Testimonials
I highly recommend Nest Children’s Early Learning Program—Kathy Salinas’ Childcare.
Finding high-quality childcare can be one of the most stressful and emotional challenges for families. You want more than just a safe place for your child—you want a place where they will be seen, valued, and supported in every way. Kathy Salinas offers exactly that—and so much more.
With many years of experience as an early childhood educator, Kathy brings deep knowledge, professionalism, and an authentic passion for child development to her program. Her background working closely with young children and families is evident in every detail of her work. She doesn't just provide care—she creates an intentional, enriching environment where children are encouraged to learn, grow, and build confidence through exploration and play.
One of the things that truly sets Kathy apart is her commitment to communication and partnership with families. She values parent involvement and keeps open, respectful lines of communication. As a parent, it’s incredibly reassuring to feel that you’re not only being heard, but that you're part of a collaborative relationship focused on your child’s well-being.
Her work ethic is exceptional. Every aspect of her program—from the thoughtfully planned curriculum to the warm, welcoming space—reflects her dedication to high standards and deep care. Kathy intentionally designs age-appropriate activities that support cognitive, emotional, and social development, all while honoring each child’s individuality and pace.
Nest is so much more than a daycare. It is a loving, respectful, and developmentally rich environment that nurtures the whole child. Children in Kathy’s care are not only safe—they are truly seen, supported, and inspired to thrive.
I can say with complete confidence: I can’t recommend Kathy and her program highly enough.
– Jessica Quintanilla
Kathy has a remarkable way with children—she is warm, patient, and deeply intuitive. From the very first interaction, it's clear that she truly understands young children and knows how to meet them exactly where they are, emotionally and developmentally. She creates an environment where little ones feel safe, supported, and genuinely seen. Her approach is both thoughtful and nurturing, with just the right balance of structure and creativity to help each child grow, thrive, and feel empowered.
What truly makes Kathy stand out is the genuine love and dedication she brings to every aspect of her work. She doesn’t just care for children—she cares about them in a way that’s both rare and beautiful. She recognizes the unique potential in every child and supports them with kindness, encouragement, and a calm, confident presence that puts both children and parents at ease.
You can feel the positivity and intentionality in the environment she creates. It’s a space filled with laughter, discovery, learning, and mutual respect. Children are free to explore and express themselves while knowing they are held in a nurturing and safe space.
Any family looking for a warm, enriching, and truly exceptional early childhood experience would be incredibly lucky to have Kathy guiding their child’s early years. She is truly one of a kind, and I am so grateful for the foundation she provides.
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– Maricela G.
I can’t recommend Nest highly enough. From the moment you step through the door, you can feel the magic. The soft lighting, natural materials, and thoughtfully designed spaces make it feel like a second home.
But what truly sets this daycare apart is Kathy herself. She has a remarkable gift for connecting with children—seeing each one as a unique individual and instinctively knowing how to guide, comfort, and inspire them. Every interaction is thoughtful and respectful. It’s clear she’s one of those rare educators who truly cares. This isn’t your typical “daycare”; Kathy deeply understands the importance of early childhood education and skillfully applies developmental theory to everything she does.
If you're lucky enough to secure a spot, you’ll quickly notice how happy and at ease your child is. Don’t be surprised if they’re eager to arrive in the morning and reluctant to leave at pick-up. Nest strikes a rare balance: children feel both nurtured and free to explore.
In short, this is the kind of place every parent hopes to find—loving, enriching, and genuinely magical. You and your child will be grateful you chose it.
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– Carrie Hurly
We LOVE Kathy and all the teachers Kathy works with! Kathy ran a magical daycare in Santa Monica where our daughter attended for 3 years. Nest is essentially the same school, just a different location (by a few blocks). Kathy is very intentional in her teaching. She creates a safe and wonderful environment for the children where play is prioritized with organic (and planned, as the kids enter into preschool) learning woven throughout the day. Our daughter learned how to express and respect her own feelings from an early age, thanks to teacher Kathy, and learned early on how to resolve conflict. She also learned fundamental manners, skills like cooking and baking, educational experiments (e.g., caterpillar to butterfly, different science projects), language arts, and basic math. My daughter was able to get into a School of Advanced Studies for elementary school thanks to Kathy, and has excelled there since she graduated from Kathy's daycare/preschool program. Kathy is also great with parents. Very empathetic, but really, what I loved is that Kathy just knew the kids. She knew what they needed, and she reassured the parents, yet was respectably firm about what she believed was best for the children bc, really, she was always right. For what the school provides, tuition really should cost more, and I would say that it really is an outstanding program all around. I can't stop raving about Nest and Kathy, but she really is someone I would implicitly trust my kids with, and that means a lot. I recently asked parents of children who also attended Kathy's school along with my kid, and they all said they would, hands down, do it again and pay more. It was that worth it. Don't hesitate!
- Sharon L.