The Discovery Center
Child Care and Preschool
The Discovery Center Toddlers
The age between 17-18 months and 2 1/2 years is an exciting time in a child's life. They've learned to walk, understand simple directions and are beginning to talk. A child who is enrolled in the infant area will move up according to developmental indicators observed by the teachers, children from outside the center are enrolled at the age of 18 months.
At this time children need a different kind of care and additional space and opportunity to be curious and explore their surroundings. They are ready to fit into a more regular schedule. Our schedule is designed to make sense to both teacher and child and to stimulate the child's curiosity and interest in learning.
Although this age group cannot be viewed in any way as "little Preschoolers", the teachers plan and implement activities that are appropriate for the age group. The activities are as varied as the age and abilities of the child and are materials based so that the child may use his/her senses, manipulate, and discover. The child is encouraged to try and complete tasks, help himself/herself with simple chores such as hand washing, feel a sense of pride in what he/she has accomplished, and explore his/her world.
Toddlers' Daily Schedule
Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
This schedule is approximate due to the approximate nature of young children. Hand washing, toileting and diapering fit into all areas of this schedule, as needed. This is meant solely as a general plan of action - it's not written in stone! On nice days we send a lot of time outside and will often try to adapt activities to the outdoors.
The toddler teachers supervise and plan activities for the children. They also keep charts on each child every day and send the charts home weekly. Additionally, observational notes and developmental charts for each child are kept at school. We try to present a balance of activities including dramatic play, practical life, science, cooking, manipulatives, sensorials and language. Activities are designed to foster language, large and small muscle, cognitive, emotional and social development. Teachers attempt to balance the time they spend working with the children with record keeping. We realize that parents often would like more information on their child's day than they receive in writing. We strongly encourage you to chat with your child's teacher when you arrive to drop off or pick up your child, or by home phone in the evening.
| 7:30 - 8:20 am | We start the day with breakfast and free choice activities. |
| 8:30 - 9:45 am | An art, cooking or science activity is presented. All rooms are open, sensorial table and/or water play is available. |
| 9:45 - 10:00 am | Snack |
| 10:00 - 11:00 am | Large muscle activities in the Brown Room or on the Playground. |
| 11:00 - 11:15 am | Free choice activities and music |
| 11:15 - 11:45 am | Lunch |
| 11:45 - 11:50 am | Story time. |
| 11:50 - 1:30 pm | Nap time. Children get up as they wake up and play quietly. Toddlers who sleep past 1:30 join the group when they awaken. |
| 1:30 - 2:45 pm | The toddler room is open, quiet sensory table play. |
| 2:45 - 3:00 pm | Snack |
| 3:00 - 3:30 pm | Large muscle activities in the Brown Room. |
| 3:30 - 4:15 pm | A planned activity is presented in art, cooking or science. The Toddler room and large muscle areas are open. Sensorial and/or water play is available. |
| 4:15 - 5:00 pm | Free choice activities |
| 5:00 - 5:30 pm | Playground (depending on weather) |
| 5:30 pm | The Discovery Center closes |
Growing Up...
A child who is enrolled in the toddler program will move into the transition group according to developmental indicators observed by the teachers. Children from outside the center are welcomed into the transition group at the age of 2 1/2 years.
Please email discoverycenterkids@gmail.com or call 269-372-0007 to set up a tour.