A woman with curly red hair gently holds a baby with blue eyes while resting her face close to the baby's face.

My Professional Training Includes:
Health and safety procedures, infection prevention, emergency preparedness, trauma-informed care, communication and behavioral guidance, cultural competence, and specialized care for a variety of needs — all of which translate into a safer, calmer, and more responsive childcare environment.

To earn and maintain my license, I completed:

  • State and federal background checks

  • A full home safety inspection

  • CPR and First Aid certification for infants, children, and adults

  • Health and safety training, including safe sleep and emergency preparedness

  • Ongoing professional development through state regulated programs

I also have several years of working with food and food safety

A young woman with long red hair and blue eyes taking a selfie indoors. She is smiling and wearing a dark gray T-shirt with a graphic design. Behind her, there is a wall decorated with black-and-white framed photos.

After SIX months of hard work, long days and nights, and a whole lot of persistence, Little Embers Family Childcare is officially opening its doors on February 23rd

In between working full-time as a mother of two young babies, I’ve poured my heart into building a licensed home daycare right here in Crystal Falls. I wanted to create a place where children can laugh, learn, and grow—and where parents can feel confident every time they drop them off. And now, I truly believe I’ve done that.

I want to give credit to those of you who supported me along the way, because without you, I would never have gotten this far.

My mother gave me the idea in the first place, so this is all her fault! Thank you, Mom, for giving me the first push that got the ball rolling and being an ear to complain to when I was both happy and frustrated.

To my husband and mother-in-law: All the little things you do for me on a day-to-day basis are the foundation I need to keep going. I would have never slept again if it weren’t for you.

Lastly, to the rest of my family, friends, and work family over at Iron County Medical Care Facility, thank you for the encouragement, flexibility, and constant support along the way. Whether you cheered me on, checked in, or simply believed in me, it truly means a lot.

Each of you has been so supportive through every phase of this journey, and I cannot stress how grateful I am to have the community I do. I hope to give back double what I’ve been given.

Little Embers Family Childcare

"From your home to mine, and back again" - Alaina Helen Nelson

Nice to Meet You!

Hi! I’m Alaina, owner and caregiver at Little Embers Family Childcare, and proud mom of two sweet baby girls. I believe children deserve the very best start they can get — that’s the heart of everything I do. My philosophy is simple: every child thrives when they’re given creativity, attention, safety, and proper nutrition.

I’ve lived in Iron County since the 5th grade, and I’m so grateful to now raise my family here. Over the years, I’ve seen how limited childcare options can be for parents in our area, and I wanted to be part of the solution — to create a space where families can truly feel supported. I know how important it is to feel like you can depend on someone other than yourself with your kids. That trust means everything, and I don’t take it lightly.

Before opening Little Embers, I worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant, where I gained extensive training in health, safety, and emotional care. From infection control and first aid to trauma-informed care and communication, my medical background has taught me how to provide calm, compassionate care in any situation.

I’m also someone who believes in continuous learning and personal growth. Whether it’s studying new childcare approaches, refreshing my certifications, or learning from the children themselves, I’m always striving to be better for the families I serve. As someone with ADHD, I bring an extra layer of empathy and awareness to my care — understanding that every child experiences the world differently. That insight helps me recognize and support unique needs early on, so each child feels seen, understood, and encouraged to shine in their own way.

At Little Embers, I bring together that professional experience and a mother’s love to create a warm, nurturing environment where children can explore, learn, and grow — and where parents can feel confident knowing their little ones are in safe, caring hands

A young woman with red hair and blue eyes holding a sleeping baby with red hair, inside a room with large windows showing trees and outdoor scenery.
A woman with long red hair holding a young girl in a blue dress and headband, sharing a kiss on the forehead outdoors in a park.