Westfield – Spring-Mill

Westfield – Spring-Mill

Preschool in Westfield, Indiana

Welcome to The Nest Schools of Westfield, Indiana!

We know choosing childcare is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make—and we’re here to make it an easy one. At The Nest, we offer nurturing, play-based programs backed by the latest research in early childhood education. Every child in our care is supported by a warm, dedicated team focused on kindness and wellness who take an innovative and fun approach to sparking a lifelong love of learning.

🩷 For your child: A high-quality education and enriching experiences.

🩷  For you: The comfort of knowing they’re safe, happy, and building the foundation for a bright future.

Discover why so many families trust The Nest as a partner in their child’s growth, learning, and happiness. Schedule your tour today—we can’t wait to meet you!

2026 Best of Suburban Indy Winner

Silver Winner: Best Preschool/Childcare

Nearby Schools & Communities

Neighborhoods: Westfield Elementary Schools: Maple Glen, Oak Trace, Shamrock Springs
The FUTURE of childcare and preschool is coming to Westfield! Our new school is currently under renovation, and we will be opening our doors soon. We look forward to providing Westfield families the highest quality childcare and preschool programs. Our curriculum and program design incorporate the most current research in early development to best prepare children for their future in and out of the classroom. At The Nest, we work every day to create a culture of kindness, build the foundations for wellness for life, make learning fun, and continually take our best and make it better.

Here are just a few of the differences that set us apart:

✅ Safer and healthier every step of the way - air purifiers in every classroom.

🧠 Curriculum developed using all the latest research on how children learn best - it's fun, exciting, and inspiring.

🏫 Early childhood professionals who genuinely care about your child’s growth and happiness - we hire only the best!

🥕 Wholesome, delicious meals and snacks included in tuition - no packing lunches needed!

💬 Communication tools to always keep you in the loop - never miss a moment.

Take a Look Inside Our School

The Nest Difference

At The Nest, we take every precaution to ensure your child’s health and safety when they spend their day with us. Our schools provide layers of security measures to protect the children in our care.
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Our curriculum and program design incorporate the most current research in early development to best prepare children for their future in and out of the classroom. Each element of our Nest Play curriculum shares one goal: to help children love to learn.
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Communication with our families is a top priority at The Nest Schools. Everything from the face-to-face interactions during pick up and drop off times, individual conference times, school e-newsletter, daily reporting app, and interactive displays outside every classroom allow for parents to be fully involved and in the know on their child’s learning and progress.
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At The Nest Schools, we hire teachers who have a genuine love for young children and share our vision of raising a world of kind, healthy, and inspired kids. All of our teachers are highly-trained youth developers who are dedicated to bringing out what is special and unique about each child.
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At The Nest, we set out to create outdoor environments that entice children to engage with nature. Our playgrounds are rich with plants and natural elements, exciting play themes, and physical challenges. Children can learn to assess risks and test their boundaries within an environment that was created with their safety, health, and skill-building in mind.
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Our Westfield Leadership Team

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Director

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Shannon Garrity has been working in early childhood education since 1998 and holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Throughout her career, she has served as a Preschool Teacher, Center Director, Children’s Program Director, Community Systems Engagement Coordinator, Deputy Director of Strategic Initiatives, and Community Systems Manager. She is certified in CPR, First Aid, Epi-Pen Administration, and Medication Administration. Shannon is passionate about making a meaningful impact during the earliest and most formative years of a child’s development. She is especially committed to supporting families by connecting them with the resources they need to thrive. Known for being confident, caring, and compassionate, Shannon is happiest when engaging directly with children and families and staying closely connected to classroom experiences. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, hiking, visiting national parks and beaches, reading across genres, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Erika Runyon - 798x800 - Grassy Branch AD

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Assistant Director

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Erika Runyon has been in the Early Childhood Education field since 2015. She holds a CDA and has gained experience in a variety of roles, including Infant Teacher, Lead Toddler Guide, Assistant Head of School, and now Assistant Director with The Nest Schools. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to supporting children during these formative years, helping them build confidence, kindness, and a lifelong love of learning. She believes the early years lay the foundation for future success, and she finds joy in guiding children as they reach important developmental milestones. Erika describes herself as patient, kind, and determined. She is happiest at work when she can help families feel safe and confident, knowing their children are receiving the highest quality care. Outside of school, Erika enjoys tending to her animals, gardening, baking, and listening to music or audiobooks. She also loves spending time with her family, whether it’s enjoying festivals, zoo trips, roller skating, or simply gathering around a bonfire.
Charity DeHority - Regional

