The Little Nest and The Nest are child-centered learning spaces dedicated in fostering the physical, emotional, social, cognitive and creative growth of young hearts and minds. We follow a holistic, humanistic approach to education that encourages children to be fully engaged in their own learning journey.
LITTLE NEST
&
THE NEST ON YORK
Child-centered Learning Spaces
OUR CORE VALUES
Honoring the Whole Child, Mindful Preparation of Environment, Meaningful Connections
We take time for the thoughtful preparation of the environment because we believe that it is an essential element in laying the foundation for a solid, well-rounded learning experience, especially during the formative years. We strive to set an unhurried, calm and engaging atmosphere at our preschool that gives the students time and space to learn at their own pace and in the best way suited for their own learning style.
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The parents and staff of The Little Nest/The Nest see each other as partners in our goal to develop a community of positive, intelligent and dynamic lifelong learners. Together, we become stable support systems for our children and like Maria Montessori, “serve the future by protecting the present."
PREPARED ENVIRONMENT: OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
As the indoors, the outdoor classroom provides lots of opportunities to develop independence and self-direction. Outdoors hold water and sand activities, art, painting, crafts, woodwork and building projects.
There are a number of prepared multi-process jobs that build the children’s sense of order and focus. We enjoy much of the beautiful California weather outside and children are free to move between the indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the work cycle.
PREPARED ENVIRONMENT: INDOOR CLASSROOM
We have created clean, organized areas for Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language, Culture, the Sciences (Botany, Geography, etc), Music and Movement fit for a homeschool that is inspired by Montessori.​
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When the children are ready for real food preparation, we welcome them into our open-spaced style kitchen/living room/dining room. The work area is a low wooden table where the children can engage in simple practical life activities such as shelling peas, mashing steamed vegetables, slicing fruits progressing into more complex, hands-on activities such as making bread from scratch or cooking healthy chicken soup for cold days.
PLAYGROUND
Children enjoy the wooden play structure with a trapeze swing bar, monkey bars, climbing rope ladder, steering wheels, slide, and picnic/story time area. We also have a rock climbing and dome structure in the play area that helps develop limb strength, balance and agility. There is also a small spot with bongos, musical rainwheel and a deep Babaloo drum.
NEST'S GARDEN
What better way to learn about vegetables and herbs than being able to plant, harvest, prepare and taste the produce? The garden offers experiential lessons in patience, community, health and nature and more.
SANDBOX
The children's mini world where their imaginations take them to exciting places as they engage in sensory play, community building, spatial skill development and fine motor skill practice.
BUILDING DECK
Our deck has custom-made shelves that hold individual containers for blocks, open- ended materials, puzzles, legos, and other manipulatives.
OUTREACH
Our school values strong home-school-world connections, seeking to make a difference in this world by taking an active role in the improvement of our surroundings. We are each a small part of a bigger whole and our contributions matter.
Little Nest children and their families work together to support various causes and non-profit organizations. We believe that in our little way, our voices and deeds create an impact in other people's lives and the future.
OUR TESTIMONIALS
Lauren W.
"I sent both of my children to Little Nest and I can't imagine anyplace more perfect for our family. Theresa manages to create the perfect combination of warmth, fun, structure, and boundaries. She has a brilliant way of meeting kids exactly where they are and letting them be themselves, but also offering guidance and support toward growth. I just wish my kids could stay at Little Nest for more years!"
Courtney S.
"My family is thrilled with the level of care and creativity that goes along with learning at Little Nest. Teachers Theresa and Joey are two of the most engaged and compassionate people we have met in early childhood education, and we are beyond thrilled to be able to offer this wonderful experience to our son. Highly, highly recommended!"
Paula G.
"I cannot express how wonderful Little Nest is.
Our daughter Luna, who is naturally slow to warm up is making huge leaps in her language, play and following direction which I can say is down in no small part to the time she spends at preschool.
It feels like leaving her with family and to have the support and advice without judgement of Ms Theresa and Mr Joey and the whole team is not just invaluable for my daughters progress but mine too as a first time Mom. Only wish I could stay and have the kids lunches everyday as they sound delicious!"