Play.
COMMUNITY.
SUPPORT.
The Authentic Nest offers 2-hour Montessori Open Play Sessions during which caregivers have a unique opportunity to observe and participate in their child’s play in an environment thoughtfully curated by Rachel Hidalgo, a Credentialed Montessori Infant and Toddler teacher. Prior registration is required but can be easily done on our website up to a minute before the two-hour session begins. Walk-ins are also welcome if space is available. These daily Montessori Open Play Sessions are a safe, warm, and inclusive space for children to play in an ever-changing environment while caregivers have the opportunity to share their struggles and celebrate their successes. You can put your mind to rest knowing all sessions are led by a licensed child and parent educator with a professional background in early child development. Does this sound interesting? Let The Authentic Nest support you on your unique parenting journey with opportunities to learn, connect, engage, observe, and socialize. Contact us today!
Who Should Attend?
Montessori Open Play Sessions at The Authentic Nest are for children 0-5 years and the grownups who love them. This means that they are appropriate for children of all developmental levels. Whether your child is developing along a typical trajectory or whether you have concerns about your baby’s development, you are welcome to attend. Our play space is divided according to age and developmental stage for safety purposes.
What Will We Do During Class?
The Authentic Nest Child Montessori Open Play Sessions are two hours long and are such a gift to the entire family. In our unique environment, the child enjoys the freedom to explore a curated play space specifically designed for their current developmental level. In this fun, cozy, non-judgmental, and supportive environment, we will help you navigate your unique caregiving journey as well.
As someone new to the journey of respectful parenting, Rachel’s approach and mentorship have been invaluable to me and my family. She can listen to my fears and worries and then gently remind me what is actually in my control, and what my children are likely looking for. Alongside that knowledge, she regularly reminds me to engage in the process as a full human–my needs and comfort also matter in the way I guide and partner with my children. She is a cheerleader for parents and children alike, and her intuitive capacities are incredible. Please sign up for her classes! You won’t regret it. I’m not exaggerating when I say it will change your life. – Bethany
I met Rachel when my daughter was 1 and she introduced me to RIE and respectful parenting. Needless to say, she changed our parenting trajectory in the best way. She always has the best advice when I need it, and the knowledge to support in the gentlest of ways. – Nicci
My favorite thing about the time my family has spent working with Rachel is the way she took time to learn about my children and to see them for who they are. It is clear that she is passionate about supporting children in their individual needs as they grow and develop! I’m thankful for the way she genuinely cares for my children and for the way she is able to communicate her knowledge of child development with families in a supportive and judgement free way. – Lindsay
Rachel was my go-to for advice on young children long before I had one of my own. Rachel has studied and engaged in learning opportunities for many many years in an effort to understand children and their needs from infancy through early childhood. She’s respectful as a consultant to adults and she is most importantly respectful of the child. I refer to things she’s taught me over the years on a regular basis. I highly recommend any opportunity to spend time with Rachel to grow as a parent, guardian, or friend of young children. You will walk away with an enhanced perspective. – Beth
Rachel is both a gifted teacher and caregiver. I took her classes when my son was a newborn and was graciously met with not just a set of parenting tools but a way to communicate and care for my child that has lasted into his elementary school years. Rachel has a wealth of knowledge in the realms of infant and toddler development and her help gave me confidence during a stage of parenting that I thought I would be a natural and in fact I struggled with. Her classes are both a gift to your child and to yourself. -Liz
Rachel and I have attended several RIE and Montessori trainings together. I am always astounded by her insightfulness when observing infants and toddlers and working with their parents. She is caring, supportive, and non-judgmental as she guides parents through the most formative years in their child’s development. Rachel is a naturally compassionate, empathetic, and authentic person. These qualities make her the perfect partner on your parenting journey. – Jessica
