THE NEST PLAYSCHOOL is an infant/toddler childcare program in SE Portland. We believe in the profound importance of high quality, respectful care for the youngest children. 

Our gentle relationship-based approach and stellar teachers are the heart of our program. Predictable routines, careful attention, and genuine connection make for a safe, welcoming environment where babies and toddlers thrive!

In our small home setting we offer children the time, space, and materials to support their natural development. We respect each child as a competent person with their own needs and emotions, which are always welcomed and supported. 

Program Highlights:

• Small, sweet, familiar cohorts: 2-3 teachers at a time with 6 children in the infant room; 2-3 teachers at a time with 7 children in the toddler room
• Beautiful indoor and outdoor environments designed particularly for infants and toddlers
• Clean, open spaces without restrictive infant equipment, allowing children to move and develop naturally without artificial aid
• Huge outdoor play area for toddlers, full of trees, edible plants, gross motor materials, and opportunities for water, sand, and sensory play
• Covered wooden deck for infants, allowing for easy daily outdoor time in all weather
• Thoughtfully chosen open-ended materials, books, and toys to encourage scaffolded learning
• All meals included: largely organic, unprocessed, freshly-prepared vegetarian breakfast, lunch and snack (including house-made baby food)
• Support for breastfeeding parents and complimentary organic infant formula provided upon request
• Diapers, wipes, diaper creams, sunscreen, etc all provided
• Resources and support for parents
• An outstanding community of teachers, children, and families!

Every day, children at The Nest feel happiness and sadness, and we are here for it. Every day, they are content, calm, contemplative. They are goofy and wild and free. They are supported and, sometimes, just a little out of control. They are loved and validated, frustrated and upset. They are seen. 

Every day, they build relationships and emotional intelligence. They are held affectionately. They practice skills with vigor. They find out what it is to be in a community. They learn through gentleness and through conflict. They have fights, listen to each other, stand up for themselves, offer support to those in need. They practice consent and cooperation. They take risks, create art, jump, sing, fall, dance, laugh, cry, work, reflect, get messy (they get very messy). They build and create and imagine and experiment and observe and play! They feel disappointment and joy. Everything that matters. 

Contact us at nestplayschoolpdx@gmail.com

We are located at 7815 SE 68th Ave in SE Portland

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm