inspiring
young learners
Our Mission
Building Strong Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Kids.
Our Vision
To raise a world of kind, healthy, happy, and inspired children as the worldwide leader in early childhood programs for children, their families, and our team.
Dear Family,
Choosing care and education for your child is a very personal and important decision - you need to choose the one that feels just right. There are many things you’ll consider:
You want a clean, safe school that gives your child the feeling of home.
You want a well-trained and courteous staff who will nurture your child and inspire a love of learning.
You want a curriculum that gives your child the best educational start possible.
And you want communication that will allow you to never miss a moment of your child’s growth and development when you can’t be there.
We’re happy to tell you, ALL of this can be found at The Nest Schools.
At the Nest, we work every day to create a culture of kindness, build the foundations for wellness for life, make learning fun, and continually take our best and make it better. Everything we do, every decision we make, is intended to create an innovative model of high-quality early childhood education for the children and families we serve.
We look forward to having you join our Nest family soon!
Sincerely, The Nest Schools
Our Core Values
Kindness
Kindness is at the heart of everything we do, what we promise, and who we are. Kindness is more than our most important core value. It is our way of life and our greatest lesson for our children.
Wellness
Fun
Wellness is a cornerstone of our programs. We nurture physical, mental, and emotional well-being and build foundations for wellness for life.
We weave fun into everything we do. Fun turns work into play, is the best path to learning, is essential to happy. Fun is fun!
Innovation
We believe in continuous improvement and innovation. We will always take our best and make it better.
The Nest DIFFERENCE
PARENT COMMUNICATION
Building Relationships. Engaging Families.
Communication with our families is a top priority at The Nest Schools. Everything from the face-to-face interactions during pick up and drop off times, individual conference times, school e-newsletter, daily reporting app, and interactive displays outside every classroom allow for parents to be fully involved and in the know on their child’s learning and progress here with us.
Nest
notes
Daily communication about your child’s day
• Notes on what your child ate and drank at meals
• Toileting/diapering
• Naps
• Pictures
• SMS and email
news
Important information at your fingertips
• Daily lessons plans
• School & Classroom announcements
• Daily Menu
• Teacher Bios
• and more!
TOP TEACHERS
Inspiring a Love of Learning
At The Nest Schools, we hire teachers who have a genuine love for young children and share our vision of raising a world of kind, healthy, and inspired kids. All of our teachers are highly-trained youth developers who are dedicated to bringing out what is special and unique about each child.
Here at The Nest, we require all our teachers to have the highest quality education to promote, teach, and support each child’s educational development. We believe in this so much that we have formed Nest University, an unparalleled training and professional development program for our staff of all levels. We also encourage our teachers to pursue their education in Early Childhood Education by providing them access to obtain their CDA at no cost to them along with other tuition reimbursement benefits.
We attract the finest teachers because we offer them industry-leading benefits.
• Top Wages
• Wellness Programs
• Childcare Discounts
• Best Workplace Environment
• Comprehensive Benefits Package
• Exceptional Training
• Advancement Opportunities
• Nest Egg Reward & Recognition Program
HEALTH & SAFETY
Safer and Healthier Every Step of the Way
SAFETY
At The Nest, we take every precaution to ensure your child’s health and safety. Our schools provide layers of security measures to protect the children in our care.
• Observation cameras
• Key-less entry pads and panic buttons
• Weekly and monthly safety checks inside and outside of our schools
• All staff members are background checked, First Aid/CPR certified and trained in emergency procedures
HEALTH
While your children are here, their health is being protected by Active Pure® Technology the most powerful air and surface purification system safe for use in occupied spaces.
Active Pure® Technology is the only Certified Space Technology air cleaning system in the world.
NUTRITION
At The Nest Schools, we know that we receive more than vitamins and nutrients when we eat. We taste, we talk, we share, and we learn about each other and the world around us. Mealtimes at The Nest are used as valuable times to promote language skills, life skills, self-awareness, health, and social skills. We serve children varied, child-friendly menus with organic, whole food, and fresh food offerings as a regular part of our daily breakfast, lunch, and snack service. View sample menu
Active Pure® Technology reduces up to 99.9% of air and surface contaminants, such as:
VIRUSES
ALLERGENS
BACTERIA MOLD FUNGI
*Based on ActivePure® laboratory testing reviewed by the FDA.
OUTDOOR PLAY SPACES
Adventure and Discovery Awaits
At The Nest, we set out to create outdoor environments that entice children to engage with nature. Our playgrounds are rich with plants and natural elements, exciting play themes, and physical challenges. Children can learn to assess risks and test their boundaries within an environment that was created with their safety, health, and skillbuilding in mind.
Our outdoor play space design is a large part of who we are and shows our dedication to ensuring that adventure and discovery stay a part of children’s young lives.
The designs for The Nest School’s outdoor classrooms were guided by ten core elements:
abundant nature outdoor art music/movement
sensory exploration climbing gardening and growing building and creating dramatic play opportunities for gathering working with loose parts
BASED ON THE LATEST RESEARCH
WHAT SETS OUR CURRICULUM APART FROM
THE REST?
