Curriculum

Programs built with intention.

Our preschool curriculum is designed to give children the skills, confidence, and opportunities to grow through meaningful, engaging experiences each day. Every activity has a purpose, helping children build a strong foundation for future learning. Our curriculum is built on:

Our Preschool and Pre-K curriculum prepares children for kindergarten by building strong social-emotional skills alongside academic foundations. Through play-based learning, children develop confidence, independence, self-regulation, communication, and problem-solving skills while engaging in a wide range of hands-on learning.

Our teachers bring our curriculum to life through a balance of intentional instruction and guided play. By actively engaging with children and carefully observing their interests and progress, they provide individualized support that strengthens communication, critical thinking, independence, and kindergarten readiness.

Our multi-age classrooms give children the opportunity to learn and grow together, strengthening leadership, collaboration, and peer learning.

Learn more about multi-age classrooms

Methods & Environment

  • A strong sense of community, with generations of families choosing The Discovery Center

  • A nature playground that inspires outdoor play, curiosity, and confidence

  • Flexible preschool schedules with program options that fit family’s needs

  • A maximum 1:8 teacher-to-student ratio

  • Multi-age preschool classrooms that encourage collaboration, confidence, and peer learning

  • A dedicated Pre-K classroom that helps children transition smoothly to kindergarten

Why families love TDC

“Our daughter has thrived at Discovery Center. There is structure but still a lot of autonomy for the kids, freedom, creativity, and flexibility. The staff are attentive, sensitive to kids’ needs, and highly skilled. I appreciated the extra care they took in addressing my daughter’s allergies and sensory needs. They share extensive lesson plans weekly. The parent teacher conference was comprehensive and a collaborative conversation on academic and social goals. I can’t say enough amazing things about the Discovery Center. The tuition is reasonable (compared to the average you pay in this area) and you receive quality care. —Sheyonna W

Multiple images of children engaging in educational and outdoor activities at the discovery center, including sitting in an auditorium, playing on a playground, working on crafts, and exploring nature.

Check out a typical day in our Preschool & Pre-K classrooms:

  • Preschool | Ages 2.5 to 5 years

    Arrival 7:30am-9:00am

    Morning Greeting 9:15am-9:30am

    Gym/Large Motor Activities 9:30am-10:00am

    Snack, Special Music, or Storytelling 10:00am-10:45am

    Indoor Choice Activities 10:00am-11:00am

    Clean Up 11:00am-11:10am

    Outdoor Free Play 11:10am-11:55am

    Group Story Time 11:55am-12:10pm

    Lunch 12:10pm-12:45pm

    Prep for Rest 12:45pm-1:00pm

    Rest 1:00pm-3:00pm

    Outdoor Free Play/Indoor Choice Activities 3:00pm-3:45pm

    Gym/Large Motor Activities 3:45pm-4:15pm

    Snack 4:15pm-4:35pm

    Group/Story Time 4:35pm-4:50pm

    Indoor Choice Activities 4:50pm-5:10pm

    Clean up 5:10pm-5:15pm

    Prepare for End-of-Day 5:15pm-5:30pm

  • Pre-K | Ages 4-5 years

    Arrival/Independent Choices 7:30am-9:00am

    Meeting Time 9:00am-9:15am

    Snack 9:15am-9:30am

    Group Activities 9:30am-10:00am:

    • Monday - Large Group/Nature Area

    • Tuesday - Show & Tell/Small Groups

    • Wednesday - Small Groups/ Nature Area

    • Thursday - Small Groups

    • Friday - Journals/Nature Area

    Story Time 10:45am-11:00am

    Choice Time (Teacher Directed/Independent Choices) 11:00am-11:40am

    Rainbow Room/Outside Play 11:40am-12:30pm

    Chapter Book 12:30pm-12:35pm

    Lunch 12:35pm-1:00pm

    Rest 1:00pm-2:00pm

    Independent Choices 2:00pm-2:30pm

    Rainbow Room 2:30pm-3:00pm

    Choice Time 3:00pm-3:30pm

    Snack 3:45pm-4:00pm

    Outside Play/Nature Area 4:00pm-4:30pm/4:45pm

    Teacher Directed Choices 4:45pm-5:15pm

    Clean Up 5:15pm-5:20pm

    Final Departures/Lobby 5:20pm-5:30pm

Assessment Plan

Why Multi-Age Classrooms?

Learn More

Special Guests

We’re thrilled to welcome some very special guests to our preschool! We feel fortunate to have talented artists in the Ann Arbor community who are passionate about their craft. Read more about them below.

A woman and a girl sitting on a bench in front of a colorful wall with butterflies and flowers. The wall features the text 'The Month of The Young Child'. The audience, consisting of children, is seated on the floor in front of them.
Person in a green shirt holding a plush dog toy, standing in a room with a collage of photos on the wall and green couches in the background.

Ms. Laura

“Discovery Center kids are my favorite listeners!” -Laura

Laura is TDC’s and Ann Arbor’s beloved storyteller. Students enjoy their monthly visit from Laura when they gather in our lobby and listen to exciting tales, then sing and dance to fun and engaging songs.

Laura has been sharing stories with us at The Discovery Center since 1976. We’re so grateful for her creativity and energy!

Two men playing string instruments in a room with a collage of photos and papers on the wall. One man is playing a guitar, the other a mandolin. There are microphones in front of them.

Gemini

Ann Arbor’s nationally recognized children’s music duo!

“Gemini writes and plays acoustic music for children and families, celebrating the fun, warmth, and humor of family life. Their recordings and concerts are filled with rousing sing-alongs, hand-motion tunes, folk tales, and music from around the world.'“

Take a look at our event calendar for visit dates from these special guests

Start the enrollment process!

Interest form