One of two childcare centers in Richardson ISD in Texas. To meet demand, a third is slated to open in 2025.
Clark County Public Schools
In August 2024, Clark County Public Schools in central Kentucky opened The Cardinal’s Nest Early Learning Center to support teachers and staff. The daycare charges $20 per day, significantly lower than the local market average of $34 per day. One teacher estimates it saves her $6,000 annually per child to have them in the district’s center.
The Cardinal's Nest in Clark County Public Schools in Kentucky accommodates nearly 100 children of district teachers and staff.
The facility, housed in a previously vacant building, was made possible through a partnership with local health services provider Bluegrass Community Health. The organization leases a portion of the space to offer medical services; the daycare occupies the remaining area. This collaboration not only offset costs but also strengthens community ties.
The Cardinal’s Nest started as a staff-only preschool with 30 children, before eventually becoming a full daycare licensed to care for infants as young as six weeks old. Today, it accommodates nearly 100 children, providing meals and offering a variety of enrichment activities, from cooking classes to visits from the high school’s Future Farmers of America students.
Despite its success, Parrish says that establishing The Cardinal’s Nest wasn’t without challenges. Licensing hurdles, background checks, and navigating state regulations required significant effort. “The amount of red tape was staggering,” she admits, noting that strong support from the superintendent and having a dedicated team were vital to overcoming the logistical hurdles.
Kentucky Senator Greg Elkins is advocating for similar programs across the state, recognizing their potential for teacher retention and preparing children for kindergarten. “This outstanding model is beneficial for schools, communities, and families alike,” he says.
Richardson Independent School District
Richardson ISD (RISD), located outside Dallas, Texas, has made significant strides since launching its childcare program in 2023. With two centersRichardson ISD leaders say the district's childcare services have helped to increase teacher retention.
“We did everything in-house," says Chief of Staff Mike Jasso. “Katie Finney, who oversees our pre-K programs, managed licensing, staffing, and hiring when the program was just starting.”
RISD’s centers operate on a budget primarily funded internally, with some federal grant assistance. The daycare costs just $350 per month, offering affordability while maintaining high standards of care. “Our professional learning for daycare staff equals or exceeds commercial daycare standards, yet we charge only about a third of what private centers cost,” says Jasso.
The centers operate from 6:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., aligning with employees’ schedules and after-school activities. Parents benefit from real-time updates through Procare software. “Reviews have been glowing," Jasso says. "Parents are thrilled with the care and milestones their children achieve.”
The program has already impacted retention. "One of our high school counselors, who was named Texas Counselor of the Year, considered leaving until we opened this daycare facility. Stories like that keep us going,” says Jasso.
Colchester Public Schools
Superintendent Daniel Sullivan of Colchester Public Schools in Connecticut saw an opportunity to address recruitment and retention challenges with on-site childcare. Partnering with the local childcare center Little People’s Playplace Too, the district converted a school space into a two-room daycare facility offering reduced rates for district employees and market rates for the community.
“Daycare is expensive and hard to find,” says Sullivan. “Providing affordable childcare helps us retain staff.” Currently, 15 of the 29 children enrolled are staff members’ children.
Assistant Finance Director Alexis Cook, whose nine-month-old daughter attends twice a week, says, “I love having her close by. The app updates with pictures and notifications make it even better.”
The partnership allows staff to access care at Little People’s other locations during summers or vacations, when the district is closed. Sullivan sees the program fostering community among faculty, with teachers from different schools connecting as parents.
School District of Alma Center-Humbird-Merrillan
The School District of Alma Center-Humbird-Merrillan in Wisconsin is building a 96-capacity childcare center, set to open in 2026, as part of an elementary school addition that also includes a FEMA-funded safe room for extreme weather.
“This is about addressing a real need,” says Superintendent Drew Semingson. “Our county will be 1,000 childcare seats short in the next decade. We wanted to be proactive.”
The center, for children from birth to age four, was supported by a community referendum and grants. It will serve district families at reduced rates while being open to the broader community.
Semingson sees the initiative as a long-term investment in employee retention. “We’ve lost teachers to larger cities with childcare options. This program can help us retain teachers and attract staff with young families.”
Key considerations
Thinking about establishing a similar program? These district leaders advise the following:
- Build a team and plan early: Start with a task force, says Semingson. “Engage local businesses and gather data to show the economic impact." Richardson ISD’s Finney adds, “Balance expectations and allow time to meet licensing requirements.”
- Leverage existing resources: “Using an existing public building reduces overhead, and bulk purchasing for food services lowers costs for families,” says Sullivan.
- Focus on communication: Both Jasso and Finney emphasize the importance of clear, ongoing communication with families and staff.
Ellen Ullman is a freelance contributor to DATIA K12.