Discovery Kids Preschool Program

All the A,B,Cs and 1,2,3s of learning fun! Our program is the best around for a creative, engaging, and enlightening environment for young children. In this NYS Licensed program, we offer two classrooms for 3 – 4 year olds. We have a full-day 4 year old pre-kindergarten program connected with the Binghamton City School District Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program. Children from Binghamton City School District can enroll for free at limited availability, but is open to the rest of the community on a tuition paid basis.

Preschool

Discovery Kids Preschool at The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier respects each child as an individual and understands that each child has a unique way of learning. Our staff of early childhood teachers provide a warm, caring environment for children ages 3 and 4 to investigate, explore, play and learn. Children develop and grow through playful activities set among The Discovery Center’s engaging and dynamic hands-on exhibits.

Half-Day Schedule
Morning: 8:30AM – 11:30AM
Afternoon: 12:15PM – 2:45PM

Full-Day Schedule
8:30AM – 2:45PM
Lunch: 11:30AM – 12:15PM

Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK)

Discovery Kids Preschool partners with the Binghamton City School District to offer a full-day Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program. Children 4 years of age (by December 1) and residing within the City of Binghamton are eligible for tuition free enrollment in the UPK program. Discovery Kids UPK program is offered for full-day enrollment (8:30AM – 2:45PM), Monday through Friday. UPK follows a kindergarten readiness curriculum supplied by the Binghamton City School District and the State of New York. Enrollment for children residing in the City of Binghamton is limited.

UPK Schedule: 8:30AM – 2:45PM with lunch 11:30AM – 12:15PM

Extended Play

The Discovery Center has extended hours for our preschool friends! Extended Play gives children the opportunity to use their imaginations through dramatic role play and create fun arts and crafts. Children will enjoy exploring the Museum and navigating through The Discovery Center’s Story Garden. For those families that opt for Extended Play, the hours are 2:45PM – 6PM. Extended Play is available on school holidays from 8:30AM – 6PM and is dependent on the needs of our program families,

Regular Schedule
2:45PM – 6PM

Discovery Kids Preschool Education Philosophy

At the Discovery Kids Preschool, we believe that early childhood should be a time of exploration and discovery. We want children to experience learning at this precious time of life in an atmosphere full of encouragement and filled with stimulation and imagination. We offer a balanced curriculum that focuses on play, creative art, music, outdoor play, conversation, story time, experimentation, dramatic play, and group activities incorporated throughout a variety of thematic learning units.

Play and learning flow together in a unique hands-on setting designed with imagination, research, and attention to the needs and spirit of today’s learners. Offering a safe, engaging, and happy atmosphere, the Discovery Kids Preschool sparks creative thinking and builds self-esteem.

Continuing educational opportunities are essential for all of our staff’s on-going learning and professional development. An ongoing education and growth mindset enhances their ability to provide the best possible experience for children.

The Discovery Kids Preschool recognizes the need for families in our community to enjoy a preschool experience in a safe, reliable, and healthy environment. It is our goal to provide a quality program that will benefit not only the child, but the family as well.

How to Register

Contact Ciara Heatherman, Director of Education for more information or to schedule a tour. Call 607-773-8661 ext. 209 or email DirectorofEd@thediscoverycenter.org.

Childcare subsidies through the Department of Social Services (DSS) will be accepted.