CCPS expands staff childcare services with new facility
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Clark County Public Schools is expanding childcare services for employees through a lease agreement with Bluegrass Community and Technical College.
The Cardinals Nest at BCTC will open in a facility on BCTC's campus, increasing access to affordable care for CCPS staff while while supporting employee recruitment and retention efforts.
The new center builds on the success of the district's existing Cardinals Nest childcare program.
"The big highlight is that this is an opportunity to expand on our extremely successful Cardinals Nest, which provides affordable childcare for our staff," said Superintendent Dustin Howard.
While The Nest is primarily for our teaching staff, The Nest at BCTC will offer affordable childcare for classified staff as well.
"This has been a tremendous benefit for employees as well as allowing us to recruit and retain world-class staff for Clark County Public Schools," Howard said.
Unlike the Cardinals Nest program, which follows the school calendar, the new center will operate throughout the year, providing a childcare option for families who need year-round services.
District leaders have already begun preparations for the facility's August opening with renovations and staff training underway.
Longtime Clark County Preschool teacher Barbara Conkwright will serve as director.
"Working with young children has been my passion for more than 20 years, and being able to help create a place where our little ones feel safe, loved, and celebrated every day is truly a dream come true," said Ms. Conkwright.
August can't come soon enough for Ms. Conkwright. "I cannot wait to welcome our families, build meaningful relationships, and watch our Baby Cards grow and thrive," she said. "Every child deserves a strong start, and I am so excited to help create a place where we are truly Growing Greatness from The Nest Up."
The commitment to expanding childcare opportunities has played a significant role in CCPS moving from a 70% staff retention rate to more than 90%.
"It’s an innovative way to give families benefits without the burden on our budget with overextended raises," Howard said.
One of the most significant benefits is cost savings. Employees are estimated to save roughly $6,000 per year in childcare expenses, a figure that approaches the cost of advanced degree tuition at some institutions.
The Nest at BCTC will expand eligibility under the Childcare Assistance Program of Kentucky, increasing access for more families.
All staff childcare at CCPS incorporates curriculum across age levels, from infants through preschool-age children, focusing on both academic readiness and developmental milestones.
Such a committed investment in early childhood support aligns with the broader CCPS mission of serving students and families from infancy through graduation.
"We have experienced wonderful feedback by Growing Greatness from six weeks through graduation and now have staff babies who have transitioned to our world-class Clark County Preschool as four-year-olds," he said. "I could not be more proud of the investment we’re making in early learning in Clark County."
CCPS Childcare By the Numbers
100% retention for employees whose children participated in district childcare programs (separations occurring only in cases unrelated to the program itself)
More than 50 children currently served in the program
Approximately $6,000 average annual childcare savings per employee
Retention increase reported from 70% to 90%+ since childcare expansion initiatives began
New center opening August at BCTC with year-round operations
Expanded CCAP eligibility at the new location
