Our Classroom Online Daily Sheets: We’ll electronically track daily information about your child’s feedings, diapering, sleeping, moods, activities, photos, and more! This information is accessible from your computer or through a Smartphone or iPad application. You’ll have peace of mind while you watch what your child is doing while in our care.Age Range: Toddlers that are 16 months of age to 36 months.Small Student/Teacher Ratio: 7:1 Our Teachers Experienced: Colleen has been with us since 2007, Drew has been with us since 2022, Lauren B. has been with us since 2011 and Brianna has been with us since 2017. Our experienced teachers…
Our Classroom
Online Daily Sheets: We’ll electronically track daily information about your baby’s feedings, diapering, sleeping, moods, activities, photos, and more! This information is accessible from your computer or through a Smartphone or iPad application. You’ll have peace of mind while you watch what your baby is doing while in our care.
Age Range: Infants that are 6 weeks of age through 16 months.
Small Student/Teacher Ratio: 4:1
Non-Mobile Area: This is a separate area in our classroom, away from crawling and walking babies, where your baby can practice tummy-time, play on the floor with a teacher, or enjoy his or her bottle while being held in a rocking chair without having the older infants in this space.
Diaper Changing Area: Our changing tables are sanitized after every diaper change. Just like the teacher, your baby will have his/her hands washed after every diaper change.
Kitchen: Our infant classrooms offer a full-size kitchen which includes a fridge and sink.
Quiet Nap Room: The nap room is separated from active babies. Your baby will have a restful sleep in our softly lit nap room filled with gentle lullabies. The room is monitored continuously. Your baby will have his/her own designated crib and sheets provided by us. To add the comfort of home, you are welcome to bring in your baby’s pacifier for use during nap times.
Our Teachers
Experienced: Our lead teachers have many years of experience and specialized education in child development! Sue has over 30 years of experience and has been with us since 2016 and Kristi has been with us since 1998. Our teachers are very familiar and comfortable responding to your baby’s messages and cues to determine his/her needs.
Loving: Our teachers will comfort your baby by holding him/her close, rocking or talking quietly when he/she is crying or upset. They’ll hold your baby during feeding times and talk to him/her in soothing and reassuring tones.
Consistent: We know providing a limited number of consistent, qualified caregivers is a large part of building trust and security at our Center. We have regular staff with very little turn over that children and families can count on. Providing infants with an environment that encourages positive interaction in familiar surroundings as well as lots of positive encouragement & hugs also promotes trust and security at our Center. We make every effort to quickly answer each baby’s cues, acknowledge anxiety, and offer loving support and reassurance to children in our care.
Our Curriculum
Children’s Discovery Academy celebrates the fact that we do not teach from a boxed curriculum but instead employ caring, qualified educators to write curriculum which meets all of the early childhood indicators of progress. This way, we can ensure we are meeting the individual needs of your child.
Baby Sign Language: The teachers at Children’s Discovery Academy will talk out loud to your baby while signing. This will help your baby communicate with sign language before they are able to verbally communicate.
A daily schedule directed by you! Everyday, you can expect a detailed written summary of your baby’s busy day. This summary will include nap times, feeding times, summary of diaper changes, activities, and development.
Toys and Activities: Our teachers will stimulate your baby through a variety of activities that promote learning such as reading stories, singing songs, playing games, exploring musical instruments, going for walks, crawling on climbers in our classroom and in our indoor gym, etc.
Social Development: Your baby will build friendships with classmates that will continue for years to come as they advance to the toddler and preschool programs with other students. Teachers promote positive relationships with other children consistently by talking about what children are doing, providing opportunities to play in small groups, and by using names and other identifying characteristics to promote comfort and familiarity with others. We have multiple toys to encourage parallel play instead of expecting infants to always take turns. We talk about the emotions of other children and provide opportunities for imitation during songs and other play.
Emotional Development: Positive relationships with teachers will develop a sense of trust in the world.
