Welcome to Our Nest

In the heart of West Linn, Oregon, a unique early learning center was born out of a dream by visionary educator Colleen Cleary

Recognizing the dire need for quality early childhood education amidst Oregon’s childcare deserts, Little Nestlings Early Learning Center was founded to provide hope and innovation in the educational landscape.

Our center is not merely a preschool; it’s a thriving community where children’s natural curiosity leads to discovery and growth.

Our Beginnings

Our story begins with a simple but powerful realization: Oregon, and West Linn in particular, needs more accessible, high-quality early childhood education.

Colleen Cleary, a seasoned educator with years of experience nurturing young minds, saw this gap firsthand. She recognized the urgent need for exceptional childcare and envisioned a different kind of early learning center, one that would expand access to outstanding preschool

education while setting a higher standard of excellence.

Grounded in her deep understanding of early education development, that vision became the foundation for what is now Little Nestlings Early Learning Center, a preschool that has become a valued part of the West Linn Community. It’s guided by a mission to nurture, inspire, and educate the next generation of leaders and innovators through the transformative Reggio Emilia philosophy.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to be a nurturing cornerstone of our community, where children, families, staff, and neighbors feel esteemed and encouraged.

We believe in the transformative power of education, not just in academics but in fostering a culture where every individual feels valued, supported, and inspired to explore their full potential.

OUR VISION

Little Nestlings aspires to revolutionize the early education field and set an unparalleled standard of excellence.

We focus on the well-being of our dedicated educators through competitive compensation and a supportive work environment. This ensures that our staff can bring their best selves to our classrooms daily. In turn, this creates an enriching learning environment for children to thrive.

Our Founder

Colleen Cleary, Founder and Teacher at
Little Nestlings, has devoted her career to
creating thoughtful learning
environments where children are
encouraged to explore, express themselves,
and grow with confidence.

At the heart of our curriculum is the Reggio Emilia approach, a philosophy that respects children as strong, capable, resilient, and rich with wonder and knowledge. As a leading preschool in West Linn, we embrace this approach to nurture each child’s deep curiosity and potential.

Every child brings with them deep curiosity and potential, and this innate curiosity drives their interest to understand their world and their place within it.

Our educators, embracing the role of co-learners and collaborators, facilitate an environment where the classroom acts as the third teacher.

This approach fosters an atmosphere of exploration, creativity, and respect for each child’s voice.

We carefully design our spaces to inspire curiosity, instill creativity, and encourage students to engage meaningfully with their environment and each other.

Explore the Little Nestlings Experience

See what sets Little Nestlings apart as a premier preschool in West Linn where young, curious minds flourish. Our center is a vibrant community where the joy of learning meets the adventure of discovery. Join our family and watch your child grow in a place where education goes beyond traditional learning.