Preschool

Ages 2.5-5

Every preschool classroom at TDC is built on the same foundation of high-quality early childhood education. While each of our preschool classrooms develop their own routines and traditions, all five share the same educational philosophy and curriculum. Teachers thoughtfully plan each day to include a balance of teacher-guided learning and autonomous child-led play, along with outdoor experiences, creative expression, movement, and opportunities to build friendships and independence.

Although each classroom has its own traditions, teaching style, and group dynamic, families can expect the same level of care, communication, and educational quality throughout our preschool program. Every classroom is led by experienced educators who work together to create meaningful learning experiences that support social and emotional growth while building foundations in literacy, math, science, and problem-solving. 

What You’ll Find in Every Preschool Classroom

For more than 50 years, The Discovery Center has been a trusted school in the Ann Arbor community. Many of our head teachers have been teaching at TDC for decades, providing the experience, relationships, and consistency that families value year after year. Our program has become part of families’ stories, with former students returning as parents, younger siblings following in their older siblings’ footsteps, and new families joining through the connections that make our community so special. 

What Makes The Discovery Center’s Preschool Different?

What Will My Child’s Day Be Like?

A typical day at TDC moves between classroom time, outdoor play, creative work, movement, and moments of connection with teachers and friends.

A Day of Discovery in Preschool

(Each classroom schedule has variations of times/activities, below is a general view of what a typical day in our preschool classrooms look like)

  • 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-2:00pm

  • 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

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