Small motor development: Opportunities for babies to reach, pull, grasp are part of our daily environment. Teachers encourage babies to hold their fingers, Older babies are practicing grasping by feeding themselves. We provide a variety of age-appropriate equipment to encourage fine motor skills (shape sorters, nesting blocks, simple puzzles, stacking rigs). Older infants are given daily opportunities to do art projects which require holding a paint brush, crayons, etc. Children are given daily opportunities for sensory experiences which require fine motor skills.
Large Motor Development: Rolling over, pushing up, crawling, taking steps, walking and running are all huge milestones for your baby. He/she will have the freedom to move about safely in the classroom while working on these tasks. Also, the exposure to climbing cubes and mats in the gym will help expand his/her large motor development.
Read Reviews from Infant Parents:
Children’s Discovery Academy offers programs for children as young as 6 weeks of age and we care for them all the way through Pre-K. All of our classrooms are self contained so children are grouped with other students of the same age. Programs offered are as follows: Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten.
Children’s Discovery Academy values our parent’s participation and interest in our Web site. Our online privacy policy guarantees the privacy of our guests. If we collect personal information, we use it only for internal purposes to improve our services to you, our customer. The information will not be shared or sold to any party outside Children’s Discovery Academy without prior consent.
Hours and Cancellation
Children’s Discovery is open from 6:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., Monday through Friday throughout the year with the exception of the following six holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. We will close at 3:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve Day. FULL TUITION IS CHARGED FOR THE ABOVE HOLIDAY WEEKS.
Closures Due to Adverse Weather, Illness, or Emergency:
Children’s Discovery Academy is committed to being open. In the event of extreme adverse weather that threatens the safety of our children and staff, a decision to close or remain open will be made based on current information from the National Weather Service and local news outlets.
In the event of a closure due to illness, Children’s Discovery Academy will make any closure decision based on current public health guidance recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health.
All other emergency circumstances resulting in decision to close will be based on the health and safety of children, in accordance with our license.
In the event of a center closure or late start, information will be communicated to families via email as early as possible. If the center must close while children are present, families will also receive a phone call with closure information- in this case, parents will need to make arrangements to pick up children within one hour. Under the circumstances we are forced to close for the health and safety of our children and staff, FULL TUITION WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE DAYS. If we do not have enough teachers to open the center or classroom, tuition will not be charged during the closure.
Non-Discrimination Policy
In accordance with applicable Federal civil rights laws, Children’s Discovery Academy is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.
Clothing
It is essential to send along a complete change of clothing to be left at Children’s Discovery. Children’s clothes are very much alike in looks and size. Clothes NEED TO BE CLEARLY MARKED WITH THE CHILD’S FULL NAME.
Communication
A Program Plan has been written to insure all of these areas are being developed in each child. This Program Plan is on file and is open to parents’ viewing at any time. Programs are designed to enhance the child’s self-identification and group social involvement.
In order to share these commitments with you, a monthly planned schedule from your child’s teacher is available.
Parents are requested to read classroom and center emails to be aware of important information. Additionally, each family will receive information on how to sign up for electronic daily information, specific to their child. Teachers may also be reached by phone, email, and by messaging through Daily Connect.
Conferences are scheduled twice during the year to better acquaint the parents with our programs through personal discussion with the teachers. Progress reports are written on each child at these times, and conferences can be arranged at any time on a particular concern that may arise. Together we can better assure a more positive and satisfying environment so important to your child.
As a parent, you are welcome to visit Children’s Discovery any time during the hours of operation. We encourage parents to use their discretion in choosing times that won’t disrupt your child’s day.
Discipline
Our staff is dedicated to search out the positive aspects of all the children. If a problem develops in a particular situation, we will continue to search out alternate methods to bring the child back to appropriate behavior. Personal relations that develop between teacher and child will normally lead to positive actions. If the child’s behavior remains disruptive, the child may be removed from the class activity for a brief period. If our staff cannot resolve the situation along with the help of the parents and outside resources, we will recommend that you find alternate care for your child. The child is never physically or mentally abused by any member of our staff within Children’s Discovery Academy. The full text of our discipline policy is available to families upon enrollment, or at request.