Research on how children learn and develop is constantly evolving. All current research supports that children learn best when they are engaged in play and fun activities. Additionally, children learn best when they have the freedom to choose their own activities rather than having their choices selected by adults. While this may come as no surprise to any parent, other curriculums fail to acknowledge it.
This is our philosophy and approach to early childhood education, and here’s how we’ve crafted our one-of-a-kind learning experience!
Understanding how children learn best and how their brains develop is a constantly evolving field of research. We developed our curriculum using all the latest research. It’s not “out-of-a-box;” it was created today and will remain current tomorrow!
EXCEPTIONAL CLASSROOM MATERIALS
We provide our teachers with a wide variety of high-quality materials and equipment that goes above and beyond what most providers offer! This allows them to creatively adapt their curriculum for learners of all abilities and interests.
ADAPTABLE FOR ALL LEARNING LEVELS
Our curriculum isn’t rigid. It is adaptable to accommodate children at all development levels.
EXTRAORDINARY ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
We have extraordinary enrichment programs - what others call extra-curricular, we believe are integral parts of developing a well-rounded child, and we include them with a dedicated teacher. All children get weekly classes in Fit Buddies, Paints & Pianos, and The Art of Living that inspire their curiosity about our world and teach practical life skills.
INCREDIBLE PLAYGROUNDS & OUTDOOR CLASSROOMS
Our curriculum isn’t just within our four walls; it extends to our incredible playgrounds. Our outdoor learning spaces are carefully designed to ignite young minds and promote exploration and discovery.
UNPARALLELED TRAINING
Our commitment to early childhood education is reflected in the unparalleled training we provide our teachers. Unlike other providers, we go above and beyond by offering over 100 courses through our very own Nest University. Our educators receive more than just lesson plans – they receive unmatched training to help them become the best early childhood educators anywhere.
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY
We deliver our curriculum to our amazing teachers with technology. Our unique app provides teachers with specially curated lesson plans and teaching resources at their fingertips.
Teaches children the value in doing meaningful tasks.
Develops basic skills necessary to communicate, care for themselves and others, and a little bit of
practical life skills.
As caregivers, teaching our children basic life skills and instilling the value of showing respect and kindness to everyone is one of the most important jobs we have. Through our Art of Living program, children are engaged in age-appropriate activities that build their confidence as individuals and community members. Tasks that later in life might be considered “chores” can truly be rewarding, and we recognize that giving children that perspective now goes hand in hand with their development. Through meaningful lessons such as “How to Care for Plants” or “How to Have a Conversation”, children acquire a skill set to take with them, not only throughout their experiences at The Nest, but a lifetime.
Youth wellness and fitness-inspired program.
Strengthens health and physical development .
Promotes a healthy lifestyle from the start.
Get ready to move, dance, and exercise! Our Fit Buddies program will provide your child with healthy activities such as yoga, deep breathing, stretching, meditation, sports, and exercises designed to keep them active and engaged. Being physically active has several overall health benefits: it increases the size and development of the brain, increases blood flow to the brain, strengthens muscles of the heart and lungs, and it helps increase energy and stamina.
Exposes children to the value and beauty of fine arts and music .
Supports brain development, cognitive development, and social and emotional development.
Let’s get ready to sing, dance, play and travel through time using diverse types of music and works of art. Our Paints and Pianos program will have children engaged in various types of music, instruments, and art experiences that teach them how to observe and translate their thoughts into language, take multiple perspectives on the world, and experience the true joy that comes from experiencing the visual arts.
Programs
Programs
We are proud to offer the highest quality programs for families in the communities we serve.
We are proud to offer the highest quality programs for families in the communities we serve . Our
Hummingbirds
We understand that infants need nurturing, and parents need to feel secure knowing their child is in good hands. Our infant teachers are hand-picked natural caregivers who focus on meeting the individual needs of every child. While your child is in our care, you can rest assured that they will receive the attention and interaction they need and deserve.
Recognizing that structure is essential to both infants and parents, our teachers will work with you to create a schedule, so your infant’s time away from home is as close to home as possible. View our current curriculum
Build trusting relationships
Explore the world around them
Develop a confident sense of self
Become active members in the learning community
Space to move, explore, and engage with peers
and teachers
Opportunities to explore independence
Support through developmental milestones
The fundamentals to build on existing knowledge in preparation for the next stage of our program
Ducklings
We recognize that your young toddler has the capacity to learn so much in the first few years of their life by simply having opportunities to explore and play amongst peers. Our teachers encourage learning through daily routines and experiences involving health and physical development, socialemotional development, language and literacy development, and so much more. Your child will enjoy their first steps towards discovering their independence through fun, positive interactions with other children in a safe, structured, and secure environment. View our current curriculum Watch Video
Learn more about our Duckling’s program
Cardinals
Our Cardinal program supports older toddlers and their increased independence, exploration of emotions and feelings, and fast-developing use of language. We also understand and support their continued desire to explore everything about their world. We believe our play-based philosophy and learning center structure gives them the best opportunity to do this. Activities such as ice painting or sorting objects by color will stimulate your child’s inquisitive mind. While in a fun, safe, and engaging learning environment, our program is designed to encourage individual creative expression through your child’s own strengths and interests and foster a passion for learning! View our current curriculum
Penguins
The early preschool years are nothing short of amazing! Children at this age have an overwhelming eagerness to learn and you will notice that their ability to experiment, explore, and focus on set activities begins to change rapidly. Our Penguin program supports young preschoolers and their need to be challenged, engaged, and encouraged in their learning and personal interests. All of this is done with the belief that children learn best through play!
