LITTLE NEST & THE NEST ON YORK
Child-centered Learning Spaces
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.
Our core values: Honoring the Whole Child, Mindful Preparation of Environment, Meaningful Connections
THE NEST AND LITTLE NEST
We take time and pride 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Kat L.
"Little Nest will forever hold a special place in my heart. I was so nervous to send my kid to school for the first time - and then Theresa greeted us and I saw the space, and to be honest, I got jealous I wasn't going to school there! Theresa is one of those people, gifted at being authentic and warm, with a magical ability to connect with children. Her husband Joey is the same way, with the same goldenness to him. Little Nest is nurturing and calming and stimulating and fun and supportive and such a beautiful place. It is the ideal setting for any child, both when it comes to learning and emotionally growing, and every child who gets to attend is incredibly lucky. All of the teachers are kind and patient, and they taught me a lot about when to listen, when to be silly, and when to take a deep breath during intense parenting moments. The energy at Little Nest is positive and vibrant - it stays with you. The community is something you get to carry, and quite simply it makes you and best of all your kid so happy to be part of it!"
Amanda H.
"We will remain forever grateful our family joined the Little Nest family. Led by Theresa's kind and gentle guidance, this is a SPECIAL place of wonder, love, socialization, discovery and learning led by the children and teachers. Little Nest is everything our children needed as we navigate life's challenges outside of school as well. Dad was working out of state for extended time and Little Nest is connected not only to your children but the rhythm of their life. The support, extra hugs and listening ears helped them thrive during this challenging time at home. I can not recommend this preschool (family) enough. All of our gratitude for carrying our children through their time away from us with such respect and love."
Jennifer S.
"I can honestly say that finding Theresa and having her help build the foundation of my daughter's education was the best decision my husband and I made as parents. Kids are good at many different things. Theresa taught my daughter to be a student and to love learning. She instilled in her curiosity and confidence and courage that have served her well as she has graduated to grade school.I felt like I had a partner in Theresa (and still do!). She was not only invested in helping my daughter find and develop her gifts and strengths, but was just as dedicated to educating and encouraging us as parents. She was a great help to me while Lucie was in her class and took time and care to help me discern the next steps for my daughter's education.Theresa's school is beautifully and thoughtfully built to inspire kids. She and her husband have taken time and care to craft every detail to support a holistic, positive educational journey. I am so happy the have The Little Nest in my community!"
Ruby Y.
"Little Nest is my son's first school experience. It wasn't easy in the beginning to send my little guy to a brand new environment, for both my son and me. The lead teacher Theresa and other staff in the school made this transition much much easier! Starting with Theresa, the whole school radiates with love and warmth. The space is always impeccably clean. I especially appreciate the nutritious lunches mr. Joey (in house professional chef) prepare for the students daily (so nice not to worry about what to pack for lunch in am!)
Theresa is so experienced and knowledgeable in early childhood education, and the best part for me is that she truly cares and embraces each kid. She is amazing in bringing out the best in each kid. My son becomes much more confident after going to Little Nest, and I am often amazed how much he has learned in school.
Although my son is older now and attending another school, we miss Little Nest daily. They have made a permanent positive impression in our hearts."
Molly D.
"If you are lucky enough to be called up from the waitlist for this incredible preschool, jump at the chance. Theresa and Joey, the founding wife/husband team, and the teachers they employ are generous of heart and infinitely kind to the children in their care. Theresa's Montessori teaching background informs their method but doesn't restrict it, and the group of children there are curious, empathetic, and happy. She understands how all the elements of a child's environment set them up to blossom, and so she's made an immaculately clean, aesthetically beautiful, and most importantly loving one complete with delicious food from former chef Mr. Joey. The community of Mt. Wash, HLP and Eagle Rock fams that attend is a warm and tight knit group. Can't recommend highly enough!"
Vic W.
The Little Nest on York was the best program for us to transition our son back into preschool while still in a pandemic. Ms. Theresa, went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and implemented the highest level of safety standards in all aspects of the school. We knew our son's health and well-being was always a top priority along with his cognitive, creative and social growth. Every part of the school was very well curated to support the children's daily activities and work cycles- we especially loved the outdoor space that was so thoughtfully designed. We never had a single worry about our son while he attended the Little Nest, despite all the regulations due to Covid.
The entire Little Nest staff, including Mr. Joey (Ms. Theresa's husband) continue to be the most passionate group of caregivers/teachers that my family has had the opportunity to meet and know. The Montessori influenced methods and materials worked great with our son's development which was so great to witness. We are grateful to have had the experience at the Little Nest for our toddler and highly recommend their program.
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!"