Field Trips
Fully supervised trips are planned to places of interest for children. Children’s Discovery Academy will provide the same adequate, responsible supervision for these excursions as is provided to the children while in attendance at the Academy. Bus service will be arranged through a qualified company. You are responsible to sign a field trip permission slip. If you do not choose to have your child attend a particular field trip, you must find alternate care and no childcare fee reduction will be given.
Insurance
Children’s Discovery Academy meets or exceeds the insurance policy requirements by government agencies.
Nutrition and Rest Time
Children’s Discovery Academy employs a full-time cook who will provide your child with the nutritional needs required for that part of the day in attendance. These needs include snacks in the morning and afternoon, as well as a balanced lunch. Breakfast can be provided at an additional cost. Breakfast is required of children attending nine or more hours. Our breakfasts are prepared for a predetermined number of children. Because of this reason, if your child is signed up for breakfast, there will be NO CREDITS given for breakfasts. This applies to days your child is NOT in attendance.
For children too young to eat table foods, parents should bring a daily supply of formula or breast milk and baby foods. In this way, we can ensure each individual child will be eating a daily diet that is set for his/her specific needs.
If children bring treats to be shared with other children at school, they must be store bought and in their original unopened container. NO HOMEMADE FOOD MADE OFF OUR PREMISES WILL BE SERVED TO CHILDREN AT CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY.
Each afternoon there will be a quiet time offered so children may rest quietly on their cots or engage in quiet activities (toddler ,preschool, & Pre-K). Please bring in a small blanket and pillow to school for this time of day.
Potty Training
Children enrolled in preschool or Pre-K must be toilet trained before attending preschool or Pre-K. Children must be wearing underwear. A child having accidents daily would not be considered toilet trained. Please note that wearing pull-ups is NOT considered toilet trained. You can read our full toilet training policy here.
Parent’s Grievance Policy
Children’s Discovery Academy has a written grievance policy on file in the office for parents use whenever they deem necessary.
Pets
Children’s Discovery Academy will occasionally have small household pets in our classrooms. Pets must be approved by the Center Director.
Research and Public Relations
Children’s Discovery Academy will obtain written permission from each parent before their child is involved in experimental RESEARCH or public relations activities while at Children’s Discovery Academy.
Privacy Notice
Children’s Discovery Academy’s full Privacy Notice can be found HERE.
Transportation
Parents must provide transportation to and from Children’s Discovery Academy. Your child must be signed IN and OUT each day in order for our facility to accept legal responsibility. Parents are also responsible for bringing the child’s belongings to the appropriate classroom. Parents must fill out appropriate forms stating who has permission to pick up their child/children. In the event someone other than the parent must pick up your child, please notify the office. These people must be able to show an I.D. to prove they are whom they say.
Child Pick-up
Unless notified, a child will only be released to leave Children’s Discovery Academy with a custodial parent or guardian. If you would like someone else to pick up your child, please call us or write a note authorizing us to release your child from Children’s Discovery Academy with the designated person. Any person picking up a child that we have not met before is required to present their photo ID before we will release the child to them.
Child Pick-up by Unauthorized Person
If an unauthorized person attempts to pick up a child in our care, the child will not be released to their care and the appropriate parent or guardian will be contacted.
Child Pick-up by Incapacitated/Impaired Person
If an incapacitated/impaired person attempts to pick up a child, we will call another person to pick up the child. If the incapacitated/impaired person refuses to leave the child at Children’s Discovery Academy, we will call the sheriff’s office.
