A child dressed in winter clothing, including a helmet and gloves, is walking on a snowy path during sunrise or sunset. The sky is clear with a soft gradient of colors, and bare trees line the horizon.
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CHICKADEE N.E.S.T. - A SAFE PLACE TO LAND

Every child deserves a place where they feel understood and truly belong.

A place where they can connect with others, explore their interests, and take a break when they need one. Because when kids have the space to regulate and build trust, they’re better able to learn, grow and take on new challenges.

That’s what Chickadee N.E.S.T. is all about.

Our programs offer a flexible, supportive learning environment where all children, including neurodivergent learners, can build confidence and thrive just as they are.

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OUR STORY

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Family of five taking a selfie at Niagara Falls with the waterfall in the background. The group includes three children and two adults, all smiling and wearing casual clothing, with one adult wearing sunglasses and the other a tank top.

It Started With a Family Looking for Something Different

Chickadee N.E.S.T. grew from a parent’s experience of trying to find the right support for her own children. Founder and Program Director Caitlin Krekoski experienced firsthand how difficult it can be when a child isn’t thriving in conventional settings, and how few options there can be in the North for families trying to find the right fit. With limited specialized support available close to home, families are often left trying to piece things together on their own.

Caitlin imagined a more flexible approach — one that recognized that children need different things throughout their day to feel regulated and ready to engage. She imagined a safe, inclusive place where children could get the support they need to build confidence, make connections and explore at their own pace, while continuing along their learning path.

That idea became Chickadee N.E.S.T.

NURTURE. ENGAGE. SUPPORT. THRIVE.

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N.E.S.T. reflects four ideas at the heart of how we support children.

NUTURE

Build trusting relationships where children feel safe, understood and valued for who they are.

ENGAGE

Spark curiosity and
connection through play, exploration, hands-on
learning and experiences
in the community.

SUPPORT

Give each child what they need to feel confident, included and able to participate.

THRIVE

Build confidence, relationships and resilience that children can carry with them as they grow.

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

Our Mission

To create flexible, supportive spaces where children have the time and support they need to feel regulated, explore their interests, and build confidence, resilience and independence through nature, movement, meaningful relationships and hands-on experiences.

Our Vision

A North where every child has access to the support they need to learn and grow in ways that help them feel safe, understood and like they truly belong. Where families can access the support they need close to home, and communities have the resources to help every child thrive — creating stronger communities across the North.

THE CHICKADEE APPROACH

Wherever a child is starting from, we meet them there.

Every child comes to us with unique strengths and interests. We take the time to get to know them — what they enjoy, what they find challenging and what helps them feel comfortable. We adapt our approach around each child so they can learn and grow in ways that work best for their needs.

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WHAT WE BELIEVE

Regulation comes before learning.
Children have more capacity to learn when they feel safe and regulated.

Behaviour is communication.
We stay curious about what a child's behaviour might be telling us and what support they might need.

Predictability creates safety.
Clear routines help children know what to expect and feel comfortable participating.

Time on the land builds resilience.
Outdoor experiences in nature give children opportunities to explore, problem-solve, take healthy risks and build confidence.

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MEET THE TEAM

Chickadee is supported by a growing community of people who bring their knowledge and care to our work.

Our staff work alongside a passionate intergenerational Board of Directors, Programming Committee, and a network of more than 20 community partners and advisors who help shape and strengthen what we do.

  • A woman with long, curly hair and a young girl hugging her, standing on a grassy field under a cloudy sky during the daytime. The woman is wearing a soccer jersey and the girl is wearing a blue and black sports jacket.

    BRI KREKOSKI

    Executive Director / Director of Strategy & Operations

  • Close-up of a smiling woman wearing a gray knit beanie, glasses, and a pink winter coat with a fur-lined hood. She is outdoors on a cloudy day.

    CAITLIN KREKOSKI

    Founder and Director of Programs

  • A young woman with long dark hair smiling outdoors in front of a yellow-green bush and green trees.

    ELLIE KABAYAMA

    Administration and Communications

SAFETY AND STANDARDS

Feeling safe is the foundation of all learning.

We keep our groups small and staff ratios high so we can get to know each child and provide individual support whenever it’s needed.

  • Maximum of 12 children per group

  • At least one staff member for every 5 kids

  • Additional one-on-one support when needed

OUR PRACTICE INCLUDES:

  • Co-regulation

  • Clear routines

  • Visual supports

  • Sensory-aware environments

  • Restorative conversations

  • Communication coaching

  • Clear safety guidelines for weather, air quality, illness and emergencies

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CONNECT WITH CHICKADEE

Explore our programs, find ways to get involved, or reach out to our team. We’re always happy to answer questions and help you find the right place to start.

CONTACT US
EXPLORE PROGRAMS