Little Nestlings FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Curious About Our Program?
You’re in the Right Place.
We know choosing the right preschool is a big decision. That’s why we’ve put together short, informative videos to answer the most common questions we hear from families—covering everything from our play-based approach to enrollment policies, our location, and even whether we’re affiliated with a church (spoiler: we’re not).
Whether you’re a new parent exploring options or considering a switch, we invite you to learn more about what sets Little Nestlings apart. Our goal is to support every child’s natural curiosity, creativity, and joy for learning—in a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment.
What ages do you serve, and can my child start mid-year?
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- At Little Nestlings, we welcome children ages 3 through 5. We offer rolling enrollment, which means your child can begin attending as soon as they turn 3—even if it’s in the middle of the school year. This flexibility ensures your little one doesn’t have to wait to start their learning journey.
Is Little Nestlings licensed with the state of Oregon?
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- Yes, Little Nestlings is a licensed early learning facility in the state of Oregon. We meet all of the rigorous standards required by the state, with a strong commitment to providing a safe, high-quality environment for young children.
Is Little Nestlings affiliated with a church or religious organization?
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- No, Little Nestlings is not a religious program and has no church affiliation. While we are located in the daylight basement of Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in West Linn and share values like inclusivity, kindness, and community, we operate independently as a secular early learning center.
Why doesn’t Little Nestlings push academics at an early age?
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- At Little Nestlings, we honor the natural stages of child development. We believe that pushing academic expectations onto young children before they’re developmentally ready can have negative effects. Instead, we focus on nurturing curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning—meeting children where they are, not where outdated standards expect them to be.
Why does Little Nestlings prioritize play-based learning over early academics?
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- At Little Nestlings, we believe that young children learn best through play. Forcing academic tasks before a child is developmentally ready can cause them to shut down and associate school with stress. Instead, we foster a love of learning through exploration, discovery, and joyful connection—laying the foundation for a lifelong love of education.
Does starting academics earlier help my child succeed later in school?
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- Research shows that introducing academic expectations too early doesn’t offer long-term benefits. At Little Nestlings, we focus on developmentally appropriate learning that supports your child’s growth now—and builds a strong foundation for future success
What are the benefits of a play-based program like Little Nestlings?
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- A play-based approach nurtures essential life skills from an early age. At Little Nestlings, children develop collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking—skills that not only support their growth now but also serve them well throughout their lives.
How does Little Nestlings support social-emotional development in young children?
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- At Little Nestlings, we prioritize social-emotional growth through daily conversations, intentional storytelling, visual aids, and planned activities. We help children understand their feelings, validate their emotions, and make thoughtful choices—whether they’re alone or interacting with others. These ongoing lessons provide a strong emotional foundation for lifelong learning.
What is the atelier at Little Nestlings and how is it used?
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- The atelier at Little Nestlings is a dedicated art and project space inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. It’s designed to foster creativity, imagination, and self-expression through open-ended materials and hands-on exploration. Children are encouraged to experiment, create, and communicate their ideas in a way that supports their individual development and learning style.
What are Community Saturdays at Little Nestlings?
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- Community Saturdays are free, weekly events hosted every Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. at Little Nestlings in West Linn. Open to local families and community members, these gatherings offer creative, seasonal activities designed to foster connection and celebrate togetherness.
Are the Saturday community events at Little Nestlings only for enrolled families?
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- No, our Saturday community events are open to everyone! While we design these gatherings with young families in mind, we warmly welcome all members of the community. These free weekly events reflect our core value of building community and creating meaningful connections through shared experiences.
What activities are offered during Community Saturdays?
- Activities vary based on the season and theme. Past events have included creative arts and crafts, seasonal celebrations like our Sparkle and Shine Winter Solstice event, and other hands-on experiences that encourage community connection and creativity.
Do I need to register in advance for Community Saturdays?
- No registration is required! Just come by Little Nestlings between 10–11 a.m. on Saturday mornings and join the fun. We recommend arriving on time to make the most of the event.
Is there a cost to participate in Community Saturdays?
- Community Saturdays are completely FREE! It’s part of our commitment to building a strong, connected community here in West Linn.
What should I do if I’m unsure whether my child’s current program is the right fit?
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- If you’re reevaluating your child’s current early education experience, we welcome you to connect with us at Little Nestlings. Every child is unique, and we believe there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. We’re happy to talk with you about your concerns and explore whether our play-based, Reggio Emilia-inspired program might be a better fit.
Who can attend the Little Nestlings Open House?
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- Everyone is welcome! Whether you’re actively looking for a preschool, just curious about our program, or you’ve noticed us during your commute—our Open House is open to all families interested in learning more about Little Nestlings. Come meet our team, explore the space, and see if we’re the right fit for your family.
We’d love to meet your family and show you what makes Little Nestlings such a special place to grow and learn.
Schedule a Visit today and take the first step toward nurturing your child’s bright beginning.