Q: Is Nestworks just for Moms and kids?
A: No. We welcome people of all genders to join us!
Q: Do I need to bring a child to be able to co-work at Nestworks?
A: No. We also welcome adult co-workers who do not require childminding services.
Q: What are Nestworks rates?
A: See our rates here. For the April pop-up, we are offering half-day (3 hours) or full-day (6 hours) rates for co-working and optional childminding.
Q: What are Nestworks’ hours of operation?
A: Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm. Closed on holidays.
Q: Is drop-in available?
A: Drop-in coworking is available, however childminding must be booked online in advance. We encourage advance booking of coworking as much as possible. All bookings are payable by credit card at the time of booking.
Q: What do children do while at Nestworks?
A: Kid-friendly spaces include a mini gym, sensory playhouse and reading/open area, in addition to an open kitchen/snack area. A typical schedule:
9am – Arts & Crafts
10am – Snack in kitchen
10:30am – Movement in mini gym
11am – Storytime/Reading
11:30 – 12 noon – Lunch break with Parents
Q: Who provides the childminding at Nestworks?
A: Children are cared for by experienced childminders employed by This World’s Ours (TWO). The ratio of childminders to children is between 1:4 and 1:6, depending on the ages of the registered children. TWO supports families with children who are neurodiverse and their staff have a wide range of backgrounds, from ECE (Early Childhood Education certified), to Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists and Educational Assistants. All of their staff are trained in-house, have passed criminal record checks with vulnerable persons, and sign TWO handbooks, emergency procedures, and abuse protocols prior to working with children. Staff will vary depending on the day, but parents will be remaining on site and are not permitted to leave the building at any time without their children.
Q: Is Nestworks noisy? Will I be able to focus on work with kids’ activities happening nearby?
A: Nestworks is louder than a traditional adults-only coworking space – it’s just part of the reality of combining two different service offerings in one space. For families with young children, noise is just part of life, and as long as we know that the littles are safe and not destroying anything, then we’re good 😉
Some of the co-working spaces within Nestworks will be quieter than others, and we suggest that everyone brings headphones or earbuds just in case. Depending on space availability (workspaces are first-come, first-serve), there may be private spaces to take calls quietly.
Remember: this pop-up is a working prototype. We are excited to hear people’s feedback and appreciate flexibility as we co-create this exciting community.
Q: Tell me more about the coworking amenities – what’s available?
A: For the pop-up, we are offering ‘hot desk’ only – meaning that coworking spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis with no access to bookable private offices or meeting rooms.
Coworking spots include individual or shared desk/table space in a variety of spaces, allowing Nestworkers to move around to different spots throughout the day. There are a couple of smaller semi-private nooks, and a larger space adjacent to the kitchen and kids’ areas (ideal for acclimatizing kids who are new to Nestworks, who may want to have their parent within sight or easy reach). The kitchen also features a large island with seating. Oh: and coffee/tea, light snacks and of course WiFi!
Q: What does ‘family friendly’ mean at Nestworks?
A: As part of our family friendly ethos, we understand that kids aren’t always quiet and like to be physically active. The goal of the childminding service is to keep them happily occupied with fun activities, including creative activites and movement. Many children feel more comfortable and secure knowing that their parent is close at hand, which can make settling into being at Nestworks easier. For us, family-friendly means being patient, flexible and collaborative, and finding creative solutions to accommodate diverse needs.
Q: What about food/snacks?
A: Parents of children in the childminding service at Nestworks are required to bring food for their children (or take them out – there are multiple local cafes and restaurants). One of Nestworks’ best features is being able to check in with your child/ren as desired – to take a break, share a snack, etc. Light snacks are available for coworkers and kids alike, however not enough to be considered meals, and we are unable to cater to specific dietary needs. Nestworks – like TWO – is a nut-free zone.
Q: What about diapering and toileting of children?
A: Parents are responsible for diapering their children. Parents must bring their own diapering supplies and be available when their child needs to be changed. A specific area will be designated as a change area. Childminders may call on parents to assist with taking an older child to the bathroom. There are two single-stall washrooms on-site.
Q: Are parents required to stay on-site while their children are at Nestworks, or can they step out to run errands, etc and then return to Nestworks?
A: Nestworks childminding service is not licensed childcare. We require all parents to be on site at all times. We ask parents to not leave the building while their child is in care, unless the parent is taking their child out for a walk, break, snack etc.
Q: Your pop-up is just for April: what happens after that?
A: The pop-up is a trial period for what we hope will lead to a longer-term partnership with This World’s Ours. Trying it out for April is a way to understand whether a long-term partnership will work. The best way to ensure that Nestworks will be able to continue to operate in this space is to book time during the pop-up, then cross your fingers!
Q: What’s special about This World’s Ours (TWO)?
A: TWO is a very special place indeed, and the Nestworks team is honoured to be able to share their beautiful facility. TWO’s vision is to create an inclusive space where neurodiverse children and their families feel a true sense of safety and community. Founder Koryn Heisler wants children to love the programming and parents to feel like they are allowed to relax and take a break while they are in the space. We ask that Nestworkers take some time to learn more about TWO and neurodiversity in children as a way of showing support and respect for what the space was created for.
Q: Can I book TWO programming for my child?
A: Yes. All children are welcome to register for TWO’s programming. Keep in mind that Nestworks only operates from 9am to 3pm, so coworking is only available during those hours.
Q: Can I leave my computer or other items at Nestworks until the next time that I’m there?
A: No. We require Nestworkers to take all of their belongings, including food, home with them at the end of each booked session.
Q: What’s the parking situation?
A: There is an Impark lot off the alley next to Nestworks. Rates are $ per hour. There is also nearby 2 hour metered parking, as well as 2 hour free parking and some unregulated parking in the neighbourhood if you’re willing to hunt and walk a few blocks. There is space on-site to store strollers.
Q: Is Nestworks a business or not-for-profit?
A: Nestworks is a registered not-for-profit society.