Programs Built for Modern Day Families
Curriculum
Children are encouraged to explore their curiosities by participating in various activities throughout the school day. Our classrooms emphasize hands-on, experiential activities, with a curriculum built on:
At The Discovery Center, we offer a comprehensive curriculum that nurtures each child’s growth. Children explore dramatic play, creative arts, music, science, math, literature, movement, social-emotional skills, and outdoor activities. Within this framework, we provide a balanced mix of attention, support, independence, and choice, giving every child a strong foundation for learning and development.
Teachers engage with children daily through both interaction and careful observation. This approach creates space for children to explore the curriculum in meaningful ways, while giving teachers the opportunity to thoughtfully support every aspect of their play and learning.
Multi-age classrooms give children the chance to learn and grow together, fostering both leadership and peer learning. Research shows that children are powerful role models for one another, especially in language, cognitive, and social development. These classrooms also reflect family and community life, providing a natural, supportive environment for growth.
Intentional Teaching
Methods & Environment
We provide a dynamic, multi-age preschool experience
Our nature playground provides children with a unique outdoor experience
With busy schedules in mind, we have several program options to support families
Our teacher to student ratio is 1:8 maximum (the state mandate is 1:10)
We offer an enriching Pre-K classroom as a transitional option between preschool and kindergarten
Why families love The Discovery Center:
Check out a typical day in our Preschool & Pre-K classrooms below:
-
Preschool
Arrival 7:30am-9:15am
Morning greeting 9:15am-9:30am
Gym/large motor activities 9:30am-10:00am
Indoor choice activities 10:00am-11:00am
Snack/special music, or storytelling (10:00am-10:45am)
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
Arrival/independent choices 7:30am-9:00am
Meeting time 9:00am-9:15am
Group activities 9:15am-9:45am
Monday - Nature area (large group)
Tuesday - Show and tell
Wednesday - Nature area
Thursday - Small groups
Friday - Journals/nature area
Snack 9:45am-10:00am
Story time 10:45am-11:00am
Choice time (teacher directed/independent choices) 11:00am-12:00pm
Rainbow Room/outside play 12:00pm-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-3:10pm
Story time 3:10pm-3:30pm
Snack 3:30pm-3:45pm
Outside play/nature area 3:45m4:30pm
Teacher directed choices 4:30pm-5:15pm
Clean up 5:15pm-5:20pm
Final departures/lobby 5:20pm-5:30pm
Special Guests
We’re thrilled to welcome some very special guests to our preschool! We feel incredibly fortunate to have talented artists in the Ann Arbor community who are passionate about their craft. Read more about them below.
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!
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.'“
