Welcome to The Nest Schools of Simsbury, Connecticut!
We know choosing childcare is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make—and we’re here to make it an easy one. At The Nest, we offer nurturing, play-based programs backed by the latest research in early childhood education. Every child in our care is supported by a warm, dedicated team focused on kindness and wellness who take an innovative and fun approach to sparking a lifelong love of learning.
For your child: A high-quality education and enriching experiences.
For you: The comfort of knowing they’re safe, happy, and building the foundation for a bright future.
Discover why so many families trust The Nest as a partner in their child’s growth, learning, and happiness. Schedule your tour today—we can’t wait to meet you!
Neighborhoods: Avon, Weatogue, Canton, Granby, Tarrifville
Elementary Schools: Central, Squadron Line, Tariffville
We offer before and after-school care to elementary schools in the community.
The Nest is led by Jane Porterfield and Gerry Pastor, who previously had a combined 60-plus years of experience from their successful childcare and preschool programs at Educational Playcare in Connecticut. Jane and Gerry have long championed the benefits of play as a foundation for learning and growth and are thrilled to bring their passion and expertise back to Connecticut. We look forward to becoming an integral part of the Simsbury community and shaping the bright futures of its children.
✅ Safer and healthier every step of the way - air purifiers in every classroom.
🧠 Curriculum developed using all the latest research on how children learn best - it's fun, exciting, and inspiring.
🏫 Early childhood professionals who genuinely care about your child’s growth and happiness - we hire only the best!
🌳 Outdoor play spaces unlike anything you have ever seen - 5 acres, 12 playgrounds, endless adventure!
🥕 Wholesome, delicious meals and snacks included in tuition - no packing lunches needed!
💬 Communication tools to always keep you in the loop - never miss a moment.
In Partnership with our Simsbury Families
The Nest is led by Jane Porterfield and Gerry Pastor, who previously had a combined 60-plus years of experience from their successful childcare and preschool programs at Educational Playcare in Connecticut. Jane and Gerry have long championed the benefits of play as a foundation for learning and growth and are thrilled to bring their passion and expertise back to Connecticut. We look forward to becoming an integral part of the Simsbury community and shaping the bright futures of its children.
✅ Safer and healthier every step of the way – air purifiers in every classroom.
🧠 Curriculum developed using all the latest research on how children learn best – it’s fun, exciting, and inspiring.
🏫 Early childhood professionals who genuinely care about your child’s growth and happiness – we hire only the best!
🌳 Outdoor play spaces unlike anything you have ever seen – 5 acres, 12 playgrounds, endless adventure!
🥕 Wholesome, delicious meals and snacks included in tuition – no packing lunches needed!
💬 Communication tools to always keep you in the loop – never miss a moment.
At The Nest, we take every precaution to ensure your child’s health and safety when they spend their day with us. Our schools provide layers of security measures to protect the children in our care.
Learn more.
Our curriculum and program design incorporate the most current research in early development to best prepare children for their future in and out of the classroom. Each element of our Nest Play curriculum shares one goal: to help children love to learn.
Learn more.
Communication with our families is a top priority at The Nest Schools. Everything from the face-to-face interactions during pick up and drop off times, individual conference times, school e-newsletter, daily reporting app, and interactive displays outside every classroom allow for parents to be fully involved and in the know on their child’s learning and progress.
Learn more.
At The Nest Schools, we hire teachers who have a genuine love for young children and share our vision of raising a world of kind, healthy, and inspired kids. All of our teachers are highly-trained youth developers who are dedicated to bringing out what is special and unique about each child.
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At The Nest, we set out to create outdoor environments that entice children to engage with nature. Our playgrounds are rich with plants and natural elements, exciting play themes, and physical challenges. Children can learn to assess risks and test their boundaries within an environment that was created with their safety, health, and skill-building in mind.
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Our Simsbury Leadership Team
Our Simsbury Educational Programs
Hummingbirds
We understand that infants need nurturing, and parents need to feel secure knowing their child is in good hands. Our infant teachers are hand-picked natural caregivers who focus on meeting the individual needs of every child. While your child is in our care, you can rest assured that they will receive the attention and interaction they need and deserve.
Ducklings
We recognize that your young toddler has the capacity to learn so much in the first few years of their life by simply having opportunities to explore and play amongst peers. Our teachers encourage learning through daily routines and experiences involving health and physical development, social-emotional development, language and literacy development, and so much more.
Cardinals
Our Cardinal program supports older toddlers and their increased independence, exploration of emotions and feelings, and fast-developing use of language. We also understand and support their continued desire to explore everything about their world. We believe our play-based philosophy and learning center structure gives them the best opportunity to do this.
Penguins
The early preschool years are nothing short of amazing! Children at this age have an overwhelming eagerness to learn and you will notice that their ability to experiment, explore, and focus on set activities begins to change rapidly. Our Penguin program supports young preschoolers and their need to be challenged, engaged, and encouraged in their learning and personal interests.
Robins
The older preschool years consist of so much learning and development! Their peer relationships are strengthening, they have a more complex understanding and use of language, and their overall motor skills have developed rapidly. Our Robins program continues to provide for preschoolers and their need to be challenged, engaged, and supported in their learning and personal interests.
Parrots
Our Pre-K Masters program is thoughtfully designed for children who need a third year of preschool, whether due to a late birthday, developmental readiness, or simply the need for an extra year to grow before starting kindergarten. This Pre-K bridge program provides the perfect balance of academic skill-building and social-emotional development to ensure your child enters elementary school confident, capable, and excited to learn.
Full-time, Private
GREAT things come from great BEGINNINGS! Our private kindergarten programs will help your child excel in a small classroom environment giving them a successful start to their elementary years. Our comprehensive curriculum will use a mix of requirements from the Department of Education alongside our Nest Play curriculum to prepare children for first grade and beyond.
Pelicans / Before & After School
Our School Age program provides children with opportunities for exploration, creativity, and fun challenges to support them in becoming their best selves. Our program consists of a mix of guided activities planned by the children and teacher-guided activities.
Summer Fun for Your Child
Summer is one of the things children look forward to the most. School’s out, and children are ready to get back to their much-awaited playtime. But instead of letting your child become glued to TV screens, computers, or mobile devices watching cartoons or playing video games, this may be the perfect time to encourage them to engage in activities that offer the right balance between learning and fun. This is where summer camps come in!
What Our Families Are Saying
“We are so grateful for The Nest Schools! We have had amazing teachers so far, and our son loves every minute of school! What I love is that even the teachers that our son hasn’t had yet all know him by name, and treat him like he is one of their own students. We would (and do) recommend The Nest to anyone that asks.”
“The things we like best about our child care experience at The Nest Schools are that we’re always greeted each morning with the staff’s friendly smiles and positive attitudes. Both of our children feel welcomed and have developed wonderful relationships. We are also impressed by the level of safety and the daily curriculum.”
“To us, The Nest Schools has meant more than just childcare; they have been our partner in the development and success of our kids! ”
Contact Us for More Information or to Schedule Your Tour
Scheduling a tour does not guarantee availability.
The School Director will be able to confirm space in your child’s program during the tour.
