Introduction to Quality Child Care

1. How to Get Started?

Are you looking for a child care facility? What is important to consider? What does a quality child care facility provide? Searching for a child care center can be stressful and confusing, but finding the right facility is very important for both you and your child. The right facility will provide a caring, nurturing, and safe environment for your child to learn and grow.

In addition, it should fit into your family’s needs with flexible hours, a convenient location, and dynamic programs that grow with your child. This guide will help you to understand what a high-quality child care facility should provide, some questions to consider, and how to get started looking.

2. Questions To Consider

You may have a million questions, but some key ones to consider when inquiring about any child care facility are:

• Where are you located and what are your hours?
• What ages do you care for?
• What is a typical day like at the school?
• How safe and secure is the school?
• What training, education and experience do your teachers have?
• Do you accept children who are not potty trained?
• Is the school closed for vacations and holidays?
• What are your rates?
• What do you provide my child (meals, snacks, diapers)?
• What are parents expected to provide?

3. Caring and Qualified Staff

A quality child care facility has a staff that is committed to your child’s education and growth. They should be highly trained and utilize current, proven teaching methods to help ensure your child is having fun while also learning vital skills they need for long-term and healthy development. Discovery School House features a diverse staff with backgrounds in Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Human Development, Human Services and many are Early Education and Care Certified as Lead Preschool and Toddler Teachers. In addition, some have up to 30 years of experience working in the field of Early Education and Care.

4. The School Environment – Where Your Child will Learn and Play

The best school environments should be safe and encourage your child to socialize, play, and explore the world around them. Plus, the child care facility should be well established and have a good reputation in the community.

For over 20 years (since 1993), Discovery School House has been a trusted child care facility in Worcester County. We strive to ensure our classrooms are fun, safe and provide a nurturing learning environment. We offer age-appropriate toys, crafts and opportunities for your child to discover, explore and learn. Discovery School House helps to foster the cognitive and social development of each child with a fun curriculum taught by highly trained and caring teachers.

5. Health & Safety

Your child’s health and safety should be a top priority at any child care facility you choose. You should look for a well-maintained and organized school with strong safety practices and standards. Providers should carefully supervise children in all areas of the school (classroom, playgrounds, outdoors, etc.) and licensed child care centers must have the correct number of staff necessary to supervise the children. This is sometimes called the staff-to-child ratio. There should also be clear procedures for who can pick up the child at the end of the day, what is done if they are sick at school, and who to contact in case of emergencies.

6. Parent & Teacher Relationships

You, as the parent, should feel comfortable with the school you choose and the faculty who will teach your child. When you develop a positive relationship with your child care providers, it is easier to talk about your child’s feelings, development, and experiences. High-quality child care providers, like Discovery School House, recognize that open communication and feedback between parents and teachers is one of the most important elements in a child’s early development.

Teachers should welcome and encourage your involvement in the school. In addition, a quality early education school should always keep you informed. Perhaps through such things as one-on-one contact, bulletins, newsletters and parent meetings. It is vital that you and your child care provider work together to help foster the well-being and development of your child.

7. Visit the School

We would love to meet you! Come ask us questions, tour the school, and learn about all that we have to offer your child. We provide your family with the very best in early childhood education. Plus, all enrolled children participate in gymnastics classes (year-round) and seasonal swim classes. Call now and set up a tour. You will be amazed at just how much our caring teachers and expansive facility has to offer!  

For more information you may want to look at:

• Massachusetts Department of Early Education & Care Website
• How to Find Early Education & Care Licensed Programs
• Search Licensed Early Education & Care providers

Discovery School House accepts children ages 15 months up to 5 years in our various classrooms. We offer Toddler programs, Preschool Education and Pre-K programs.

Note: All programs require a membership fee of $40 per year. This includes the registration fee and insurance. There is a $10 discount for a second child who attends.

“We are so happy we choose Discovery School House for early childhood care for both our daughters. The teachers and staff are friendly, warm, and engaging with the children. They have a wonderful balance of nurturing both the academic and social needs of the children. Year round gymnastics classes and swimming in the summer are 2 added perks of enrolling at Discovery. I love knowing that my children are well cared for, and having fun when I leave for work each day.”

– Caitlin Heatwole

We absolutely love Discovery! We have had 3 children attend daycare here and have nothing but positive things to say. The teachers and staff are so kind and really spend time to get to know each child and their individual needs. The use of the online portal allows us to check in and receive photos and videos of our littles having fun throughout the day. The kids absolutely love being able to take part in gymnastic and swimming.  My husband and I have really noticed the improvement all our kids have made from the educational activities too. Knowing our kids are in a safe place, happy, and learning a lot through each day gives us comfort and we are so grateful we found Discovery!

-Stephanie and Bob

“I could not be happier with our decision to send our daughter to Discovery School! The teachers are loving, caring, and truly amazing. This is not just a school, it’s a home away from home for the little ones.”

– Sara Sirad

“My daughter has been at Discovery for two years and she loves it. The school is conveniently located and that fact that she gets both gymnastics and swim lessons are a huge benefit. She has always been an active child and she seems to really be thriving there. The teachers are friendly and very engaged with the children, and they strive to keep parents both involved and well informed. In terms of education, fun, fitness, and overall social development, I feel like Discovery School has had a hugely positive impact on her.

– Melissa N

Discovery school house is a wonderful daycare. We first started there when my middle daughter was 3 and I couldn’t have picked a better school for her, she’s now 7 and still has great memories from there. And when it was time for my youngest daughter to attend daycare there wasn’t another place I could trust more than Discovery school. I knew right away I wanted her to go there. The whole staff are amazing with so much heart & a caring mindset. The teachers really make an effort to engage the kids and develop them in a very individualized way. The management is really committed to providing a safe, fun, and loving
environment for the children and I’m very thankful to Michelle and the whole team at Discovery School House. Plus they offer so much more fun activities than another other daycare would, gymnastics class and even swim classes in the summer time! Both my daughters love it there and as a parent I couldn’t be happier with that!

– Leticia and Dave

I can’t say enough about the Discovery School House.  Our family is on our third kiddo there and they have all had memorable moments and have really enjoyed their time there.  The teachers are very attentive to each child’s needs to assist them in thriving.  We have developed long time friendships with other families and teachers.  The Discovery School House offers so much more than other daycares in the area. They have access to Gigueres gym next door to the school during cold and rainy days.  They offer gymnastics and swimming lessons in the summer and our boys favorite was Pizza Fridays!!  The kids received two nutritious snacks during the day. Our kids attended during the
height of the pandemic and they were/are amazing at taking safety precautions.   If you are looking for childcare, The Discovery Schoolhouse is highly recommended.

– Margaux R.