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

    7:30am-9:00am Arrival

    9:15am-9:30am Morning Greeting

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

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

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

    11:00am-11:10am Clean Up

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

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

    12:10pm-12:45pm Lunch

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

    1:00pm-3:00pm Rest

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

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

    4:15pm-4:35pm Snack

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

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

    5:10pm-5:15pm Clean up

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

  • Pre-K | Ages 4-5 years

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

    9:00am-9:15am Meeting/Jobs/Calendar Time

    9:15am-9:30am Snack

    9:30am-10:00am Group Lesson/Story/Journals-Friday

    10:00am-10:45am Nature Area

    10:45am-11:00am Transition/Movement

    11:00am-11:45am Choice Time/Small Groups

    11:45am-11:50am Clean Up

    11:50am-12:25pm Rainbow Room

    12:25pm-12:35pm Chapter Book

    12:35pm-1:00pm Lunch

    1:00pm-2:00pm Rest

    2:00pm-2:30pm Independent Choice Time

    2:30pm-3:00pm Rainbow Room

    3:00pm-3:30pm Independent Choice Time

    3:30pm-3:45pm Story Time

    3:45pm-4:00pm Snack Time

    4:00pm-4:30pm Outside Play

    4:30pm-5:20pm Independent Choice Time

    5:20pm-5:30pm Clean Up/Final Departure

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