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Regional Director

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Charity DeHority brings more than 30 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education, having worked with children from infancy through first grade in both classroom and leadership roles. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Anderson University and began her career as a preschool, kindergarten, and first grade teacher before moving into school administration. She later earned her Early Childhood Administration Credential through the University of Southern Indiana. Charity’s leadership experience spans a range of program models, including play-based, Reggio-inspired, and Montessori, and she believes that the most effective learning environments incorporate elements of each. In addition to her administrative roles, she has served as a Curriculum Specialist, coached educators in Conscious Discipline, and completed training as an Infant Toddler Specialist through the Program for Infant and Toddler Care. Charity brings a well-rounded perspective to her work and a deep commitment to high-quality early education.

Our Westfield Educational Programs

Hummingbirds

We understand that infants need nurturing, and parents need to feel secure knowing their child is in good hands. Our infant teachers are hand-picked natural caregivers who focus on meeting the individual needs of every child. While your child is in our care, you can rest assured that they will receive the attention and interaction they need and deserve.

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Ducklings

We recognize that your young toddler has the capacity to learn so much in the first few years of their life by simply having opportunities to explore and play amongst peers. Our teachers encourage learning through daily routines and experiences involving health and physical development, social-emotional development, language and literacy development, and so much more.

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Cardinals

Our Cardinal program supports older toddlers and their increased independence, exploration of emotions and feelings, and fast-developing use of language. We also understand and support their continued desire to explore everything about their world. We believe our play-based philosophy and learning center structure gives them the best opportunity to do this.

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Penguins

The early preschool years are nothing short of amazing! Children at this age have an overwhelming eagerness to learn and you will notice that their ability to experiment, explore, and focus on set activities begins to change rapidly. Our Penguin program supports young preschoolers and their need to be challenged, engaged, and encouraged in their learning and personal interests.

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Robins

The older preschool years consist of so much learning and development! Their peer relationships are strengthening, they have a more complex understanding and use of language, and their overall motor skills have developed rapidly. Our Robins program continues to provide for preschoolers and their need to be challenged, engaged, and supported in their learning and personal interests.

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Parrots

Our Pre-K Masters program is thoughtfully designed for children who need a third year of preschool, whether due to a late birthday, developmental readiness, or simply the need for an extra year to grow before starting kindergarten. This Pre-K bridge program provides the perfect balance of academic skill-building and social-emotional development to ensure your child enters elementary school confident, capable, and excited to learn.

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Full-time, Private

GREAT things come from great BEGINNINGS! Our private kindergarten programs will help your child excel in a small classroom environment giving them a successful start to their elementary years. Our comprehensive curriculum will use a mix of requirements from the Department of Education alongside our Nest Play curriculum to prepare children for first grade and beyond.

Pelicans / Before & After School

Our School Age program provides children with opportunities for exploration, creativity, and fun challenges to support them in becoming their best selves. Our program consists of a mix of guided activities planned by the children and teacher-guided activities.

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Summer Fun for Your Child

Summer is one of the things children look forward to the most. School’s out, and children are ready to get back to their much-awaited playtime. But instead of letting your child become glued to TV screens, computers, or mobile devices watching cartoons or playing video games, this may be the perfect time to encourage them to engage in activities that offer the right balance between learning and fun. This is where summer camps come in!

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What Our Families Are Saying

“We are so grateful for The Nest Schools! We have had amazing teachers so far, and our son loves every minute of school! What I love is that even the teachers that our son hasn’t had yet all know him by name, and treat him like he is one of their own students. We would (and do) recommend The Nest to anyone that asks.”

Amanda Lacks

“The things we like best about our child care experience at The Nest Schools are that we’re always greeted each morning with the staff’s friendly smiles and positive attitudes. Both of our children feel welcomed and have developed wonderful relationships. We are also impressed by the level of safety and the daily curriculum.”

Stephanie & Ryan Briggs

“To us, The Nest Schools has meant more than just childcare; they have been our partner in the development and success of our kids! ”

Stephen Starr

Contact Us for More Information or to Schedule Your Tour

Scheduling a tour does not guarantee availability.
The School Director will be able to confirm space in your child’s program during the tour.