Nest Programs

At the Nest, we have programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Learn more about our admissions process.

How to Apply

Families interested in securing a spot in The Nest must complete an application and submit it with the application fee. Upon receiving the application and fee, the Director will advise the family of current availability.

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Step One:

Plan A Tour

If you have any questions, would like to tour our facility, or are interested in volunteering at our center please feel free to call 314-361-1564 ext. 115, email us at Thenest@centralreform.org, or fill out the form below.

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Step Two:

Fill Out an Application

Download the form by clicking the icon below and fill in all the correct details!

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Step Three:

Submit Form and Fee

Submit the Application Form with a $75 Application Fee in person, via email, or by mail:

The Nest at CRC
5020 Waterman Blvd
St. Louis, Mo 63108

We will process your admission and update you within 14 days (but often sooner). We look forward to building an enriching relationship with you and your child!

Programs by Age

Click the plus sign next to each text box to learn more about the program for that age group.

Designed for children under 17 months.
Our setting has 2 full time educators.
We provide an adult/child ratio of 1:4 at all times.

We strongly believe in family grouping: having infants and young toddlers together. Our mixed age setting provides the consistency that young children need, along with the ability to build a sense of trust and security with their caregivers and peers.

The Infant Program follows a primary caregiving philosophy, where meeting the individual needs of each child is the teacher's first priority. Our program follows a predictable schedule, but babies are fed, changed, and put down for their naps following their own individual routines.

Lesson plans are developed using the child's individual goals, and are based on Missouri Early Learning Standards and NAEYC Developmentally Appropriate Practices. Both curriculums offer developmentally appropriate activities in all areas of development: language, cognitive, motor, and social.

The Nest adheres to all state licensing and American Academy of Pediatric recommendations for safe sleep, including placing babies on their backs to sleep, and keeping teachers current on trainings regarding SIDS and the latest safe sleep practices.

Designed for children 17 months - 2 years.

Multi-Age grouping allows for diverse interactions, peer modeling and family-like socialization.

Low ratios allow teachers to provide individualized attention and care at a time when self-help skills are being developed and social skills are emerging.

The Toddler room is an exciting time of independence and exploration of the environment.

Through Missouri Early Learning Standards, NAEYC Developmentally Appropriate Practice Guidelines, and children’s individual goals, teachers create a learning environment which focuses on social emotional development. Developmentally appropriate activities foster independence and self-esteem, in addition to encouraging language, motor, social, and cognitive development. These activities are the building blocks for later school success.

Our two Preschool rooms consists of children ranging in age from 2-3 years and 4-5 year old.

We  provide a low adult/child ratio  at all times to ensure quality interactions and care for each child.

At the Nest, we implement Mixed Age Classrooms when appropriate which promote leadership skills, motivation to learn, and increased problem solving skills.

The emphasis of the Preschool Program is on social emotional development, creating opportunities for acceptance, self-regulation, cooperation, and problem solving. Children actively build their knowledge with hands-on, minds-on activities. Children learn math, science, literacy, art, and social concepts through directly interacting and engaging with their environment.

Teachers develop engaging activities as well as sensory experiences, music, and large and fine motor opportunities to meet the developmental needs of each individual child.

Contact Us

Please feel free to contact us if you would like a tour or have specific questions about our program. We look forward to hearing from you!

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