The success of our preschool classrooms truly lies in the environment and materials that have been carefully selected to provide our preschool children with a high-quality learning experience. The individual learning environments in these classrooms invite children in to explore, create, wonder, and question the world around them and is where you can expect to see the elements of our Nest Play curriculum and many other activities come to life. View our current curriculum
Robins
The older preschool years consist of so much learning and development! Their peer relationships are strengthening, they have a more complex understanding and use of language, and their overall motor skills have developed rapidly.
To prepare our older preschoolers for entering school, teachers provide guidance on following directions and routine, communication with others, problem-solving, and self-control through fun and engaging play-inspired learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. They will also participate in our Literacy Exposure and Awareness Program, Take the L.E.A.P designed to build awareness and a foundation for strong literacy skills. Throughout this program, children will experience hands-on and creative ways to strengthen their knowledge of essential literacy concepts such as letter identification, letter sounds, letter formation, and learning their names. This exclusive literacy program is divided into two parts: Letter Loon and Who Am I? View our current curriculum
Meadowlarks
GREAT things come from great BEGINNINGS! Our private kindergarten programs will help your child excel in a small classroom environment giving them a successful start to their elementary years. Our comprehensive curriculum will use a mix of requirements from the Department of Education alongside our Nest Play curriculum to prepare children for first grade and beyond.
Our Kindergarten programs include: Full-time Private Kindergarten Enrichment Before & After School Care
Programs vary by school. Ask us for more details!
Pelicans
Our School Age program provides children with opportunities for exploration, creativity, and fun challenges to support them in becoming their best selves. Our program consists of a mix of guided activities planned by the children and teacher-guided activities.
Our school age program provides:
• Individualized homework support
• Hands-on and engaging activities
• Team-based activities
• Skills that go beyond academics
We are proud to offer before and after school care to most elementary schools in the communities we serve.
Summer Camp
Summer is one of the things children look forward to the most. School’s out, and children are ready to get back to their much-awaited playtime. Our summer camp program opens when school is out and lasts for the summer.
Nest camps feature weekly themed activities that encourage children to engage in activities that offer the perfect balance between learning and fun.
• We incorporate non-traditional camp activities to help campers develop self-confidence, resilience, and risk-management skills.
• We integrate activity with nature to allow campers to disconnect from electronics and connect with the great outdoors.
• Our camps are led by caring and trained staff who will help cultivate friendships and bring out the best in each camper.
Available to children enrolled in our Robins program
Take the L.E.A.P is our Literacy Exposure and Awareness Program designed to build awareness and a foundation for strong literacy skills in young children. Throughout this program, our children will experience hands-on and creative ways to strengthen their knowledge of essential literacy concepts such as letter identification, letter sounds, letter formation, and learning their names.
This exclusive literacy program is divided into two parts: Letter Loon and Who Am I?
American Sign Language Program (ASL)
Our infant and toddler programs include the Global Gull American Sign Language Program. Most young children begin to talk around 12 months old, while some infants even try to communicate with their parents and caregivers even earlier!
One way of helping our young children express their feelings, wants, and needs without crying and frustration of a lack of understanding from adults is through simple sign language, commonly known as ‘Baby Core Signs.’ These core signs include words like milk, sleep, play, all done, more, mother, and father.
Spanish Language Program
Our preschool curriculum includes the Global Gull Spanish Language Program. Young children can learn new languages, such as Spanish, quicker than older individuals because they do not fear making mistakes and retain new information faster as they continuously learn and are naturally inquisitive.
A few examples of Spanish words we will learn together: Todo Hecho (All Done), Jugar (Play), and Sí (Yes).
See what words we are learning in ASL and Spanish
“Testimonials
- what our parents are saying -
At only 10 weeks old, my son started at The Nest so I could return to work. From the start, the wonderful teachers and directors have been kind, reassuring, caring, and like an extension of our family. They say that it takes a village to raise a child, and I feel like they are part of our village.
- The Terwilliger Family
The staff are phenomenal. I’ve never felt so comfortable and at ease when dropping my children off daily. The hands-on learning and structured curriculum has helped my children flourish with communication skills and socialization. It’s obvious The Nest wants the best for our kids.
- The Simpkins Family
“We love the teachers and staff, and we know they love our boys! Every class has been developmentally appropriate, and the teachers encourage them to master new skills and gain independence. The staff listen to our requests as parents and give us regular updates so we can work on the same skills at home.
- The Freeman Family