgeable, well-qualified, loving, and dedicated educators. We will foster invaluable relationships with families and children to promote learning through developmentally appropriate activities. We believe every part of a child’s growth and development can be positively impacted to result in children who are ready for school and able to meet the rigorous demands of today’s primary classrooms. Our mission will be achieved through recognizing the importance of stewardship in early care and education and understanding the importance of what we offer the children and families in the community.
Explore our thoughtfully designed programs, tailored to help your child grow and thrive at every stage.
6 Weeks to 10 Years Old
"Owlets"
Infant Care
6 weeks to 23 months
Our Owlets infant program offers a safe, nurturing start with personalized care and daily updates for families. Each child’s growth is supported through play, connection, and The Creative Curriculum for Infants.
"Flamingos"
Transition
12 to 23 months
Our Flamingo Transition program gives little ones more room to grow while still receiving the same nurturing care as our Owlets. With Creative Curriculum Gold assessments, each child moves forward at their own pace in a developmentally supportive space.
"Chickadees"
Toddlers
2 to 3 years
Our Chickadees program fosters independence and exploration in a warm, playful environment. Using The Creative Curriculum for Toddlers, educators support growth in every developmental area while keeping families connected with daily updates.
Preschool - Wrap Around
"During School Year
4 to 5 year olds
Your child will be transported/walked to and from Earlham Community School to attend morning or afternoon classes. While in our care, they will be offered all meals and snacks and curriculum offered to full time care.
Preschool - Full Time
3 to 5 year olds
Our full-time Preschool program inspires curiosity and independence through hands-on exploration and group learning. Our Creative Curriculum for Preschoolers builds school-readiness skills in literacy, math, and more through joyful play, art, and discovery.
Preschool - 3 Years Old
A half-day preschool program exclusively for 3-year-olds. Children attend for 3 hours between 8:30-11:30am or 12pm-3pm. Children receive one snack—no meals, transportation, or wraparound care included. Ideal for families seeking a short, structured introduction to academics, routines, and socialization.
School Age Care - "Cardinals"
Before & After School Care
5 to 10 years
Our Cardinals before and after school program provides a safe, supportive space to unwind, play, and grow. With a balance of structured activities and free exploration, children build friendships and develop social skills beyond the classroom.
Full Day Summer Care
5 to 10 years
The Cardinals summer program offers full days of fun, learning, and discovery in a nurturing environment. Children enjoy a variety of engaging activities that encourage creativity, independence, and lasting friendships all summer long.
Our Curriculum and Educational Philosophy
The Nest Child Care and Early Learning Center believes that learning is a lifelong adventure. We will provide learning through developmentally appropriate activities that encourage independence, confidence, creativity, and responsibility. We believe that children learn best through play and exploration of the world around them.
We have carefully chosen our educational curriculum to complement our philosophy of early education beginning at birth. The daily learning routines will be based on the Creative Curriculum text with Teaching Strategies GOLD for assessment. This tool will help staff to identify milestones as they are reached and areas that need improvement. Creating a strong positive, caring relationship with children will help staff to know and understand the needs of each individual child. Assessments of these developmental markers will start within 30 days of enrollment and continue until they exit the program.
The Nest believes that parents/guardians and staff are partners in a child’s growth and development. In addition to daily check-ins and communication to help us provide the best for your child, we offer parent teacher conferences bi-annually in March and October. Our safe, healthy, and nurturing environment will be essential to facilitate this high-quality curriculum. Creative Curriculum features a variety of engaging activities and fun play experiences which help each child develop physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially. It is designed to help children reach their fullest potential with the goal of preparing them for the next level of learning. In addition, we will also implement the Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Program and Orton Gillingham phonics strategies to reinforce systematic and explicit literacy instruction. It is an engaging framework that focuses on the most impactful strategies for early literacy.
All program activities will focus on the Iowa Early Learning Standards. They will include both large motor and fine motor skills development. We strive to provide for each child’s needs in a nurturing, healthy and safe environment. The Nest Child Care and Early Learning Center will meet each child where they are and provide the care they need to begin their educational journey. Families may request information on lesson plans at any time.
The NEST Partners
Our commitment to quality, reliability, and innovation are the building blocks of the curriculum and philosophy of care administered by our team of caring professionals at the NEST Early Learning Center.
Growing Together, One Step at a Time!
Join our Nest family and help your child spread their wings.
Step 1
Connect With Us
Whether you call, email, or visit us in person, our team is here to answer your questions and learn more about your needs. We’ll discuss your child’s age, interests, and routines to better understand how we can support them. During this conversation, we’ll also share details about our programs, schedule, and approach. Together, we’ll decide if the Nest Early Learning Center is the right fit for your family.
Step 2
Schedule a Tour
Once we’ve connected, the next step is to visit our center. During the tour, you’ll explore our learning spaces, play areas, and safety features while meeting the educators who will care for your child. This is also a great time to ask questions and share specific goals or concerns. Our goal is to give you complete confidence that Nest is the right environment for your little one.
Step 3
Enroll and Start Growing
After the tour, enrolling is simple and straightforward. Our team will guide you through the paperwork and discuss important details like schedules, meal plans, and any personalized care your child may need. Once everything is set, we’ll introduce your child to their new classroom and friends to ensure a smooth transition. From day one, we’ll partner with you to support your child’s growth, curiosity, and joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to our most frequently asked questions to help you feel confident in your choice.
What are your hours of operation?
We’re open Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Do you provide meals and snacks?
Yes, we provide nutritious meals and snacks tailored to your child’s dietary needs.
What is your child-to-staff ratio?
We maintain a low ratio to ensure personalized attention for every child.
Does The Nest work with Iowa Child Care Assistance Programs ?
Yes! We are proud to work with Iowa CCA programs. Please reach out to our director for more information or visit the CCA Family Portal to learn more.
Can I visit during the day?
Absolutely! We encourage parents to drop by and participate in their child’s day.
What safety measures do you have in place?
Our facility has secure entry and exit points to meet building codes and industry requirements, and we perform regular safety drills.
Contact us if you have more questions in mind
Words from Our Happy Families!
Here’s what parents are saying about their Nest Early Learning Center experience
Ready to See Your Child Spread Their Wings?
Take the first flight toward a brighter future—schedule a short 15 minute Q&A with our director to learn more and schedule a tour!
Where every child can learn to fly
The Nest Early Learning Center, LLC
Address: 620 N. Chestnut Ave, Earlham, IA 50072
Email: [email protected]
Hours
Monday - 6:30am - 6:00pm
Tuesday - 6:30am - 6:00pm
Wednesday - 6:30am - 6:00pm
Thursday - 6:30am - 6:00pm
Friday - 6:30am - 6:00pm
Saturday - CLOSED
Sunday - CLOSED
