Welcome to Our Nest
Our Mission
At Fall Creek Family Nest, our mission is to provide a warm, home-based environment where young children feel safe, loved, and inspired to grow. We nurture each child’s curiosity and confidence through hands-on learning, meaningful relationships, and consistent care. Surrounded by nature and guided by family values, we help little ones take their first steps toward lifelong learning and belonging.
About Us
Our Philosophy
At Fall Creek Family Nest, we believe that children thrive in environments that feel like home. Our philosophy focuses on nurturing relationships, encouraging curiosity, and guiding growth through play and routine in our licensed programs. Every moment, from snack time to circle time serves as an opportunity to build trust, independence, and a joy for learning.
Our Teachers
Our educators are the heart of our program. Each teacher brings warmth, experience, and a genuine love for early childhood education. With small group sizes, they form close bonds with every child, ensuring individualized attention and care that supports each stage of development.
Our Programs
Designed for infants through age four, our family nest programs balance structure with creativity and care. Each day offers a thoughtful rhythm, children enjoy meals together in a real kitchen, rest in cozy bedrooms, and play in bright, engaging learning spaces. This homelike setting helps children feel secure while fostering independence and confidence.
Our Smart Start Curriculum aligns with the Indiana Early Learning Foundations and incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities that encourage curiosity, exploration, and creativity. Through hands-on learning and outdoor discovery, children develop essential skills across all areas, sensory, cognitive, motor, social-emotional, and language preparing them for future success.
To ensure each child’s growth is nurtured intentionally, we use Vine Assessments. These age-specific tools help us track progress and guide learning goals, ensuring children meet important milestones and are fully prepared for kindergarten.
Fall Creek Family Nest is proud to be a Level 4 Paths to QUALITY™ provider and nationally accredited through NECPA, reflecting our commitment to excellence in early education, safety, and family partnership. Every child here receives not only the highest standard of care but also the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
The Team Behind the Care
Pam Russell, Center Director
Owners & Operators, Mrs. Shannon & Mr. Hege
Pam Russell, Center Director
Pam Russell has been a dedicated leader at Fall Creek Family Nest for over five years and proudly serves as Center Director. She leads with a hands-on approach, working shoulder-to-shoulder with her team to ensure every child receives attentive, high-quality care each day.
Pam is deeply committed to supporting both children and staff, cre
Pam Russell has been a dedicated leader at Fall Creek Family Nest for over five years and proudly serves as Center Director. She leads with a hands-on approach, working shoulder-to-shoulder with her team to ensure every child receives attentive, high-quality care each day.
Pam is deeply committed to supporting both children and staff, creating a positive, team-focused environment she affectionately calls “the village.” She believes strong relationships, consistency, and clear communication are the foundation of a successful center.
With a CDA and as she continues her degree at Purdue University, Pam is committed to growing as a leader and continuously strengthening the experience for the families and team she serves.
Our Story & Programs
Owners & Operators, Mrs. Shannon & Mr. Hege
Pam Russell, Center Director
Our Story
Fall Creek Family Nest was built on the belief that child care should feel like an extension of home, safe, dependable, and full of care. We’ve grown through strong relationships and word of mouth, with families choosing us because they trust the environment we’ve created and the people who make it possible each day.
Our Program
Our Story
Fall Creek Family Nest was built on the belief that child care should feel like an extension of home, safe, dependable, and full of care. We’ve grown through strong relationships and word of mouth, with families choosing us because they trust the environment we’ve created and the people who make it possible each day.
Our Programs
We offer care for children from infancy through preschool, with programs designed to support each stage of development. Our approach focuses on structure, consistency, and hands-on learning, helping children build confidence, independence, and a strong foundation for school and beyond all within a warm, family-like setting.
Today at Fall Creek Family Nest
Today, we remain committed to providing reliable, high-quality care in a close-knit environment we proudly call “the village.” Because of our approach and strong community reputation, availability can be limited, and we encourage families to connect with us early. Here, children are known, supported, and given the opportunity to grow every day.
Owners & Operators, Mrs. Shannon & Mr. Hege
Owners & Operators, Mrs. Shannon & Mr. Hege
Owners & Operators, Mrs. Shannon & Mr. Hege
As owners and operators of Fall Creek Family Nest, we are actively involved in supporting our team and the day-to-day operations of the center. While much of our work happens behind the scenes, we are consistently present throughout the week at both this location and our other site.
Mr. Hege, affectionately known by the children, takes pr
As owners and operators of Fall Creek Family Nest, we are actively involved in supporting our team and the day-to-day operations of the center. While much of our work happens behind the scenes, we are consistently present throughout the week at both this location and our other site.
Mr. Hege, affectionately known by the children, takes pride in ensuring the environment is safe, well-maintained, and running smoothly. I serve as a direct line of support for our leadership team, while also staying connected in the classrooms, organizing family events, and helping strengthen the overall experience for our children and families. With a background in education, I am passionate about creating an environment where children can learn, grow, and feel truly supported.
Together, we are committed to creating a dependable, welcoming environment where children feel safe, families feel confident, and our team has what they need to succeed.
Recognized for Quality Care
