About The Nest

Where Children Spread Their Wings & Learn to Fly.

Our Story

Where It All Began

NEST was founded on the belief that every child deserves a bright start.

Our story began with a dream to create a child care center where every child could feel at home while learning, playing, and growing. What started as a small initiative has blossomed into a thriving community of children, families, and educators. With years of experience and countless joyful moments, the NEST is a trusted name for families seeking quality care and a supportive learning environment. We're excited for what the future holds for our young learners.

Kristy Roberts, Director and Owner of The Nest Child Care and Early Learning Center, in her office at the Earlham, Iowa center

Nurturing Minds, Shaping Futures

Our mission is to empower every child to reach their full potential.

We are committed to providing a foundation of care and education. Through our personalized programs, we encourage exploration, foster resilience, and build essential skills for life. Our mission is to create a place where every child feels loved, supported, and inspired to grow into confident and capable individuals.

Navigating Today for Tomorrow's Success

Building a world where every child has the opportunity to fly.

Our vision is to be a leader in early childhood care and education by setting a gold standard in nurturing environments and holistic learning. We aim to cultivate a generation of compassionate, curious, and confident individuals who will positively impact their communities and the world.

The Nest Team

Passionate educators dedicated to nurturing your child's growth.

  • Kristy Roberts, Owner/ Preschool Director & Teacher at The Nest Child Care and Early Learning Center

    Kristy Roberts

    Owner/ Preschool Director & Teacher

  • Mikala Woolcott, Nest Program Director at The Nest Child Care and Early Learning Center

    Mikala Woolcott

    Nest Program Director

  • Destiny Finnell, Assistant Director & Director of Curriculum Development at The Nest Child Care and Early Learning Center

    Destiny Finnell

    Assistant Director & Director of Curriculum Development

  • Anari Anderson, On-Site Supervisor and Chickadees Teacher at The Nest Child Care and Early Learning Center

    Anari Anderson

    On-Site Supervisor and Chickadees Teacher

  • Elizabeth "Libby" Beitz, Floating Teacher at The Nest Child Care and Early Learning Center

    Elizabeth "Libby" Beitz

    Floating Teacher

  • Taylor Bandy, Infant Teacher at The Nest Child Care and Early Learning Center

    Taylor Bandy

    Infant Teacher

  • Tonya Otto, Owlets / Infant Teacher at The Nest Child Care and Early Learning Center

    Tonya Otto

    Owlets / Infant Teacher

  • Pam Stearns, Owlets / Infant Teacher at The Nest Child Care and Early Learning Center

    Pam Stearns

    Owlets / Infant Teacher

  • Kaylee Sand, Flamingos / Transition Teacher at The Nest Child Care and Early Learning Center

    Kaylee Sand

    Flamingos / Transition Teacher

  • Tiffany Fornicola, Nutrition Director at The Nest Child Care and Early Learning Center

    Tiffany Fornicola

    Nutrition Director

  • Madison Ryon, Hummingbirds / Preschool Teacher at The Nest Child Care and Early Learning Center

    Madison Ryon

    Hummingbirds / Preschool Teacher

  • Tonya Malott, Chickadees / Twos Teacher at The Nest Child Care and Early Learning Center

    Tonya Malott

    Chickadees / Twos Teacher

  • Bailey Renner, Floating Teacher at The Nest Child Care and Early Learning Center

    Bailey Renner

    Floating Teacher

  • Kenna Harskamp, Floating Teacher at The Nest Child Care and Early Learning Center

    Kenna Harskamp

    Floating Teacher

  • Londyn Mapes, Floating Teacher at The Nest Child Care and Early Learning Center

    Londyn Mapes

    Floating Teacher

  • Alyssa Moses, Floating Teacher at The Nest Child Care and Early Learning Center

    Alyssa Moses

    Floating Teacher

  • Natalie Dempster, Floating Teacher at The Nest Child Care and Early Learning Center

    Natalie Dempster

    Floating Teacher

  • Join Our Team

    We are always looking for caring educators.

    Apply Here

Inside The Nest

Front desk and welcoming lobby with seating and check-in tablets at The Nest in Earlham, IowaChickadees play room with soft blocks, toy shelves, learning charts, and a carpeted play areaFull preschool classroom with tables, cubbies, hummingbird curtains, and a number boardOwlets infant sleep and play area with cribs, soft floor mats, and toy shelvesPreschool circle time area with alphabet carpet, calendar easel, and interactive display screenFlamingos infant transition room with rocking animals, changing station, and open play spaceKitchen prep area with stove, prep island, and stocked shelves for homemade meals at The NestOwlets infant room with a round activity table, toy shelves, and a bird-patterned rugChickadees toddler room with cubbies, child-size tables, and a dramatic play kitchenDining and reading area with child-size tables, a book display, and framed bird artworkToddler activity room with sorted manipulative bins, changing station, and a sink areaFlamingos care station with sink, changing table, cozy bean bag, and organized suppliesHummingbirds preschool classroom with hummingbird curtains, tables, and a reading libraryKitchen storage area with commercial refrigerators and a stocked pantry for fresh daily meals

Want to see our center in person?