The first few years of your child’s life are the most exciting. During those early years, your child is constantly exploring and growing. Their minds are sponges taking in the world around them. That’s why the choice of a daycare is so important. On top of helping your child get into a routine that will help them find success in elementary school, daycares can inspire your child to develop a love of learning. Everything from the atmosphere to the trained staff will show your child how thrilling education can be! If you’re on the search for the best daycare for your kiddo, I’d love to tell you about one of the best options I’ve heard about as a Winston-Salem family photographer: the Nest Schools. This network has created innovative systems that invite your child to learn more about the world around them.
About The Nest Schools
3904 Old Vineyard Rd. Winston-Salem, NC
While The Nest Schools is still fairly new to the school game, they’ve quickly gained a reputation as one of the most renowned names in early childhood education. The schools started out in 2020 and made it their goal to build up the wellness of children everywhere. Throughout the day, children are taught lessons rooted in kindness and empathy to build up their emotional health. They eat nutritious foods and take part in activities designed to show them how fun fitness can be! The lessons are built to demonstrate that learning is exciting.
While The Nest does build new schools, they’ve worked over the years to breathe new life into existing centers. They invite school leaders to start conversations if they’ve considered selling the school or retiring. Because The Nest leaders have become experts, they make the entire process a much simpler task, allowing schools that might have shuttered to continue to shape the minds of the next generation.
Safety At The Nest Schools
At The Nest Schools, they’ve made it the rule to carefully curate classes to be a haven for children everywhere. To begin with, they keep open communication with parents through their easy-to-use apps. You’ll receive newsletters and daily debriefings at the end of every day. While your child is in class, you can count on multiple measures being used to prevent any danger.
When needed, the schools use safer pesticides and pest solutions. They rely on safe cleaning products to keep the classrooms sparkling. The staff actively work to improve the air quality in the building and take regular steps to prevent any lead or mercury exposure. You’ll find non-toxic art supplies, safer plastics, regular radon testing, and reduced chemicals and allergens in the play areas. On top of this, they have made security their top priority. There are observation cameras throughout the schools, keyless entry pads, panic buttons, regular safety tests outside the school, and staff members trained in First Aid and CPR. You can trust that the school is not only helping your child grow but also keeping them protected.
The Nest Schools Experience
Starting in infancy, your little one will get to benefit from The Nest. The school understands that trusting your baby to the care of others can leave you feeling anxious. They work to help the transition by building solid relationships early on. The teachers in the Hummingbird program have all been hand-picked for their ability to provide infants with the nurture they need at this stage. The employees spend plenty of one-on-one time with each child to create an element of trust.
Every day at The Nest Schools drop-off, your child will see familiar faces and immediately know they’re in a safe place. In the Hummingbird Program, babies are introduced to fitness and yoga poses for their physical development. Their creative sides are also encouraged through art activities and exposure to classical music. Your little one will learn how to communicate through an emphasis in both their Art of Living curriculum and their ASL classes. When not learning, your child will be encouraged to indulge their natural curiosity by exploring the classrooms and play areas.
The Programs at The Nest Schools
Ducklings
Young toddlers are placed in the Ducklings program at The Nest Schools. Here, learning will happen at a rapid speed! They’ll continue the wellness programs, Art of Living curriculum, and the Paints and Pianos art and music program. ASL is given a special emphasis as children continue to learn how to effectively communicate. Throughout the Duckling program, daily routine and peer play becomes a primary focus. Your child will build up meaningful relationships that will last for years to come!
Cardinals
Older toddlers–or Cardinals–expand on all these lessons while also being introduced to science, mathematics, and early literacy. They’re encouraged to engage in dramatic play to build up development through creativity. In addition, they’ll play with blocks and participate in playdough exploration. As your child learns, they’ll increase independence, which will benefit them throughout their time in elementary school.
Penguins
The Penguins are when your child participates in a preschool curriculum designed to prepare them for kindergarten. The Nest Schools teachers in these classes take the time to learn your child’s special interests so they can help them learn in ways that make sense to them. Play continues to be emphasized while also giving children the freedom to experiment. They’ll start to learn manipulatives, take part in Imagination Station, build up their investigative skills, and explore different forms of music.
Robins
Finally, the Robins are where children learn until it’s time to enroll in kindergarten. Your child will be challenged and supported every day. Teachers focus on showing kids how to listen to directions, communicate with those around them, and build up self-control. Your child will finish this program with the ability to fall into a routine and get through the kindergarten day with total ease!
Specialty Services
Once your child is done with preschool, they don’t have to end their time at The Nest Schools. The school provides both kindergarten and school-age programs that allow your child to continue to be challenged. Their full-time private kindergarten classes are tailored around each child’s individual needs. These enrichment programs develop a solid foundation for years of learning. You’ll be in frequent collaboration with the teachers to find out how your child is doing and know how to help them strengthen their skills outside the classroom. While your child will continue to learn through play, they’ll also sit through lessons on topics such as mathematics, science, language, and literacy. They’ll get to run, create, explore, discover, and build friendships with their classmates.
If you need some care for your child before or after school, you can find it at The Nest! During their time, your child will get individualized help with their homework, participate in team-based activities, and get to spend some time on their hobbies.
The Nest has summer camps that will keep your child off screens when the school year ends. Their non-traditional camps are full of activities that will help your child create timeless memories. They will build up their sense of confidence and resilience while learning risk management skills. Each day, they’ll also get the chance to get out in nature while being cared for by passionate staff members determined to give your child the best summer ever! The camps take place over 10 weeks and are built around educational themes. And while your child will constantly be learning, the summer will never feel dull. Your child will participate in hands-on activities and build up friendships while learning all about the world.
You Will Not Be Disappointed With The Compassionate Care At The Nest Schools
Daycare can feel like a major decision, but with the right school, you don’t have to stress! The Nest Schools will make sure your child can have a meaningful education while having a safe place to belong.
Whether you’re looking for more recommendations or want to book a photo session for your family, I would love it if you stuck around! I’m a Winston-Salem family photographer with a passion for helping families create memories they can keep for years to come. I do everything from dreamy maternity pictures to beautiful graduation portraits. If you’ve been considering booking a session for your family, I’d love to chat so you can decide if I’m the photographer for you! Contact me today to get the conversation started.
