Nike’s On-Site Child Development Program

Challenges

Access, Scalability

Location

Oregon

Stakeholders

Businesses

Beneficiaries

Parents, Children

Overview

Global retailer Nike has long offered a flagship on-site childcare program at its global headquarters in Eugene, Oregon. The Nike Child Development Program (NCDP), launched in 1990, provides subsidized, high-quality daycare for over 500 children.

Key Impact Metrics

30+
years in operation, reflecting long-term commitment
100+
teachers staffed at facility
43
acres of native woodland and wetlands, and a 7-acre spring field lake for children to explore

Problem

By 1990, Nike was experiencing rapid growth as an innovation-driven brand, drawing top talent—especially in design, marketing, and corporate roles—to its Beaverton headquarters. Some members of this workforce faced a unique pain point: the difficulty of finding quality, professional childcare that aligned with their corporate schedules. The existing childcare landscape in the early 1990s in Beaverton, Oregon, consisted of a mix of smaller, often informal, family-based care or daycares with limited hours. These options failed to meet the needs of a workforce that required flexible, reliable care for infants and young children.

Solution

To resolve the lack of high-quality, corporate-compatible childcare for its workforce, Nike launched the Nike Child Development Program (NCDP) in 1990. This solution involved establishing an on-site childcare center directly at its Beaverton headquarters, offering convenience for its employees. The NCDP provides comprehensive, developmentally appropriate care for children—infants through age five—with programs extended to school-age children for backup needs. It features a high-quality curriculum emphasizing outdoor exploration on Nike's vast campus and sustainable practices. Crucially, Nike significantly subsidizes the program, making premium childcare accessible and affordable. This multi-faceted solution ensured Nike's valuable employees had the necessary support, mitigating stress and fostering a more productive, retained workforce.

Results

Beneficiary Impact500+ children served
Employee Impact380+ families served
Financial Results~$2,100 in healthcare savings per employee per year

Replication Tips

Plan for demand: If implementing a similar program, anticipate a waitlist and have a strategy to expand. Nike’s experience shows that even 500 slots can fill up fast at a large employer. Consider phasing expansions or partnering with nearby providers to scale capacity as needed.
Integrate employee feedback: Solicit regular feedback and be transparent if changes are needed. For example, Nike promised that any new facility would be within a 10-minute drive and retain quality to address concerns. Keeping trust is vital.