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Caring for children in the Holliston area since 1988
Nurturing young minds with love and care.
About Swan's Nest
Swan’s Nest Play Day is a nurturing, part-time preschool program in Holliston, MA for children ages 24 months to 5.
Led by Laura Swan Albro—Swan's Nest offers a thoughtfully structured day filled with circle time, indoor and outdoor play, stories, art, music, and creative exploration. In a safe, loving environment, children build confidence, social skills, and early learning foundations while having fun and feeling right at home.
Our Philosophy
At Swan's Nest Play Day, I believe in providing children with a nurturing and stimulating environment that fosters their natural curiosity and love of learning. Our curriculum is designed to encourage exploration, creativity, and independence, while also promoting social-emotional development and academic readiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Swan’s Nest Play Day is a 3 day program, open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9-1. Optional “stay days” until 3:30 can be arranged on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Swan’s Nest follows the Holliston school calendar.
Swan’s Nest Play Day is a small mixed age program for children 24 months to five years of age.
Not at all. I have many years of experience helping support and guide parents and children as they venture into potty training.
I am CPR and first aid certified. Childproof locks are installed on exterior doors so that there is no risk of wandering. Our fenced play yard is just the right size for plenty of running and adventure, but also allows for all children to be easily visible. The gates have security clips located where children can’t reach them. When we go outside, we go directly into the play yard, away from the street and parking area.
Swan‘s Nest is a play-based program. I believe that young children learn skills at different ages and stages, and that play is their most important work. Swan’s Nest is also a child-led program. Sometimes our topics of exploration stem from the children’s interests at that time, whether it’s Space, sloths or excavators. But the most important skills to practice here at Swan’s Nest are interpersonal skills. I believe that those skills are by far the most important skills to carry into kindergarten and beyond. Examples of this are waiting for your turn, asking for your turn and speaking up for yourself when you want or need something. Sharing is appreciated and encouraged, but not always required. Children are expected to be gentle, to be kind, and to practice consideration and manners.
Our small program allows me to truly get to know the essence of each child and it also allows the children to truly get to know each other. Many lifetime friendships have been formed at Swan’s Nest Play Day.
9-9:45 Free play.
9:45-10:00 Circle time
10-10:15 Snack time
10:15-11:00 Enrichment: art projects, movement and music, 1:1 or small groups for differentiated learning such as writing/math skills, group projects such as gardening or turning a large box into a rocket ship.
11:00- 12:00 Outside time…(extra time outside when weather and time allow it.)
12-12:30 lunchtime
12:30-1:00 story time
1:00 Pick up time
Clean up happens throughout the day, but always before circle time and before going outside.
Handwashing also happens throughout the day.
Parents pack a lunch and water bottle for their children. I provide a mid morning snack.
There is no screen time, except when I occasionally share photos or videos of things we are discussing such as what does a particular construction vehicle do? What does a barred owl sound like?
The best way to handle challenging behavior is to try to get ahead of it by stopping behaviors before they escalate. For example, if kids are repeatedly running, I might get out some tunnels, which gives the kids another choice as far as moving their bodies but also creates a physical barrier they have to get past, which slows them down.
If a child has repeated episodes of challenging behavior, changing the child’s environment often helps. For example, children are expected to sit on their mats at circle time, but if a child is feeling fidgety, then it’s perfectly alright for them to stand instead of sit, or to hold a fidget toy. Or it might be time for everyone to get up and engage in some movement or head outside sooner. Sometimes we need to think outside the box.
Redirection can be very effective. “Tommy is still playing with that blue truck. Why don’t you let him know that you want the next turn. But for now, would you like the green one or the purple one?“
It’s important to validate feelings. “You look really upset. Tell me about it.“
When children act up with repeated negative behaviors, sometimes they just need some space. I often find that bringing a child to a quieter spot and having a talk with them is usually all they need. It’s important for discussions to be discreet whenever possible, so that children don’t feel singled out when they’re struggling with behaviors.
If behaviors persist, then communication with parents is even more important and together, we will try to find the best way to help a child learn other approaches and solutions.
- I send texts and emails with photos and comments about how your child is doing, as well as upcoming things to know about.
- Communication at pick up time, when I fill parents in on the days events. If something notable has happened, I will be sure to let parents know either in person or through a text or email that day.
- Twice a year progress reports.
- I am always available for any concern, large or small. It’s important that parents feel comfortable about how their child is progressing. Parents are always encouraged to reach out to me through text, email or phone conversation.
Exploring creativity through play and learning
Contact Us
September 2026 Opening Available
Program Hours
Tuesday - 9am to 1pm
Wednesday - 9am to 1pm
Thursday - 9am to 1pm
Optional extended days are offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Swan's Nest Play Day
504 Norfolk St, Holliston, MA, USA