Enrollment & Tours
- How do I schedule a tour? Call our schools directly to schedule your tour today OR visit “Schedule a Tour” link on our website.
- How much is tuition for child care or preschool? Tuition for child care and preschool programs varies based on your child’s age, schedule (full-time or part-time), and school location. Infant care is typically the highest tuition level, with rates adjusting for toddlers and preschool programs. Pricing can also vary by local market and availability. For the most accurate and up-to-date tuition information, we recommend contacting your preferred school directly to learn more about weekly rates, program options, and what’s included in tuition.
- Do you accept state childcare assistance or tuition support programs (CCAP, Vouchers, etc.)? Many of our schools accept state childcare assistance. This varies by school and program. We recommend contacting the school you are interested in directly for more information.
- Do any of your schools have state-funded free Pre-K programs? Several of our schools have free Pre-K programs, including: Florida Voluntary Pre-K, South Carolina First Steps 4K, Georgia Pre-K, and Colorado Universal Preschool. Contact your local school for more information on registration and availability.
- Do you offer a multiple-child discount? We offer a sibling discount of 10% off the oldest child.
- What is included in my tuition? At The Nest Schools, we have NO HIDDEN FEES. Tuition includes daily breakfast, lunch, and snack, and three enrichment programs: Fit Buddies, Paints and Pianos, and The Art of Living. American Sign Language (ASL) and Spanish are also included as part of our Global Gull program. Take a look at our Tuition Benefits to learn more about all that is included in your monthly tuition.
- How is tuition collected? Tuition is automatically deducted from your bank account the month prior to your child’s attendance. We also offer weekly tuition plans.
- What do I need to bring on my child’s first day? Check out our Family Resource: First Day Checklists to be best prepared for your child’s first day.
- What days are your schools closed? (Holidays, PD Days) We are open all year long and only close on major holidays and for three Professional Development Days. To see specific holidays and anticipated school closures check out our School Calendar located in our Family Resources.
Programs & Curriculum
- What ages do you offer programs for? All Nest Schools locations serve children starting at 6 weeks old and offer programs through Pre-K. Many of our schools also provide care for school-age children up to 12 years old. School-age program availability varies by location.
- What curriculum does The Nest use? Nest Play Curriculum is our signature play-based curriculum. It is built on the best practices and high standards of NAEYC accreditation and individual state early learning and development standards
- What sets The Nest’s curriculum apart from other preschools?
Nest Play is a modern, paperless, research-inspired curriculum developed by educators to help children build the skills they need to thrive in today’s world. From the design of our classrooms and the materials we use to the way lessons are delivered, every element is intentional. Our goal is to create a fun, engaging learning experience by teaching children in ways they naturally explore, discover, and learn.
- What enrichment programs are offered at The Nest? Children at The Nest Schools participate in three signature enrichment programs: Fit Buddies, Paints & Pianos, and Art of Living. These experiences take place weekly and are included at no additional cost for enrolled families.
- Do you offer summer programs or year-round care? The Nest Schools is a year-round program. Many of our schools offer school-age programs providing care during teacher workdays, school breaks, weather closures, and a summer camp program.
- Do you offer before- and after-care for school-age children? Many of our schools offer before and after school care. Visit our locations page to learn more about what programs are available and the schools we service for the school you are interested in attending.
- Do you offer drop-in care? The Nest Schools offers two options for drop-in care. Nest Flex Days allows families to purchase packages of five days of care to use within a 12-month time period. Daily drop-in care options are also available. All drop-in care must be scheduled in advance and is based on availability.
- How do you prepare children for kindergarten and beyond? Our curriculum is designed to help children grow through hands-on learning, social connection, and early academic exploration at every stage of development. Our curriculum, classroom materials, and guided teacher activities foster children’s curiosity, confidence, and key learning skills that build the foundation for success in kindergarten and beyond.
Daily Life & Care
- What does a typical day look like for a student?
Schedules vary by program and age. All programs include a morning and afternoon community meeting – a time for stories, songs, and small games, outdoor play, learning and discovery experiences, and dedicated rest time.
- What is the teacher-to-student ratio? Our schools follow ratios set by state licensing agencies and vary by program and state.
- What training and credentials do you require your teachers to have?All teachers at The Nest Schools complete the training and credentials required by their state licensing agency. In addition, we provide extensive professional development opportunities through our own training platform, Nest University, which supports staff at every stage of their career. We also encourage our teachers to further their education in early childhood by offering the opportunity to earn their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential at no cost, along with additional tuition reimbursement benefits.
- Are meals and snacks provided? Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided daily, featuring a variety of fresh, whole foods and balanced choices.
- What is your sick policy? Each day, children are observed upon arrival to quickly assess their overall health. If a child becomes ill, families will be notified and asked to pick them up. Children must be fever-free and symptom-free for at least 24 hours before returning to school.
Safety & Licensing
- What licensing or accreditations does The Nest have?All Nest Schools locations are licensed child care providers. Some of our schools are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and all locations are currently in the process of pursuing NAEYC accreditation.
- Do you conduct background checks on teachers and staff?
All staff members undergo background checks and reference checks as part of our hiring process. In addition, our team members are certified in First Aid and CPR to help ensure the safety and well-being of the children in our care.
- How do you ensure health, safety, and wellness in your schools?
Health, safety, and wellness are a top priority at The Nest Schools. Our classrooms and materials are regularly cleaned and sanitized to help maintain a healthy learning environment. We also use advanced air purification systems that run continuously throughout the day to clean both air and surfaces, reducing a significant percentage of airborne viruses, including SARS-CoV.
Many of our schools feature automated handwashing stations that remove 99.9% of harmful pathogens in a 12-second handwashing cycle. In addition, The Nest Schools are proud to be an Eco-Healthy Child Care® endorsed provider, meaning we go the extra mile to limit children’s exposure to environmental hazards such as air pollutants, heavy metals, and pesticides.
Communication & family engagement
- How will I receive updates about my child’s day? We use a parent app, “Nest Notes” that provides real-time communication about your child’s day including notes on what they ate and drank at meals, toileting/diapering, naps, pictures, and SMS/email capabilities.
- How does The Nest support families? At The Nest, we want to be your partner! We support our families in numerous ways, including parent-teacher conferences, home-to-school connections, parent educational resources, meaningful meals, and monthly family newsletters with everything from activity ideas to how to stay involved in your child’s education.
- Do families have opportunities to participate in classroom activities or events? Our schools offer many events and activities throughout the year! Some of our family-favorites include our annual Buddy’s Birthday Bash and Fall Festival. It’s important for our school to feel like a community, and school activities are one of the ways we facilitate this.