“We looked at many day care centers. Children’s Discovery seemed to “feel right” for us. The teachers seemed very engaging and professional. We also really liked the educational activities and programs offered by the center.” “I felt welcomed into the center from the first day I took a tour! It was warm and inviting. I immediately felt at ease about leaving my child in your care.” “The school is clean and the teachers are professional. Most important – I feel safe with my son at this school.” “When deciding where to go for kindergarten, I was excited to learn all…
“My daughter is entering the third grade and it is wonderful that the bus picks her up and drops her off right at Children’s Discovery. She never has to stand outside in bad weather and I never have to worry about how long she is waiting or what may happen while she is waiting for the bus. Everyday and adult walks the kids from the center to the bus steps and meets them at the bus steps each night. During the rare instance when there are school transportation problems, the staff at the center are on the phone with the…
“This is not just a day care center. Let’s be honest, this is a 2nd home for our child. He has spent more time there than at our home. As a working parent, we need to be reassured that our child will be comfortable when he is away from us. The staff are very caring, very alert to any problems (one of them actually suggested that our son had asthma – and she was right!), nurturing, fun, calm, bright and loving. In addition to just taking care of our child, they actually teach them things. They expand on common knowledge…
“Both my children have been enrolled at Children’s Discovery since infancy and they now participate in the school age program. My husband’s and my, and more importantly my children’s, experience has been extraordinary. The children enjoy the programs, (school as they call it), the activities and outings and the friends they have developed at both campuses. We all truly enjoy the staff and teachers. The few concerns over the last 10 years that we have voiced have been promptly addressed and resolved. It really is a comfort to me as a working mom to know my children are in good…
“27 years ago we brought our son to daycare at Children’s Discovery. He learned so much there and went on to being enrolled in gifted programs. As it goes, he moved to California. 22 years later, HIS son came to live with us. Dustyn is in his last year of Children’s Discovery in the school age program. He started in prekindergarten at that time. Once again, Children’s Discovery has provided a safe, nurturing peaceful daycare that also has taught these children not only ‘book-learning’ but ‘social learning’. The staff are incredibly tuned into what each child needs and encourages them…
“Both Christopher and Patrick started at Children’s and moved through the Kindergarten program. Both boys have been tested as gifted and are making excellent grades. More importantly, however, they are both very well adjusted and very social young people. Your program worked great for us! I would not hesitate to recommend your program (and in fact I have) to other parents. Every day we see living proof of the importance of Quality Early Childhood Education. It builds the foundation for your child’s social, emotional and academic future. Quality, long-term teachers who understand the developmental process of learning will be instrumental…
“Rhiannon visited 10 preschools and came up with a list of 3 possible choices. I visited the 3, and ranked them independently. In retrospect, it is no surprise that each of us chose Children’s Discovery as our top choice. We have never been disappointed. We have been very impressed at the skill, training level, compassion, and nurturing of your staff. The longevity and extremely low turnover of your talented teachers and staff speaks highly of your program.” Scott & RhiannonParents of Catherine & Megan, Kindergarten Program
“My husband and I were very fortunate to have found Children’s Discovery, and are very glad that we have sent our children through the program. Their self-esteem is high, and I attribute much of this to the guidance, nurturing and structure of the center. The teachers are experienced, kind, warm and have the ability to teach the children respect, safety and so much more. I truly believe by the experiences they have had through the preschool classes, and then the wonderful Kindergarten program, that they have a solid foundation that will benefit them through their school age years.” CarlaMother of…
“We are very satisfied and happy with the care that has been provided to my son who has been at Children’s Discovery for 5 years and my daughter who has been here for 1 year! I really like the staff who is very friendly and always cheerful! I highly recommend Children’s Discovery to my friends. Kindergarten program is specially good due to the 1:8 teacher/student ratio! My child gets a lot of attention!! Thanks!” Asha of Little CanadaMother of Akash, Kindergarten Program
“25 years ago, we brought our son to what was then called ‘Little Canada Child Care Center’, at the ripe old age of 3 years old. Karl was a shy child, who spent many of his first mornings looking out the window as I left him there, crying his little heart out. Of course, through time, he grew and blossomed into a very social little person. He went to Kindergarten there, and was fortunate enough to soak up every bit of knowledge that was put in front of him. He graduated Kindergarten (complete with cap and gown) and we left…
“We decided to bring our children to Children’s Discovery after we had some difficulties at our prior center. Our previous center lacked an organized preschool program and we were looking for a more structured program with lots of learning activities. When we started at Children’s Discovery, we weren’t quite sure what to expect. The teachers and staff were really great during our tour but we didn’t expect them to continue to be so caring and involved after we started. The preschool teachers took the time to work with our son and help him adjust to the new changes and structure….
