Business Details
Montessori-Based Childcare in San Diego
At TenderNest Childcare, we are dedicated to fostering a nurturing and educational environment for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Our programs are rooted in the Montessori Method, which emphasizes self-directed learning, hands-on activities, and respect for each child's natural curiosity. With over 12 years of experience, our director, Arlette Khoury, combines Montessori-certified expertise with a deep commitment to child development. We offer a structured yet flexible curriculum that includes practical life skills, science, math, gardening, and cooking, all designed to promote independence and cognitive growth.Our home-like setting in San Diego prioritizes safety, nutrition, and outdoor exploration, ensuring children receive balanced physical, intellectual, and emotional development. Parents consistently praise our ability to create a joyful, family-like atmosphere where children thrive academically and socially. We maintain rigorous standards through memberships like the American Department of Agriculture Nutrition Program and ongoing professional development in child education.
Services
Infant Care
Toddler Programs
Preschool Education
Montessori Method
Nutrition Services
Highlights and features
- We offer 12+ years of Montessori-certified expertise in early childhood education.
- Our curriculum emphasizes practical life skills and hands-on STEM learning.
- We provide home-cooked, nutritionally balanced meals daily.
- Our programs are tailored to each child's developmental stage and pace.
- We maintain a low child-to-caregiver ratio for personalized attention.
Associations and certifications
- Montessori-certified
- American Department of Agriculture (ADA) Nutrition Program
What people say
Nurturing environment
Excellent daycare
Kind-hearted caregiver
Kindergarten-ready graduates
Smooth transition process
Services
Infant Care
Our infant program focuses on sensory development, sign language instruction, and nutritional care. We create a secure environment that supports movement, sensory perception, and early communication through age-appropriate activities and homemade meals. Parents appreciate our ability to reduce infant frustration through effective preverbal communication techniques.
Toddler Programs
Toddler classrooms emphasize practical life skills like sweeping and food preparation alongside cognitive development. Our Montessori-certified staff guides children through structured activities that build coordination, responsibility, and social skills while maintaining a clean, safe environment.
Preschool Education
Our preschool curriculum uses tactile materials like sandpaper letters and bead chains to teach reading and math fundamentals. Children develop organizational skills and respect for peers through classroom maintenance activities while preparing for kindergarten with advanced concepts in science and history.
Montessori Method
We implement Maria Montessori's principles through self-directed learning with specialized materials. Our approach fosters independence by allowing children to choose activities that match their interests while developing cognitive skills through hands-on exploration of concrete concepts.
Nutrition Services
We provide freshly prepared meals using natural ingredients that follow USDA nutritional guidelines. Our menu accommodates special dietary needs while teaching children about healthy food choices through gardening and cooking activities that connect nutrition to daily learning.
People
Arlette Khoury
Director
Montessori-certified educator with 12+ years of experience in childcare and early childhood education. Former healthcare manager with expertise in child development research and nutrition programs.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We provide care for infants from birth to 18 months, toddlers aged 18-36 months, and preschoolers aged 3-6 years.
What is your educational approach?
We use the Montessori Method, emphasizing self-directed learning with tactile materials that develop cognitive skills and independence through practical life activities.
Are meals provided?
Yes, we serve home-cooked meals made from fresh, natural ingredients following USDA nutritional guidelines, including vegetarian and vegan options.
How do you handle behavioral guidance?
We use positive reinforcement and consistent routines to encourage self-discipline, maintaining simple rules and calm interactions to foster respectful behavior.
What safety measures are in place?
Our home environment meets all state safety requirements with secure entry, childproofed spaces, and regular safety inspections to ensure a protected learning atmosphere.
