Our Teachers – Little Nestlings Early Learning Center

About our teachers: At Little Nestlings Early Learning Center, our educators are the heart of everything we do. Each teacher is carefully selected for their experience, warmth, and dedication to early childhood development. We believe that great teachers change lives, and at Little Nestlings, we have assembled a team of truly exceptional early childhood educators.

Who Are Our Teachers?

Our teachers are more than just classroom instructors. They are mentors, listeners, cheerleaders, and co-learners. Every morning, they arrive excited to see each child’s face light up with curiosity. They ask thoughtful questions, observe carefully, and guide gently. At Little Nestlings Early Learning Center, we hire for both skill and heart. Every educator holds relevant early childhood education credentials, but more importantly, they possess a genuine love for working with young children ages 3–5.

Our teachers come from diverse backgrounds, but they share one common goal: to help every child feel safe, seen, and heard. Many of our educators have been with Little Nestlings for years, building deep roots in the West Linn community. They know each family by name and celebrate every milestone – from a first drawn circle to a new friendship formed at the playdough table.

The Reggio Emilia Approach in Action

Our team embraces the Reggio Emilia philosophy wholeheartedly, acting as co-learners and collaborators alongside your children. This means our teachers do not stand at the front of the room lecturing. Instead, they sit beside children, listen to their theories, and help them test their ideas. When a child wonders why leaves change color, a Little Nestlings teacher does not simply give an answer. She asks, “What do you think?” and then helps the child investigate through art, nature walks, and books.

Teachers design inspiring classroom environments that spark wonder. Natural light, open spaces, mirrors, plants, and carefully arranged materials invite exploration. In Reggio Emilia, the classroom is called the “third teacher.” Our educators take this responsibility seriously. They rotate materials weekly, set up provocations (invitations to explore), and document children’s learning through photos and displays.

Small Class Sizes, Big Relationships

What makes our teachers different? Low student-to-teacher ratios. At Little Nestlings Early Learning Center, we keep classes intentionally small so every child receives individual attention. Our teachers know when a child needs a hug, when they are ready for a challenge, and when they simply need space to work through a big feeling. This personalized approach builds trust and confidence.

Investing in Our Educators

We invest in our educators with competitive compensation, ongoing professional development, and a supportive work culture. Happy, valued teachers bring their best selves to the classroom every day. Unlike many preschools where teacher turnover is high, Little Nestlings retains excellent educators because we respect them as professionals. We offer paid planning time, health benefits, continuing education stipends, and a collaborative team environment.

Our teachers attend regular training on topics like social-emotional learning, trauma-informed care, inclusive classrooms, and emergent curriculum design. They share what they learn with one another during weekly team meetings. This culture of continuous improvement means your child benefits from the latest research in early childhood education.

Building Social-Emotional Skills

From fostering social-emotional skills to sparking creative discovery, our teachers build meaningful relationships with every child. They see each child as capable, resilient, and full of wonder. When two children disagree over a toy, a Little Nestlings teacher does not simply solve the problem. She helps them name their feelings, find words, and practice negotiation. These small moments build lifelong skills.

Our teachers also partner closely with families. Daily check-ins, photos through our parent communication app, and twice-yearly conferences keep you connected to your child’s day. Teachers welcome parent observations and value your insight as your child’s first and most important teacher.

Meet the Team

We would love for you to meet our dedicated team in person. Each teacher brings unique gifts. Some are skilled in music and movement. Others have deep expertise in language development or sensory play. Together, they make Little Nestlings a vibrant, joyful, and nurturing place to grow.

Come visit Little Nestlings Early Learning Center in West Linn, Oregon. See our teachers in action, ask questions, and discover why our team makes all the difference. Your child deserves teachers who truly see them. At Little Nestlings, that is exactly what you will find.

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