Now celebrating our 16th Annivesary serving children and families!
NAEYC Accredited for 12 years!
KIDS' DISCOVERY DAYS
Arvada United Methodist Church
6750 Carr Street
Arvada, CO 80004
(303) 431-6005 ext. 238
Phyllis Bunting, Director
The Kids' Discovery Day Program
Arvada United Methodist Church is proud to host the Kids' Discovery Days preschool. The preschool doors are open to families of all races, ,all family structures, all religious faiths, and all economic backgrounds. Children attending our school are accepted as they are, not required to change in order to fit a predetermined goal, either before or during attendance in our school. Instead, we strive to enrich the life of each child, nurturing the growth and development of someone unique.
For we believe all children are the children of God. Each individual must be appreciated and cared for, given the freedom to explore, discover, and delight in this world.
KIDS' DISCOVERY DAYS provides a quality, non-sectarian, early-childhood experience where children of any race, color, ethnicity, family structure, or economic background can develop to the fullest potential in a safe and nurturing environment. Preschool classrooms are organized to build school readiness skills while helping each child (2 years - Pre-kindergarten) develop the social skills to interact well with other children and adults. The Toddler classroom (1& 2 year olds) strives to build social and developmental skills important for peachool and life. All children attend classes weekday mornings from 9:00 to 11:30.
Goals for children
• develop a positive self concept
• become more independent
• develop respect for self and others
• cooperate with others
• enjoy learning
• become self directed learners
• explore language
• experiment with varied materials.
Preschool classes participate in a variety of activities
• Arts and Crafts
• Language Concepts
• Building Blocks
• Science
• Special Music and Movement Classes
• Imaginative Play
• Math Concepts
• Manipulatives
• Large Motor Development
Toddlers
Toddler classes are designed to meet the particular developmental needs of very young children (ages 1 and 2 years). Goals for TODDLERS:
• gain body control
• develop trust in family and caregivers
• develop initiative in play activities
• comfort self
• learn through discovery
• develop language skills
• develop gross and fine motor skills
• learn to handle conflict
• develop self control
Parent Participation
When parents participate, children see their interest and feel proud. Parents gain a better understanding of the program and see the children's progress. Parents and teachers become partners. For these reasons, parents are expected to contribute in the following ways: Work in the classroom and provide snacks for the class an average of 5 times per year for each weekday the child attends (maximum of 10 times); participate in fund raisers, help plan 3 family nights; two parents serve on our Board of Directors.
Preschool 3, 3/4 & 4/5 classes for children 3 to 5 years old by October 1 are held 2 days/week on Monday and Wednesday, or Tuesday and Thursday, or 4 days/week on Monday through Thursday. Friday is a stand alone day as a third or fifth day.
Preschool 2/3 classes for children 2 years 6 months and young 3s are held on Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday, with Friday as a single or third day option. (4 or 5 days available in consultation with staff)
Toddler classes are for children 1 and 2 years old and are held Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday, with Friday mornings as a single or third day. (4 and 5 days available in consultation with staff)
All classes are from 9:00 to 11:30 AM. Classes are limited to 10 or 12 students with one teacher, one parent helper, and a half time teaching assistant per class.'Toilet training' is not a requirement but is encourage by 3 years of age.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition is paid in equal monthly installments regardless of actual number of class days in a given month.
Monthly Tuition
- one day per week $70.00
- two days per week $126.00
- three days per week $170.00
- four days per week $230
- five days per week $270
5% tuition discounts for additional children in the same family.
The annual $45.00 family registration fee (non-refundable) must accompany registration.
Parents unable to help in the classroom may provide a substitute (grandparents, baby-sitter, etc.), trade with other parents, or in special cases pay for our substitution.
Scholarships are available! Ask for an application.
History of the Kids' Discovery Day Program
In the spring of 1993 the Education Commission authorized a subcommittee to look into the feasibility of offering a weekday program for preschoolers of the church and community. In January 1994 the Education Commission presented a proposal to the Charge Conference calling for the church to provide a half-day program for preschool age children of the church and the community at large. The Charge Conference approved the proposal setting up a Board of Directors to govern the program's operation.
KDD began in March 1994 as a state licensed early childhood program with an enrollment of 12 children ages one through pre-kindergarten. Start-up funding was provided by the Church & Society Committee as part of their mission to use grocery certificate proceeds to bring the church to the community. Today, the preschool reaches out to 92 families from the church and community, and its reputation for excellence continues to grow. Classes are always full with an active waitlist.
In addition, KDD sponsors a variety of programs for children and parents of the preschool as well as the church and community; such as the David Taylor Dance Troupe, the children's Nutcracker Suite, Love & Logic (parenting class), CPR & First Aid.
KDD, state licensed and accredited by the National Association for the Education of young Children, reaches out to 92 families in the church and community, representing Hispanic, Asian, African-American, and other ethnic cultures. The Board of Directors actively seeks and enrolls children from low-income families and serves some children with special needs.
This church-sponsored program is self-funded through the school's tuition and successful fund raising. KDD also makes yearly financial contributions to both the bond repayment and church general fund.
The preschool is a win-win for the church, community, and especially the children.
