We use positive guidance to help students develop self-regulation, empathy, and independence. If behavior challenges persist or suggest developmental concerns, we require professional evaluation. If a family refuses evaluation and the behavior threatens others' safety, the student may be dismissed.

Infants are placed on their backs in a sleep sack. Blankets may be used after 12 months. No items may be kept in cribs.
Infants may not sleep in swings, car seats, or in arms. Parents are encouraged to use sleep training methods that promote independent sleep, as co-sleeping and sleep dependency may cause distress at school.

Child Care Licensing requires that we close in the event of a flood, fire, gas leak, loss of power, or if a communicable disease prevents us from maintaining minimum ratio requirements. We may also close for severe weather or if we are unable to slow the spread of a communicable disease or infestation without closure.

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No tuition credits will be issued in the event of an emergency closure.

We build community through family participation. Families are invited to: 

Attend or help prepare for events

Donate or lend materials

Volunteer for repairs or photography

Attend conferences/workshops

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To reduce the spread of communicable disease, staff/students/visitors practice proper hand washing upon arrival, before/after meals/activities, and after contact with bodily fluids.  Classrooms and common spaces are cleaned/sanitized often. Students are excluded from attending when signs of illness are present (aside from mild cold symptoms).  Students must be symptom-free for 24-48 hours before returning to school (see Exclusion Agreement).

For minor injuries, we will administer first aid as needed, and the injury will be documented in Playground.

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For injuries that MAY need medical attention, we will administer first aid, notify the parents/guardians.

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For injuries that require prompt medical attention, CPR and/or first aid will be administered as necessary, 911 will be activated, and then the parents/guardians will be notified.

Infants under 12 months nap according to their individual schedules. Typically, infants aged 12-14 months take two naps, one from 9-10 am and another from 1-3 pm. Toddlers and preschoolers generally have one nap from 1-3 pm. Preschoolers in their final year before kindergarten who no longer nap, rest from 1-2 pm, and participate in quiet activities from 2-3 pm. We focus on teaching all students developmentally appropriate, independent sleep skills.

We will have several in-class and after-school celebrations throughout the year, around major holidays, birthdays, and the changing of seasons.  If your family has a unique tradition of celebrating a special day, please share this day with us so we can learn more.  If you do not wish your child to participate in a holiday event, please communicate your wishes in advance so we can make accommodations.  We are a non-religious program, and celebrations will not include religious aspects.

Toddlers often start toilet learning at home months before starting in school.  When they start learning at school, we will ask them every 2 hours if they need to use the potty (it is their choice).  Once they consistently use the potty when asked, we expect them to start telling us when they need to go.  For sanitary reasons, a student may not switch to undies until they go 3 full days without having an accident in their diaper or pull-up.  They will still be put in a pull-up during nap until they are consistently dry.

Childcare licensing guidelines are followed to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and visitors.  The primary areas monitored daily are ratio/supervision, storage/handling of hazardous materials, safe sleep practices, water play safety, building access, releasing children to authorized individuals, and allergy awareness/response.  

NO oral medication (OTC or prescribed) or topical prescribed medications are administered by The Birds Nest staff.

Students picked up after their contracted pick-up time will incur an overtime fee (see contract).  If no communication is received by 6:00 pm, the Kalispell Police and the Department of Child Protective Services will be contacted (after attempting to contact emergency contacts).

Upon enrollment, each family selects their set days and hours of attendance.  Their arrival and departure times must remain the same from week to week.  Any occasional changes to the arrival or departure times (> 15 min) need to be communicated and approved in advance (additional fees may apply).

Without court documentation, both parents have equal rights to pick up their child, make changes to who is authorized to pick up the child, and make decisions regarding the care of the child. 

Smoking (of any variety/method) is not permitted on The Birds Nest property, including in the parking area or the landscaped areas around the school.  Staff are not allowed to smoke before or during their shift. 

All students are required to be fully immunized per the DPHHS State licensing regulations schedule. Due to the high percentage of immunosensitive students and staff, we do not accept religious exemptions.

All employees are mandated to report physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse/exploitation, emotional abuse, parental substance abuse, abandonment, and/or maltreatment by calling 866.820.5437 and, in some cases, 911, depending on the situation.

Biting is a typical behavior for children aged 1 to 3 years. While it is not acceptable, it should not be attributed to the child, their parents, or the teacher. Since COVID, we have observed a rise in biting incidents. To help the child navigate this, we collaborate with early intervention specialists and parents.

Students should not be dropped off before 7:30 am or after 9:00 am. Students dropped off after 8:15 am should be given breakfast before arrival.

We appreciate all feedback.  Feedback can be communicated via email, in person, and/or via regular parent surveys.  Without feedback, we do not know what we need to work on to improve the level of quality that we offer to our village community.

We spend time outside daily unless air quality or inclement weather is not suitable for the students.

Students should not be picked up before 3:00 pm or after their contracted departure time.

A 30-day notice is required to terminate an enrollment contract.  Tuition is owed for the final 30-day period regardless of attendance.  In the event that a family chooses to pay more than 30-days in advance, no credit will be issued for overpayment.

To minimize big feelings at drop off, it is best to keep it short.  The longer a parent/guardian lingers, the longer it will take for the student to settle in for the day.

We try to serve mostly organic produce, whole foods, and minimize processed foods offered.  We do not allow students over 12 months of age to bring food from home with the exception of suitable substitutes for documented food allergies (ie, milk/dairy, eggs, nut butter).