Jamie Chapman, 28, of Tamar Drive, Smith's Wood, Solihull, is facing 15 charges and was remanded in custody at Birmingham Magistrates' Court.
Mr Chapman is due at Birmingham Crown Court on 9 December.
Police said there was no evidence to suggest any inappropriate contact between him and children at the nursery.
Officers are also liaising with previous places Mr Chapman worked at.
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A number of items of computer equipment were seized following a search of his home when he was arrested on Wednesday, the spokesman added.
Mr Chapman is charged with rape, four counts of causing or inciting a boy to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of causing or inciting the sexual exploitation of a child.
He is also accused of taking an indecent image of a child, distributing an indecent image of a child, and six counts of making an indecent photograph.
A nursery worker has appeared in court accused of rape and inciting the sexual exploitation of a child.