About
The Early Learning Nest
OUR PHILOSOPHY
A Nurturing Environment for Young Learners
At The Early Learning Nest, our in-home preschool offers a warm, inviting atmosphere where children ages 3-5 can be introduced to a school-like structure while also maintaining their childhood.
We believe that every child is unique and deserves a learning experience that best fits their needs. With very small group sizes, we are able to provide personalized attention and activities to meet the needs and interests of each child.
While many Early Education Providers or Preschools focus on rigorous academics (also known as the Academic Pushdown), our philosophy is grounded in research showing that cognitive readiness, emotional development, social skills, and executive functioning are stronger predictors of long-term success than early academic acceleration alone.
OUR APPROACH
Learning Through Play and Exploration
The Early Learning Nest is a Reggio-Emilia inspired program that is guided by Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) principles and aligned with recommendations from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
While we deliver curriculum that follows Virginia kindergarten readiness guidelines, we take a different approach to learning. We embrace a whole-child approach that supports the multiple areas of development rather than focusing exclusively on academics. This approach allows children to learn through intentional exploration, sensory play, free play, art, movement, conversation, problem-solving, and hands-on experiences.
Our goal is to create an environment where children not only develop skills in academics but also life skills that are so often left out of education.
Core Principles
Three core principles shape our program and serve as the foundation for every decision, relationship, and experience within The Early Learning Nest.
Child-Centered
Learning
Children’s interests, curiosity, and developmental readiness are placed at the center of our activities and daily experiences. We believe learning is most meaningful when children are engaged and emotionally connected to what they are learning.
Transparent
Communication
Strong relationships are built through open and consistent communication. We value collaboration with families and believe a mutual partnership is essential to supporting children’s growth and well-being.
Respect
Respect guides how we care for children, families, educators, and the learning environment itself. We strive to cultivate a culture of kindness, responsibility, and inclusion that extends beyond the classroom.
Your Partner in Early Childhood Education
Courtney Lee, a mother to two children and advocate for early childhood education, founded The Early Learning Nest after searching for a place where her own children could feel safe, supported, and genuinely excited to learn. What began as a personal search quickly grew into a deeper mission: creating a learning environment where children are nurtured academically, emotionally, and socially during the years that matter most.
Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Courtney understands child development not only through research, but through real-life experience as a parent. She believes early education should inspire a love of learning rather than place pressure on children through unrealistic academic expectations.
Courtney strongly believes that every child is different and that they deserve an environment able to accommodate their learning pace, interests, and personality. Her goal is to build meaningful partnerships with families rather than simply serve as an instructor, recognizing that open communication and collaboration between parents and educators are essential to a child’s success.
She is passionate about creating a space where children feel emotionally secure, confident, and excited to explore the world around them each day.