About Nelsons
Nelson’s Little Monkeys Preschool is a play based program in Happy Valley, Oregon, where children learn through play. Our play-inspired program is child led and allows children lots of time to explore their environment. We focus on building strong social emotional skills that will allow children to be able to express themselves, solve problems and build friendships.
We believe spending time outside is very important. We play on the playground, dig in the sand box, visit the chickens and search for bugs. Rain doesn't keep us indoors. Kids go home at the end of the day with a sparkle in their eyes and dirt in their hair. Many researchers agree that kids who play outside are happier, better at paying attention and less anxious than kids who spend more time indoors. Spending time in nature can build their confidence. Unstructured outdoor play helps kids learn to take turns, share, and develop other positive behavioral skills. They are more likely to be inventive, explore and learn about the world around them and use their own abilities.
Play is the way children make sense of their world, and is the natural way they learn. Play is a child's work. Play is: Self-initiated.
Play-based learning is a type of early childhood edaucation based on child-led and open-ended play. Play-based learning helps children develop social skills, motivation to learn, and even language and numeracy skills. Taking initiative, focused attention, and curiosity about the world are all a part of play.
My job as a preschool teacher is help facilitate children’s play. I offer them lots of materials to explore and provide a safe space with an established daily routine and calm environment to help them learn and grow. I observe and assist them to solve their own problems as they arise. Children become confident members of our preschool community.
“We cannot thank you enough for all that you have done for our daughter. Brining her to your school was the best decision we ever made!”
Program Highlights:
Park like setting- Located on half an acre with a huge sandbox and mud pie kitchen
We spend time outside, rain or shine
Weekly yoga and music class
Monthly field trips
Bright and sunny preschool playroom with open ended toys help children’s imaginations soar.
Half day and full day options
Our days are full of fun with lots of opportunities to learn new things. Everyday we read books, sing silly songs and create masterpieces using crayons, chalk, markers, paint and play-doh. We build towers and complete huge floor puzzles
Come join us for circle time and practice counting, learn shapes, colors, letters and words that rhyme. Sing silly songs, jump and dance, and listen to stories.
At Nelson's Little Monkeys we pack lots of learning, healthy eating, outside time, art and fun into every day. Our huge fenced backyard has a sandbox and chalk board large enough for everyone to play at. We have 1/2 an acre of outside space for children to explore! kids love to climb, swing and slide on our playground. They pick berries in the summer and feed the chickens year round.
Children learn and grow at their own pace doing the things that bring them the most joy.
“My daughter had never been to childcare anywhere so it was a huge step for us to send her somewhere. I was so worried she would have a difficult transition or be lonely, but Teacher Jessica greeted us at the gate on our first day and Emma never looked back. We felt right at home immediately. Emma has already learned so much: letters, numbers, colors, counting in Spanish, art projects, feeding the chickens, weekly music class, weekly yoga class, the list goes on and on. Her vocabulary has noticeably grown, and I am so impressed. I love how much time they spend outside playing, getting dirty and expelling their energy (as young children should). I would HIGHLY recommend Nelsons Little Monkeys, and Jessica is the most caring, patient and fun teacher we could have asked for. ”
Our Philosophy
I believe that children learn best in a nurturing, child-initiated play-based environment that fosters self-confidence, trust, creativity, autonomy and acceptance of individual differences. I help children establish positive personal interaction, nurturing each child's growth and education.
Preschool is a time for children to learn how to express their emotions and solve conflicts. I help them solve problems and deal with big emotions. Every child need to feel accepted, respected and loved and be allowed to learn and grow at their own pace.
At Nelson’s Little Monkeys I strive to create an inclusive, caring environment where all families feel welcomed and all children feel loved and included.
“Play is the highest form of research.”
— Albert Einstein