First Discoveries Child Development Center

Affordable Tuition ... Exceptional Quality

Group time is learning time ... what color apple did you bring?

First Discoveries is excited to participate in the Voluntary PreKindergarten Program because it allows us to provide a high-quality early learning program for our four year olds.  Parents and children benefit from an exceptional quality program that is offered at very affordable rates.

• Our Lead VPK Instructor has a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education and is certified to teach children ages 3 years to third grade.  She is also National Board Certified in Early Childhood Education and her experience includes teaching preschool through first grade.  Her experience and education ensures that the program is a high quality early learning experience for all our preschoolers.
• Our VPK co-teachers have degrees and/or specialized training in Elementary Education and in Early Childhood Education.  Their experience included teaching preschool and elementary age children.  Our teaching staff work together as a team to ensure that all children have the opportunity to grow and learn every day.
• Our classrooms are newly renovated, with large open spaces that allow children to make choices about their own learning.  Lots of windows provide natural light to enhance the learning environment.  Classrooms centers include hands-on activities in math, science, literacy and art.
• We are a Christian-based program.  We begin our day with the Pledge of Allegiance and a morning prayer.  As we hold hands in a big circle, we recite and discuss our monthly bible verse.  During the day, children sing songs, hear stories and complete projects to help them learn and understand important bible stories.
• We incorporate Spanish lessons and sign language into our daily routines.  Children not only learn to speak simple Spanish phrases and sign simply songs; they also gain a lifetime appreciation for diversity.

We explore patterns ... and learn to work together!

VPK is Voluntary PreKindergarten, the program which Florida voters approved in 2002 to ensure that all children enter kindergarten with the skills they need to be successful learners.  

VPK prepares children for success in Kindergarten and throughout school by enhancing their emergent reading, math, language and social skills. Because of these essential early learning skills, children are more likely to be successful throughout their schooling. VPK classrooms offer high-quality programs that include high literacy standards, developmentally appropriate curriculum, small class sizes, and qualified teachers.

If you live in Florida and have a child who turns 4 years of age by September 1st, your child is eligible for Florida’s FREE VPK program. There are no income requirements; all four-year-old children are eligible.  Children can participate in either a school year program or a summer VPK program.

Morning PreK Program (8:00 to 12:00).........................................$25 per week
Extended Day (past 12:00) ............................................................$16 per day
VPK and Hot Lunch (8:00 to 12:30)..............................................$50 per week
Extended Day Program (available from 7 am to 6 pm)..................$85 per week
Registration Fee.............................................................................$75 annually 

Based on our experience educating young children, we have created a four-hour preschool program that enhances children's creativity and development, while building essential early learning skills.  Because the program is funded by VPK from 8:00 to 11:00, the cost is just $25 per week.  (To ensure that all children have the opportunity to participate, a limited number of scholarships are available for qualifying families.)

We also offer hot lunches and extended care options to meet the needs of working families.  Our extended day program opens at 7:00 am.  Children participate in the full PreK program, enjoy a hot lunch, have a restful nap and then participate in fun afternoon activities (outdoor play, art, story time and learning centers) until their parents pick them up.  Our program closes promptly at 6:00 pm.

Choosing a school for your child is a very important decision.  Research confirms what parents have always known:  a high quality preschool program provides a critical foundation for children's learning, growth and development.

When choosing a preschool program, talk to friends and families to ask for recommendations.  Visit several schools to talk to the directors, and observe in the classrooms and meet the teachers.  While its okay to schedule an appointment for your first visit, you should also make a second visit that is unscheduled to see what the school is like when the staff is not necessarily expecting you.

When deciding on your PreKindergarten program, visit several schools and be sure to ask them:

• Do you participate in VPK? 
  If not, parent's tuition costs will be considerably higher.
• What are the qualifications and experience of your PreK teachers? 
  The state requires VPK teachers to have a minimum of a CDA, but national standards recommend that PreK teachers have a degree in Early Childhood and/or Elementary Education.
• What curriculum do you use? How do you assess children's learning?
  Young children learn best when they have many opportunities for hands-on learning.  Math, science and literacy are learned as children experience them in meaningful ways.  According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, worksheets are not effective early learning experiences!
• How do you keep parents informed of what is happening in the class?
  Parents should be valued partners in their child's education.  Be sure to pick a school where you are informed about the classroom through newsletters, calendars, daily conversations and parent conferences.  Parents should also be welcome to visit the classroom and there should be many opportunities to volunteer in meaningful ways.
• Is your program Christian-based? 
  For many families, a Christian-based preschool program is very important.  They want their children to learn about kindness, love and respect.  Be sure to ask how the program incorporates Christian values.
• Do you offer enrichment programs?
  Preschool children are like sponges ... learning and growing every minute!  Enrichment programs, such as Spanish lessons and special programs, are a great way to enhance children's development and keep them motivated about learning.