The Discovery Center
Child Care and Preschool
Welcome To The Discovery Center!
The Discovery Center offers care to infants aged 6 weeks through preschool. Children who are currently enrolled may also attend after kindergarten. We have an open home-like environment. Preschool aged children are allowed to choose from five different areas: Montessori, art, large muscle/play, science/dramatic play, and a large adventure playground.
Most of our teachers have teaching degrees and have worked with us an average of 18 years. We were awarded the Governor's Quality Care Award in 1999.
Please email discoverycenter@charter.net or call 269-372-0007 to set up a tour.
General Philosophy
The Discovery Center philosophy is Modified Montessori. We believe that children learn by doing, and hands on projects are offered throughout the day. Children need to know how to make choices, so the children may choose their activities from the ones that are offered. Parents are always welcome visitors at school.
Objectives And Methods
Feeling Good About Oneself: Each child is treated individually, and comparisons with others are avoided. The child is encouraged to attempt projects, but the results need not be perfect. Whatever children accomplish on their own is worthy of recognition.
Independence: Children are encouraged to do as much as possible on their own. Each child is given responsibility for completing projects undertaken. Help is offered if problems are encountered or explanations are necessary. Children are given choices in activities so that they may become self directed. Decision making is an important part of the learning process.
Learning to Learn: Each child is treated as an individual with specific needs and interests. Guidance is provided to help the child learn about specific interests. Books, simple experiments, games and natural phenomena are used to introduce the child to some of the methods of learning. Emphasis is placed on how to find out, not what to find out. When a child shows an interest in learning a specific skill, help is provided by the staff. Teachers maintain records on each child to track progress and/or problems.
Broadening Horizons: Creative experiences are provided in art, science, music, language, dramatic play, math and other areas. A child can ask questions, explore and discover according to individual needs and abilities. Monthly during the year field trips are arranged to provide the students with special experiences.
Socialization: At The Discovery Center each member of a class is encourage to respect the rights of individual class members. Physical violence is discouraged. We help the children talk about the problem. Children learn to be responsible to the group by helping with food preparation and participating in clean-up. Children are encouraged to cooperate to reach a specific goal.
Physical Growth and Development: Equipment and tools are provided at The Discovery Center which promote good hand-eye coordination and large and small muscle development. Our playground consists of a large fenced are with a variety of large muscle apparatus, a hill for climbing and sledding, and space for gardening.