Our son is enrolled in full-time daycare and started out in the toddler room. He is now in the process of advancing from preschool to prekindergarten. My husband and I have been very happy with Children’s Discovery. The teachers are excellent; the hours are flexible and most important – we feel he is safe and learning new skills. We are fortunate this school serves both breakfast and lunch. They have a clean environment with a great outdoor play area. Many extra classes are offered throughout the year which I highly encourage children to participate in; soccer, computer classes and dance…
Before Ella was born, we researched dozens of daycares and toured those we felt might provide excellent care. We chose Children’s Discovery because it was very conveniently located and we were confident after meeting the teachers and the director, Jill, that Ella would receive the best possible care in a loving, educational environment. Children’s Discovery met all of our expectations and has played a critical role in the smart, funny and self-sufficient individual that my daughter has become. We have been very impressed with the level of professionalism and dedication everyone at the center shows on a daily basis. 3…
“We decided to bring my son to Children’s Discovery because it felt as the “right place” safe, educational-oriented, clean and warm. My husband and I are very happy with our son’s development while attending Children’s Discovery. We truly believe that our expectations as first time parents, concerned about their only son’s safety, educational development and child well being, has been met by the caring staff at Children’s Discovery.” Idolly of White Bear Lake Mother of Jorgito, Toddler Program
“The staff are wonderful! We started at Children’s Discovery seven years ago. Many staff members who were working at the center when we started are still there. There is very little staff turnover and that says a lot about the organization. The staff are patient, compassionate, flexible and are respected by the kids and parents-they are great role models for kids of all ages. They have gentle, but firm discipline techniques and work with the parents. The teachers are liked and trusted so much, many are asked by parents to babysit for them evenings and weekends.” Lisa of White Bear…
“My daughter started at Children’s Discovery approximately three months ago and I am very happy that we chose Children’s Discovery. The Infant teacher, assistants and aides are great with my daughter. The staff are very engaging with my daughter and the other children. The other children in the classroom are very well behaved. My daughter always has a smile on her face when I pick her up at the end of the day. I was looking for a daycare that provided a nurturing environment for my child. I was also looking for a daycare that provided educational opportunities for my…
“The staff at the center, especially in the infant room, go above and beyond our expectations on a regular basis. They keep an eye out for those subtle little things that can often be overlooked. We hear from them on a daily basis when we drop him off and pick him up about how he is doing, what has been happening and the various experiences he has everyday. All in all, we are very happy to have Children’s Discovery in our neighborhood caring for our son. And we can tell he likes it too!” John of White Bear Lake, MN…
We heard about Children’s Discovery from a co-worker whose son was enrolled at the center. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first. I loved the location (literally minutes from our house) but was unsure about leaving my baby with strangers. We started in the Infant room and were overjoyed with the care/love that Kristi and Susie gave our baby! I rarely felt the need to call and check on Morgan after the first few weeks. I felt that she was safe and nurtured. That’s all I could ask for with our baby. Last but not least, I have been…
“It is very rewarding to see how much the teachers pay attention to the details of each child. We’re very pleased with our decision to have Samuel attend Children’s Discovery. The trained, long-term staff and excellent curriculum provide Samuel with the ultimate learning environment.” Rhonda Mother of Sam, Preschool Program
“There is certainly no shortage of things for a first-time Mom to stress about, and finding the right daycare was definitely at the top of my list! I’m so happy to say that I couldn’t be more thrilled with the choice of Children’s Discovery. Today, Jake is a happy, active almost ten month old and I just know that a huge part of who he is comes from the excellent “Mom’s Away From Mom” care he has received. I completely trust that Dawn and her whole team love and care for him in the same manner I do and that…