Childcare Spotlight: Laura Coufalik, The Nest in Brecksville, OH
By Lauren Keep
Read on to learn about Laura's favorite parts of the job, the best advice she’s ever gotten, and of course the Foundations products she and her team can’t live without!
We are so excited to introduce a new special section to our Foundations blog, Childcare Spotlight, where we share insights from leading childcare providers from around the country. Would you like to see your childcare center featured here? Let us know!
Director’s Name: Laura Coufalik
(Brecksville, OH)
- Name of Center/School: The Nest School – Brecksville
- Location: Brecksville, Ohio
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What age range of children does your center/school serve?
6 weeks – 12 years (summer camp) -
How many children are currently enrolled at your center/school?
Approximately 80 -
How long have you been working in childcare?
I’ve been in the education field for 20+ years
What inspired you to work in this field?
I’ve always wanted to make a difference, and I knew I had the skills to do so—especially in challenging situations. My background as a special education teacher taught me how to de-escalate tough moments with compassion and care. When I discovered The Nest, its values and curriculum really resonated with me. Kindness is at the heart of everything here, and the Learn to Play curriculum offers so much room for growth—for both children and educators. It’s exactly how I want my own daughter to learn.
What’s your favorite part of working in childcare? What’s the most challenging aspect?
What do you find most rewarding about working in childcare?
The relationships. I’ve built strong connections with every family here—we know them well, and they know us. At The Nest, once you’re part of our school, you’re always part of the flock. That same high standard of care carries through all 60 Nest locations across the U.S. We grow thoughtfully, making sure we never lose sight of our core values.
Do you have any favorite tips, tricks, or classroom hacks to share with other educators?
Know your policies and procedures until they become second nature. One helpful trick is to always remember the first and last steps of a task—it helps me recall everything in between.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received about working with children?
Patience. You need to leave personal stress at the door because children sense everything, even when you're having a rough day. It’s important to approach each day with a calm and positive mindset. When you model emotional regulation, children learn how to manage their own feelings too.What’s one thing you wish more people understood about early childhood education?
That we’re not just babysitters—we’re educators. These are the most formative years of a child’s life. Every moment we spend with them is an opportunity to teach, and they absorb everything like little sponges. And just like anyone else, teachers are human too—we show up every day because we care deeply about nurturing children’s development.
Do you have any favorite Foundations or Gaggle products? If so, which ones and why?
Absolutely—the Roadster Duo Stroller. It’s like the Cadillac of strollers! Even with two kids in it, I can push it with one hand. It’s so smooth and easy to maneuver. Everyone here loves it—it really is the best of the best.
What is your most used product in your center?
For the kids, ride-on toys like the puppy, squirrel, and bikes are always a hit. For the teachers, the stroller is hands-down the most used item every day.
How do you see the childcare industry evolving in the next few years?
Thank you for your time and support, Laura, and for your invaluable contributions to childcare. Stay tuned to hear more insights, tips, and tricks from leading childcare providers across the country!
Would you like to see your childcare center featured here? Let us know!
Visit our website to shop Foundations' full line of childcare products!