Caterpillars (Infants)

The main focus of infant care at Discoveryland is meeting the needs of each individual child. The staff follows a highly adaptable schedule, providing naps and feedings as needed. Infants also practice and develop rudimentary physical skills, like rolling, grasping, sitting up, crawling, and pushing.

Monkeys (1 year olds)

In the Monkey class, toddlers begin exploring the world around them. Common activities include music and story time, simple art projects, free play, and small motor activities.

Schedule:

• 7:00-8:30 Arrival, greeting parents
• 8:30-9:00 Free play, morning diapering
• 9:00-9:30 Worship/group time
• 9:30-10:00 Morning activity
• 10:00-10:20 Snacks
• 10:20-11:20 Planned activities—music, outside play, walks
• 11:20-11:40 Group time
• 11:40-11:50 Diapering/wash hands
• 11:50-12:25 Lunch
• 12:30-3:00 Naps
• 3:00-3:30 Diapering and snacks
• 3:30-6:00 Free play, outside play, cleanup
• 6:00 Home

Dizzy Dinos (2 year olds)

Two year olds at Discoveryland prepare for reading by learning letter sounds through songs and games. They also work on learning colors and shapes and self-awareness through sensory activities like puzzles, movement, coloring, and crafting dough. A major focus of this age group is learning social skills like cooperation and sharing, as well as that most social skill of all—potty training.

Schedule:

• 7:00-9:00 Arrival, free play
• 9:00-9:30 Breakfast
• 9:30-10:00 Inside activities
• 10:00-11:30 Outside play
• 11:30-11:45 Transition time
• 11:45-11:50 Group time
• 12:00-12:30 Lunch
• 12:30-1:00 Transition time
• 1:00-3:00 Naps
• 3:00-3:30 Clean-up and transition time
• 3:30-3:45 Snacks
• 3:45-6:00 Outside play, afternoon activities
• 6:00 Home

Butterflies (3 year olds)

Children in this group continue to learn letter sounds, shapes and colors. They also start learning days of the week, and experience music and dancing. A new focus is developing attention spans through independent work. Children are encouraged to perform three simple tasks, such as sorting, stacking, and pouring, before they can participate in free play.

Schedule:

• 7:00-8:30 Welcome, drop-offs
• 8:30-9:00 Worship/group time
• 9:00-10:00 Indoor play, art
• 10:00-11:00 Snacks, group time
• 11:00-12:00 Outdoor play/walks
• 12:00-12:30 Lunch
• 12:30-3:00 Naps
• 3:00-4:00 Indoor play, snacks
• 4:00-6:00 Outdoor play
• 6:00 Home

Ladybugs (4 and 5 year olds)

The oldest group at Discoveryland focuses on building upon what they’ve already learned. A variety of learning stations helps them develop their abilities at math, reading, art, scientific discovery, and imaginative play. These children also delve into the outside world with frequent field trips to places like the St. Helena Library, the Bale Grist Mill, and local apple orchards.

Schedule:

• 7:00-8:30 Arrival, free play, clean-up
• 8:30-9:00 Worship, welcome circle
• 9:00-9:45 Outside play/planned large motor skill activity
• 9:45-10:00 Transition inside
• 10:00-10:30 Circle time—talk about daily theme
• 10:30-11:15 Work job, snacks
• 11:15-12:00 Free play, art, large motor activity
• 12:00-12:30 Lunch
• 12:30-1:00 Clean-up, potty time
• 1:00-3:00 Naps/quiet rest
• 3:00-4:30 Snacks, free time at learning stations, clean-up
• 4:30-5:00 Circle time
• 5:00-6:00 Outside play
• 6:00 Home