Cardinals Nest builds stronger future for Clark County
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 17
Each morning, CCPS teachers and staff head to work knowing their babies and toddlers are in good hands.
Just down the road, their children are being rocked, read to, and guided through structured lessons at The Cardinals Nest, our staff early learning center.
That confidence is transforming not only early childhood education in Clark County, but the way our employees are able to do their jobs.
“It gives staff members assurance knowing their infants and toddlers are well taken care of,” said Director of Early Learning and Preschool Principal Jill Blanton. “They’re nurtured and loved here so our teachers can go out and provide that same care and attention to the students in our district.”
For Cardinals Nest Director Gail Ricketts, the impact is visible every day.
“CCPS employees don’t have to stress,” Ricketts said. “They know their child is taken care of, loved and educated. And they can go to work with peace of mind and focus on what they’re there to do.”
Consequently, The Nest has become one of the district’s strongest tools for recruiting and retaining educators and is also proving to be a long-term investment in Clark County’s future.
This spring marked a milestone for CCPS as every child who began at The Nest when it opened in January 2024 is now thriving at the Clark County Preschool.
“We get to welcome kids when they’re just babies and support them every step of the way as they grow academically and socially,” said Superintendent Dustin Howard. “Being part of their journey from daycare to preschool and all the way to graduation is truly one of the greatest privileges we have as a school district.”
The Cardinals Nest was born after an employee survey revealed childcare was one of the greatest needs. What began as extended aftercare for preschool families quickly evolved into something much bigger.
When the Nest first opened, it enrolled 10 infants and 12 toddlers in two classrooms. Today, it has grown to six classrooms serving 55 children, and expansion isn’t slowing down.
The Nest will once again increase infant capacity this fall and push enrollment to 65 children. Demand is so strong that future waitlists are already forming.
As the state’s first school district to have a standalone childcare center, Clark County quickly drew attention across the state and beyond. School districts, universities, and corporations have sought guidance on how to replicate The Nest.
Beyond affordability and recruitment, the educational impact is significant.
The Nest implements a structured curriculum beginning at six weeks old. Teachers use a program that provides age-specific lesson plans, materials, songs and books, while still allowing flexibility for individual needs.
Even infants have intentional learning built into their days. “We have songs, story time, sensory toys, tummy time,” Ricketts said. “And the comfort bonding — holding them, rocking them, singing to them — we build that bond."
By the time Nest students arrive at Clark County Preschool, they are already familiar with structure, routines and classroom expectations. It's a win-win all the way around.
CCPS HR Director Dr. Tammy Parrish says staff attendance has significantly improved since The Nest opened.
"When we talked to staff, unreliable child care kept coming up as a reason they couldn't make it to work, whether it was a daycare closing, or a family member getting sick," she said. "Offering a consistent child care option has improved our absentee rates, and is improving student outcomes because there’s no stronger impact on student success than having the teacher in the classroom.”
For district employees, the Nest has become more than childcare; it’s a deciding factor on where to put down roots.
“I think the most important thing is the feeling of relief from parents,” Ms. Blanton said. “They have a safety net. It’s affordable, high-quality, nurturing. They don’t have to be stressed about their child while they’re teaching and educating our future.”
The Cardinals Nest offers affordable daycare for CCPS staff.
