At Horse Creek Academy, we believe in the power of community. Our motto—“We are the Village”—is more than a phrase. It’s a promise to support the whole child by also supporting the whole educator.
That’s why, in the 2023–24 school year, we launched the HCA Daycare, becoming the first public school in our area to offer affordable, onsite childcare exclusively for our staff.
This wasn’t just a thoughtful gesture. It was a strategic investment in the people who show up every day to shape the lives of our students—and the impact has been extraordinary.
Why Onsite Childcare Matters
Educators are often expected to do it all: teach, mentor, parent, and lead—often while juggling family responsibilities of their own. One of the greatest challenges for working parents in education is finding reliable, affordable childcare.
Across industries, research shows that onsite childcare is a proven way to:
Reduce staff turnover by up to 60% (Bright Horizons)
Increase employee loyalty nearly ninefold (Society for Human Resource Management)
Strengthen organizational culture and retention
When schools remove barriers like childcare access, they do more than lighten a logistical load—they build trust, improve morale, and empower staff to thrive both at work and at home.
The HCA Difference
While schools across the country face significant challenges in recruiting and retaining staff, Horse Creek Academy stands apart. We consistently fill vacancies with highly qualified candidates, and our team remains stable year after year.
Our onsite daycare has become a cornerstone of that success.
By offering staff the peace of mind that their children are nearby and well cared for, we’ve created an environment that:
Encourages long-term commitment
Supports teachers through life’s transitions
Attracts top talent who value balance and support
It’s just one of many ways we’ve built a culture where employees feel seen, respected, and valued.
Supporting the Whole Educator
The decision to open a daycare wasn’t just about logistics. It was about living our values.
Providing onsite childcare tells our educators: We see you not just as teachers, but as whole people with families, responsibilities, and dreams. That message builds a culture of trust, support, and connection.
When staff are supported, students benefit. When educators feel secure and valued, they bring more focus, energy, and passion to their work. That ripple effect strengthens every classroom, every hallway, and every relationship in our building.
Looking Ahead
The HCA Daycare isn’t just a program—it’s a reflection of our commitment to building a Village where everyone can flourish. As more schools search for solutions to burnout, vacancies, and retention, we hope they consider what a difference it makes to invest deeply in people.
Because when we take care of our teachers, they’re empowered to take care of our students.
And that’s a Village worth building!