First Discoveries Child Development Center

First Discoveries Child Development Center strives to enhance childrens growth and development. We believe that children learn best in a caring supportive environment in which they have opportunities to make choices and interact with teachers with other children and with interesting materials. We know that the early years create a lasting foundation upon which all future learning will be built.

Our program is Christian-based. We are non-denominational with a focus on helping children understand Gods love for them. Our teachers use stories music and art to help children experience and understand bible stories. Most importantly we model every day the importance of treating others with kindness and respect.

Our teachers understand the importance of play for young children. It is through play that children develop an understanding of the world around them as they explore materials and interact with other children and with caring teachers. According to Lev Vygotsky in play a child stands a head above himself. When playing young children are motivated to try new experiences work more cooperatively and focus their attention for longer periods of time. As children build with blocks they experience shapes textures and colors and when they play in the housekeeping corner they develop critical language and social skills. Because play is so important to childrens development our program devotes time everyday for children to work and play in a variety of learning centers.

We also understand that as children grow and develop they benefit from activities that are planned to enhance their development. In our infant/toddler program most planned activities occur one-on-one or with one or two peers because our teachers understand that very young children need individualized attention. They also focus on finding teachable moments throughout the day to enhance language and social development because they understand that every moment is an opportunity for learning.

For our preschoolers group times such as circle time and story time become increasingly important. Our circle time features familiar routines (greeting songs our morning prayer and the pledge of allegiance) because we understand that routines help young children focus their attention and participate in group activities. Our teachers also understand the importance of individualized activities for our preschoolers and they plan small group activities to target emerging skills and enhance childrens development.

Many parents are concerned that their children leave preschool ready for kindergarten and we share this goal. We want each child who attends our program to be curious eager learners. We also understand that the early years are an important developmental time and our teachers focus on enhancing childrens development in fun and engaging ways. Stories and songs provide a chance for children to explore language and literacy in a fun interactive way. Art and music encourage children to use their senses and develop their creativity. Center time provides many opportunities for children to share materials and cooperate building critical social skills. Children use puzzles and games to develop early math skills they use the writing center to create letters and pictures that are meaningful to them and they explore plants insects and other interesting materials in the science center. Every day is rich with many opportunities to enhance all areas of development from early literacy and math skills to important social and emotional skills.

As a parent you are a valued partner in your childs education. Our teachers are experienced caring professionals who understand the growth and development of young children. You too are an expert an expert on the special needs interests and dispositions of your child. Working together we can create a program that meets the developmental needs of all the children enrolled in our programs and ensure that