Our proprietary Nest-EQ framework is the intellectual architecture behind everything that happens at Learning Nest Academy. It was built on a single question: what does a child genuinely need to thrive in the world they’re actually entering?
The answer isn’t a longer list of activities, or a more impressive classroom. It’s a developmental system that builds interlocking capabilities – in tandem, in every interaction, every day.
Our Junction campus is a private institution and is not part of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) subsidy program.
Nest-EQ
Nest-EQ takes Montessori and extends it deliberately for the world children are growing into. A world where technology is reshaping how we work, solve problems and make decisions. Where the capacities that matter most are precisely the ones that can’t be automated: judgment, empathy, creativity, resilience and the confidence to think independently.
Imagination, design thinking, creative expression and innovation.
Creativity here is not free time. It is a cognitive capability — developed through real projects, meaningful making and the discipline of bringing original ideas to life.
Connection, interdependence, responsibility and care for the living world.
Children learn that their actions have consequences — developing the stewardship, resilience and sense of responsibility that connects them to something larger than themselves.
Emotional intelligence, belonging and the foundations of human connection.
This is where children learn to understand themselves and others—building the empathy, self-awareness and relational skills that define genuine human capability.
Cognitive development, critical thinking, problem-solving and curiosity.
We build children who know how to approach a problem they have never seen before — through inquiry, investigation and the confidence to revise their thinking.
Carefully considered worlds within one classroom. Each Nest Studio is a purposefully designed learning environment, bringing specific capabilities into focus while allowing learning to flow naturally between spaces, guided always by intention.
Our large outdoor learning environment is generous, secure and genuinely connected to nature. Nestled among mature trees and set back from the road, it feels like an oasis within the city, exactly the kind of place where a child should spend their mornings. Outdoor learning here is not recess. Its curriculum.
When you visit the Junction academy, you will see children’s work on display, not as decoration, but as evidence. Documentation panels, portfolio spreads and active project materials are part of every classroom. When you ask an educator what a child was working on, they can tell you specifically because they were watching and they recorded it. Learning that is made visible is learning that can be built on.
Our menus are built around nutritionally dense foods children actually enjoy, with balanced options for breakfast, lunch and snacks. We serve sustainable and wild-caught fish, offer vegetarian options daily and include plant-based proteins. Our menus do not include nuts, shellfish, pork or whole eggs and we choose grains that are lower in salt and sugar.
Our menus are thoughtfully curated by our Head Chef and Pediatric Dietitian to ensure every meal is nutritious, balanced and designed to fuel children through a full day of learning and discovery.
Prepared fresh on-site each day, our meals and snacks bring warmth, care and consistency to the rhythm of your child’s day.
“Most schools measure success by how happy children are in the moment. We measure it by who they’re becoming.”
— Melissa Capogna, Junction Director
The People Behind It All
A curriculum is only ever as good as the people who bring it to life. At The Learning Nest, our educators are not simply classroom managers or caregivers – they are trained observers, thoughtful guides and genuine advocates for every child in their care.
We hire for warmth first and expertise always. Every educator at The Learning Nest holds formal training in early childhood education and is deeply fluent in the Montessori philosophy and the Nest-EQ framework. But beyond credentials, we look for something harder to teach – the ability to truly see a child. To notice what they’re ready for before they ask. To know when to step in and when to step back.
Our Programs
We believe how a child experiences their earliest years shapes everything that follows. Every stage of early childhood is distinct and the capacities that will define your child’s future are shaped in every single one of them. That’s why every program we offer is designed with both the child’s present and their future in mind.
In Infants, we build the foundations that everything else rests on: security, attachment and a deep sense of self.
In Toddlers, we channel their fierce drive for independence into the confidence to explore, to question and to try again.
In Preschool, we cultivate original thinkers who are resilient, collaborative and confident in their own voice.
“You will never need to chase us for an update. You will know what your child learned today, why it mattered and what we are planning next.”
— Fatima Tavares, Regional Director and Head of Quality
Testimonials
Have questions? We’ve got answers! Learn more about what makes our childcare centres the perfect place for your little one to learn and grow.
The Learning Nest’s Junction campus offers childcare programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers (approximately 0 – 4 years old). We provide nurturing Infant daycare as well as Montessori-inspired Toddler and Preschool Programs. Each age group benefits from a tailored curriculum that fosters hands-on learning, social development and a love of discovery in a warm, caring environment.
Our Infant daycare in Junction Toronto follows a blend of HighScope and Montessori approaches, offering a safe and stimulating space for infants to explore. With a low teacher-to-child ratio, we ensure individualized attention to support early cognitive, emotional and social development.
Learning Nest stands out as one of the best daycare centres near you in the Junction because of our commitment to high-quality care, experienced educators and diverse program offerings. We combine Montessori daycare principles with other research-backed educational approaches to create a well-rounded environment for every child.
Our Toronto Junction childcare centre is open Monday to Friday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This full-day schedule is designed to support working parents’ routines (with no extra fees for the extended hours).
Absolutely. Our centre is conveniently located at Keele and Dundas in The Junction, making it easy to reach by TTC. There are frequent bus routes from both Keele Station and Dundas West Station that stop nearby. For those driving, it’s close to major routes and street parking is available for quick drop-offs. Despite being in the city, the academy is nestled on a quiet side street away from heavy traffic, providing a safe and calm atmosphere for children.
Yes we provide nutritious meals and snacks daily as part of our program. The Junction location even has a private in-house chef, ensuring all food is fresh, healthy and child-friendly. Our menu is crafted with guidance from a pediatric dietitian, so you can trust that your little one enjoys balanced, nut-free meals every day. Parents don’t need to pack lunches we’ve got it covered!
(Download Sample Menu)
Enroling at our Junction daycare is simple and family-friendly. We welcome you to schedule a tour through our website or by contacting our Junction centre. This gives you a chance to see the classrooms and meet our team. Once you decide to join, our enrollment coordinator will guide you through the registration paperwork and onboarding process. The Learning Nest offers rolling enrollment, so children can start at any time of year if space is available. We do recommend reaching out early, as spots at our Junction location can fill up quickly due to high demand.
