Introduction History Philosophy Our Facilities
A Sample Outline of Program Activities

Introduction

The Children's Discovery Center is licensed by the state of Connecticut Department of Health Services under license number 12303. The Center fulfills the requirements of the Public Health Code to insure the health, safety and development of children and to provide adequate facilities for the preschool program.

A high quality early childhood program provides a safe and nurturing environment which promotes physical, social, emotional, intellectual and creative development in young children.

In our program, you will see:

• Frequent, positive, warm interactions among children and adults
  
• Planned learning activities appropriate to children's age and development, such as block building, painting, reading stories, dress-ups, and active outdoor play
  
• Daily fostering of the arts - singing every day using specific activities which promote pitch and rhythm; explorations in art - painting, drawing and sculpting
  
• Specially trained teachers chosen for their ability to work with young children
  
• A healthy and safe environment with aesthetically pleasing details and many age appropriate materials
  
• Nutritious snacks and celebrated special events
  
• Regular communication with parents who are welcome visitors at all times.
  
• Responsive and accomplished administration.
  

History

The First Church of Winsted established the Children's Discovery Center preschool program February 3, 1976 with an enrollment of twelve children to provide a caring atmosphere for the nurture of young children of our community. The Board of Christian Education of First Church was designated as its directors and operator of the preschool program.

 

Philosophy

Children's Discovery Center embraces the philosophy of nurturing and educating the whole child. Through our selection of staff, our physical surroundings, and active enrichment program, we seek to provide spiritual, social, emotional, physical, cognitive and creative experiences. We emphasize self-help skills and encourage situations, which will promote self-esteem while respecting individuality and personality traits.

The upper level at Children's Discovery Center is designed for teacher-directed activities. Circle-time establishes the unique opportunity for group awareness, social interactions, listening and language skills. The atmosphere is relaxed and joyful. Pre-reading and pre-math opportunities are available through activities, songs and games. Science and nature activities are enhanced with exciting, direct observations with live plants and animals. Music and movement are always included in 'circle-time'.

A wholesome snack is provided which includes fruit juice, fruit or vegetable and crackers. The children hold hands around the table and say our grace:

Our Grace
Earth who gave to us this food,
Sun who made it ripe and good,
Sun above, and earth below,
Loving thanks to God we show!
Blessings on the food!

Our Facilities

The lower level is equipped with blocks, dress-ups, housekeeping, babies, workbench, pounding stump, sensory table, books, manipulatives and a variety of activities. Each day offers new and valuable choices for 'free play' and develops a keen awareness of self through dramatic play and artistic expressions.

Children's Discovery Center's Play Yard offers more opportunities for social interactions and gross motor skills. Equipped with a "Cardillo Trike Pike", swings, sandbox, overhand climber, cooperative tire swing, and tightrope walk, it encourages balance, agility and coordination. Children's Discovery Center is physically designed to maximize learning experiences and encourage the physical development of each child.

A Sample Outline of Program Activities

9:00	Arrival, Health Check, Attendance
9:15	Choices and Free play
9:45	Pick-up Time and Wash for Snack
10:00	Snack
10:15	Circle-time
10:50	Outside Play Time
11:20	Story Time
11:30	Dismissal

Daily programs are subject to change and the sequence and timing of activities will vary according to grouping.

Peer Problem Solving: Discipline

Peer problem solving is a technique developed to assist children in resolving their own problems. Acting as a facilitator, the teacher supports children as they become responsible for discussing and solving differences that normally arise in social interaction. The children's use of physical solutions is reduced while they create a positive self image. A major goal of the Children's Discovery Center's program is for the children to socialize and interact with their peers and staff members to solve social problems constructively.