First Discoveries Child Development Center

From the Director:

Our daily schedule includes a balance of teacher-led activities (storytime, circle time and small group lessons) and child-directed activities (learning centers and outside play). We know that children's play is a powerful tool to enhance children's learning.

Our small teacher-child ratio allows us to provide lots of individual attention to all of the children in our programs. We use small-group activities and one-on-one instruction to meet the individual needs of specific children. We also have lots of open-ended materials that allow children to use them in many different ways. Our classrooms honor children as individuals, and we recognize that each child's development is unique.

All of our preschool programs are based on the philosophy that children learn best when they have many opportunities to use all their senses to explore the world around them. Our curriculum is designed to meet the developmental needs of each child, while helping them learn important social skills and early academic skills.

Our daily routines include stories, songs and fun activities to help children learn about God’s love for the world. Because we know that children learn by example, our teachers model Respect, Love and Kindness throughout the day.

Dedicated Teaching Staff
Our school year programs employ dedicated, experienced preschool teachers that understand children’s development and know how to plan activities that promote children’s language, cognitive, physical, social and emotional development. Our teachers will meet regularly with parents to discuss each child’s progress.

Our day begins as children arrive at school and they and their parents are greeted by our teachers. Everyday, the children gather together to enjoy circle time: music and movement activities to help children learn colors, shapes, letters, and numbers. Children also have extended time in learning centers, which include a choice of activities from the house corner to the art center to the science center. We enjoy outside play in the morning and afternoon so children can enjoy fresh air and develop important physical and social skills. Other daily activities include story time, snacks and lunch and a quiet rest time.

We conduct open houses during our enrollment period so that parents can meet directors and teachers and walk through classrooms. We believe it is important for parents to understand our program philosophy before they choose our school. Throughout the school year, we communicate with parents through our parent communication board, regular parent newsletters, informal conversations and teacher conferences. Teachers use student work samples in a portfolio to demonstrate what each child is learning at school.

Children are welcome to come to our school for extended visits prior to beginning their first day. Meeting teachers and other childrens can ease anxiety. We also ask parents to send photos from home so that children's families are represented in the classroom.