Our Mission

We believe every child is born with creative wings—we simply help them learn to fly. Through play, choice, risk-taking, and hands-on experiences, we nurture problem-solving, emotional resilience, and lifelong learning. Our goal is to empower children to:

Think critically, not just absorb information.
See the world through multiple perspectives.
Discover their unique strengths and passions.

With a strong partnership between educators and families, we provide the love and support children need to soar.

Our Vision

At The Birds Nest, we see children as explorers, guiding their own learning. Inspired by Waldorf’s natural play-based philosophy, we nurture independence, curiosity, and a love for discovery. By fostering holistic development in the early years, we help children’s minds take flight, laying the foundation for lifelong success.

Our Philosophy

The Birds Nest is built on a Waldorf-inspired, natural play-based philosophy that honors a child’s right to explore, observe, and express themselves. We see children as capable, creative, and full of potential.

Key principles we embrace:

Learning is child-led and experience-driven.
Exploration of relationships and environments is essential.
Expression comes in endless forms—movement, art, storytelling, and more.

Surrounded by natural, open-ended materials, children build foundational skills like social confidence, conflict resolution, and sound discrimination. Mistakes aren’t failures; they’re stepping stones to deeper understanding. At The Birds Nest, every child has the space to grow, thrive, and take flight.

Our Credentials

The Birds Nest is licensed by the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services and adheres to the highest standards of care.

All employees and volunteers must:

Pass an annual background check & fingerprinting.
Maintain Infant, Child, & Adult CPR, First Aid, & AED certifications.
Complete at least 16 hours of professional development annually.

Our commitment to excellence:

80% of our educators hold or are earning degrees in Early Childhood Education through our Apprenticeship Program.
We are actively working toward NAEYC accreditation and a STARS to Quality Level 5 rating.
We comply with regulations from multiple agencies, including the Department of Public Health & Human Services, Child & Adult Care Food Program, and local health and safety authorities.

Our Journey

Founded in 2014, The Birds Nest began as a vision for high-quality early childhood education and a connected community. Since then, we’ve grown from a single nest to a thriving village, expanding with new programs and innovative spaces. In 2025, our 14,000 sq. ft. Early Learning Village will open, designed with large classrooms, an indoor green courtyard, and low student-to-teacher ratios.

As part of our commitment to enriching children’s learning beyond the classroom, we’ve partnered with The Wildtorium, an interactive museum for families. Our on-site location will be open to the public, with dedicated times for The Birds Nest class field trips—offering hands-on, immersive experiences that inspire wonder and discovery.

By Summer 2026, we’ll launch our third Spring Creek Forest School and introduce a leadership program for teens as Early Childhood Assistant Teachers in Training. No matter how we grow, our mission remains the same—nurturing each child’s potential.

What Our Parents Say...

Gina

We love the Bird’s Nest.

The teachers are very kind and attentive, and skilled at creating a smooth transition at drop off time, especially if your child is experiencing a rough start to their morning- which can happen to even the most excited little student. We feel very lucky to have found the Bird’s Nest, and would highly recommend it to anyone seeking childcare.

Anna

We absolutely love TBN and would recommend it to any parent seeking care for their children in the valley. Our daughter has been in two of the village classrooms. She expresses joy in being at school when she is dropped off and begs to go to school on days when she is under the weather and at home. The teachers are kind and caring, and Corinne is always very communicative. Five stars!

May

I just enrolled my little one. The owner, Corinne, is really nice and helpful; she responds to my texts and questions quickly. The teachers are friendly, take good care of my child, and spend lots of time outside to enjoy the fresh air. They send updates about my boy's activities in real time. I am very satisfied with The Birds Nest!

C.P.

I really appreciate that both my kids are in the same place surrounded by all the same teachers that show them so much love! It is so fun to have everyone see them grow and develop little personalities. I feel that my kids are better because of their experiences with The Birds Nest and I will always be grateful for the things they have learned there.

Megan

We love The Birds Nest! Our child was an infant when we joined and we have always felt so comfortable leaving them with such competent and caring providers. It is so nice to not have to worry about providing diapers, snacks, or meals. Corinne and all the staff are excellent communicators. All in all, we have been so impressed by The Birds Nest. Highly recommend!

Peterson

I started my second born when she was just 3 months old and felt it was a very great transition for me. They were very flexible with starting one day a week and moving to more days slowly as I felt comfortable. The staff in the nursery were amazing and kept me updated all the time on how things were going through the day. It is hard to let someone else take care of your newborn, but I felt very confident that she was in good hands.

Kate

We love not having to bring food, diapering supplies and bedding. We enjoy the small class size. We love the curriculum and opportunities for being outside. We enjoy the online/app updates and payment system. We enjoyed the staff and other families.

We appreciate how much you and the center have advocated for childcare options and solutions in the Flathead.

Shawna

As a parent, there are always concerns about leaving your child under the care of someone else, but Corinne and all the amazing staff at The Birds Nest quickly put our minds at ease. They truly care about your child and look forward to seeing them, spending time with them, and helping them grow and learn. We feel extremely lucky and blessed to have found such a wonderful place for our daughter to attend and we feel her life is positively influenced by the atmosphere they provide.

Micaul

I love The Birds Nest! M has been here since she was 9 months old. I appreciate communication from the teachers. I know she is being loved and cared for when she's there. The staff has always felt patient and kind. I really appreciate the willingness and flexibility to adapt with M's schedule as things have come up. Bump days are awesome! I so appreciate more than words how great it is that her spot is saved over the summer months without charge. I love that she is working on things developmentally appropriate for her.

Christy

My experiences with the Birds Nest have been amazing! Ever since I started my son there I have been extremely impressed with the communication and trust with all of the teachers and staff. My son has been there for almost 2 years now and I feel that he has learned so much. Before he could talk I was surprised that he started to learn some sign language from his time there and we started to use that at home, it was very fun. Being a first time mom I felt like I could ask the teachers questions about how they handle certain things to help me at home as well, like sleeping tips and starting solids. It made me feel more confident as a mom and to try new things that I would see him do at daycare.