Located in East Corte Madera, California, Nutri Nest Family Child Daycare provides a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for infants and toddlers.
Every detail here is lovingly crafted to support physical, emotional, and cognitive development — all grounded in principles of nutrition and well-being. Marina F. B. De Souza is licensed by the State of California and operates Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Our Purpose
At Nutri Nest daycare, we believe that caring also means educating for life. We offer an environment where babies begin their food journey with conscious, loving, and professionally guided nutritional support, learning the values of healthy living from the very start.
About Me
My name is Marina F. B. De Souza. I am a certified Postpartum Doula (Doula Institute, CA), have a Master’s degree in Food Science and Technology, and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition.
I bring over 14 years of experience as a university professor specializing in infant and child nutrition.
I’m also a proud mother of two wonderful girls — Julia (10) and Helena (8). I speak Portuguese, English, and Spanish, which allows me to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for children and their families.
Benefits of Healthy Eating in Early Childhood:
- Strengthens the immune system
- Enhances cognitive and motor development
- Improves sleep and mood
- Reduces risks of obesity, diabetes, and allergies
- Encourages a positive relationship with food
- Promotes autonomy and conscious eating habits
- Boosts self-esteem and emotional well-being
- Lays the foundation for academic and professional success
What We Offer
- Personalized care for infants and toddlers
- Supervised introduction to solid foods
- Balanced meals made with fresh, natural, and sustainable ingredients (all meals provided daily – see menu)
- Cognitive, sensory, and motor development stimulation
- Bilingual environment (Portuguese, English, and Spanish)
- Play-based learning with an emphasis on well-being
- 24/7 camera monitoring system
- All household members and staff are CPR, First Aid, and Preventative Health and Safety certified, fingerprinted, and medically cleared
Qualified Team
All Nutri Nest caregivers are pre-screened, fully trained, and licensed to work in childcare environments. Our priority is to ensure your child is safe, loved, and supported every step of the day.
Daily Schedule
- 7:30 / 8:30 – Parent hand-off, breakfast
- 8:30 / 9:00 – Puzzle time, wooden toys, free play
- 9:00 / 10:00 – Class of the day: Music, Preschool, Cooking, Theater Storytelling
- 10:00 / 10:30 – Morning snack
- 10:30 / 11:15 – Hand washing and lunch prep
- 11:30 / 12:20 – Lunch
- 12:20 / 1:00 – Storytime, diaper change, and nap prep
- 1:00 / 3:00 – Nap time
- 3:00 / 3:45 – Diaper change and afternoon snack
- 3:45 / 4:30 – Motor and social skills: Sports, Dance, Science, Movement, and Art
- 4:30 / 5:00 – Outdoor play and free play
- 5:00 / 5:30 – Free play and pick-up
*This schedule is subject to daily, monthly, and annual changes.
**Diapers are changed whenever necessary.
Daycare Curriculum & Activities
“At Nutri Nest daycare, every moment is an opportunity for meaningful learning.”
We offer a wide range of activities designed to nurture the whole child:
- Music classes with instruments and educational songs
- Creative arts: painting, collage, and modeling
- Child-friendly yoga promoting emotional balance and body awareness
- Gardening to teach nature and responsibility
- Fun and safe cooking classes with natural ingredients
- Daily outdoor time in our backyard with safe play structures and toys
All classes are thoughtfully planned and age-appropriate, respecting each child’s pace and interests.
Admissions
We currently have limited openings for children aged 4 months to 4 years. To schedule a visit, please fill out the contact form and I will reach out to you shortly. Children must be up to date on their age-appropriate vaccination schedule.
Special Events
Throughout the year, we celebrate special moments with love and creativity:
- Easter
- Mother’s Day
- Father’s Day
- Halloween
- Christmas
These events are designed to strengthen family connections and make childhood memories even more magical.
We serve all meals daily based on a balanced diet rich in vegetables, proteins, and fresh fruits — perfect for both infants starting solids and older toddlers.
| Week 1 | Morning Sanck | Lunch | Afernoon Snack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Mashed banana & whole grain biscuit | Rice, beans, ground beef with pumpkin, cauliflower | Diced papaya & whole grain bread with chicken spread |
| Tuesday | Cooked apple & oats | Rice, beans, meatballs in sauce, broccoli | Orange slices & cassava cheese cake |
| Wednesday | Mashed pear & banana bread | Chicken stew with vegetables | Peeled grapes & sweet potato bites with shredded chicken |
| Thursday | Diced melon & tapioca biscuit | Rice, beans, beef risotto with spinach & carrots | Diced mango & whole grain bread with hummus |
| Friday | Banana with chia | Rice, beans, shredded beef patties, peas | Mixed fruits & carrot whole grain muffins |
| Week 2 | |||
| Monday | Apple with oats | Rice, beans, ground beef with shredded carrots & green beans | Chopped grapes & homemade cheese bread |
| Tuesday | Banana & oatmeal cookies | Rice, beans, chicken veggie bites, zucchini | Watermelon cubes & veggie rice cakes |
| Wednesday | Pear with oat bran | Chicken risotto with spinach, carrots, and corn | Seasonal fruits & avocado spread on bread |
| Thursday | Papaya with flaxseed | Rice, beans, chicken meatballs, sautéed kale | Fresh orange juice & sweet potato roll |
| Friday | Banana & oat biscuit | Rice, beans, shredded beef balls with peas & carrots | Fruit smoothie & whole grain bread |
Get in Touch!
Schedule a visit and come see our nurturing space! I’ll be happy to talk with you about our daily routine, meals, and educational philosophy.