A: Duck’s Nest has one of the best child to teacher ratios in the Bay Area. 

2 and 3 years old: 1 teacher for 4-5 children. 

4 and 5 years old:1 teacher for 6-7 children. 

A: Duck’s Nest has long since established the tradition of giving each classroom and its students a special group name. Depending on which campus your child attends, here are a few of the names and possible age groups:  Ducklings (2 y/o), Wood Ducks (young 3s), Puddle Ducks (older 3s), Mallards (younger 4s), Mandarins (older 4s and 5).

A: Each day when the children arrive, they have a choice between several creative, open-ended activities. The morning (8am-1pm) and the afternoon (after 3pm) have scheduled daily routines that include age-appropriate free play, group time, snack, and outdoor play. The children have their lunches in their classrooms around noon. Quiet/Rest time on campus is 1-3pm.  The sequence and length of classroom routines vary dependent on the ages and interests of the children.

A: Duck’s Nest does not require your child to be potty trained before entering the program. When the teachers or parents see signs of readiness or interest using the potty, we will work to reinforce and encourage toilet training here at school. Parents and teachers are working together with the child to make that transition.

A: At Duck’s Nest, we use the word guidance when referring to discipline. Our teachers are trained to handle conflicts according to every child’s age and individual stage of development. Our goal is to understand the need behind the behavior, and respond accordingly. We also want to build empathy by enhancing the children’s understanding of how their actions affect others. When conflict arises, with the teacher’s support, the children are encouraged to identify emotions, verbalize the problem, and resolve their feelings. Through redirection, our teachers guide the child to refocus attention to a different and more positive experience. Conflict resolution is an opportunity to work on essential social skills; which a person will need forever. 

A: Every day we make it our priority to create a safe environment for your child. Duck’s Nest is proud to say that our entire staff has a Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification. We take the potential for Earthquakes in the Bay Area very seriously. Teachers hold monthly fire and earthquake drills so that your child will know what to do in an emergency situation. We practice a school wide evacuation drill twice a year as well. All of our schools are stocked with a 3 day supply of food and water as well as other emergency supplies. In case of a major earthquake, teachers and administration staff will stay at school with the children until everyone has been picked up (even if it takes several days…).

A: We foster family engagement at Duck's Nest! Our goal at Duck's Nest is to be an ally for your child and family. It is a collaborative process. All of our locations have a Non-Profit Parent Association and their main goal is to build a strong community among the parents. As a parent at Duck’s Nest, you automatically become a member of the Parent Association. We appreciate and strongly encourage your engagement at events during the school year. You can also get involved by driving on field-trips, going to class potlucks, sharing a story or circle time for your child’s birthday, or staying informed with the current events at the school. From being part of the steering committee to volunteering some hours a couple of times a year, your help is always welcome and needed!