Our Programs at Discovery Village Child Care
At Discovery Village Child Care, we provide a nurturing and enriching environment where children grow, learn, and thrive. As a trusted provider of child care in Waltham, MA, and the surrounding areas, our thoughtfully designed programs support every stage of early childhood development, from our Infant and Toddler programs to our engaging Pre-School curriculum. Each program fosters curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning through hands-on experiences and play-based education.
We are also excited to introduce The School at Discovery Village, our newest program designed to extend our commitment to high-quality early learning. This program offers an innovative approach to education, supporting children as they transition to the next stages of their academic journey.
Discover the perfect program for your child and join our vibrant learning community!
Infants
At Discovery Village, our Infant Care Program provides a nurturing, safe, and enriching environment for children ages 4 weeks to 15 months. With teacher-to-child ratios that meet or exceed state regulations—often achieving 3:7—your baby will receive personalized attention and care.
Guided by a play-based philosophy, our staff utilizes the Learning Beyond Paper curriculum to incorporate enhanced activities that stimulate your child’s development through age-appropriate and engaging experiences. Our bilingual staff, fluent in Spanish, fosters early brain development by exposing children to multiple languages.
Weather permitting, we take infants on outdoor walks to explore their surroundings, while our indoor play space provides a secure area for mobile little ones to crawl, play, and satisfy their curiosity. We maintain daily communication with parents through Procare Connect, keeping you informed every step of the way. Caring for your most precious treasure is an honor, and our dedicated teachers nurture and love each child as if they were their own.
Toddlers
At Discovery Village, your little one transitions from infant to toddler at 15 months, as defined by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). Around this milestone, your child will join one of our four toddler classrooms: Young Toddler (12 months to 2 years)—a special transition room for older infants preparing for toddler life—or Toddler 1, Toddler 2, or Toddler 3, accommodating up to 9 children in each (and 4 in Toddler 3).
Our classrooms meet or exceed EEC’s teacher-to-child ratio requirements of 1:4 or 2:9, and we often maintain a ratio of 3:9 for added safety and engagement. Guided by a play-based philosophy, we use the Learning Beyond Paper curriculum to provide developmentally appropriate activities that spark curiosity and learning. Through free art, children enhance language and cognitive skills, while socialization opportunities help build independence and confidence. We are proud to offer a nurturing environment where your toddler can explore, grow, and thrive!
Preschool
At Discovery Village, we’re excited to guide your child through the preschool years, beginning at age 2.9 when they transition from toddler to preschooler! Our preschool program features three dedicated classrooms designed to meet your child’s developmental needs: Young Preschool (ages 2-3 years, ratios of 1:5, 2:9, or 3:9), Preschool 1 (ages 2.9-3.9 years, ratios of 1:10, 2:15, or 3:15), and Preschool 2 (ages 3-4.11 years, ratios of 1:10, 2:17, or 3:17). For children 4.11 years and older, our Pre-K classroom prepares them for kindergarten with the same individualized care (ratios of 1:10, 2:17, or 3:17).
Preschool is an exciting time when we focus on building school readiness, not just through academics like numbers and letters, but through the social-emotional skills that will set your child up for lifelong success. They’ll learn how to share, be respectful, wait their turn, raise their hand, hold conversations, and build independence—skills that ensure they’re ready to focus on learning as they transition to kindergarten and beyond.
Our dedicated teachers use Learning Beyond Paper, a curriculum that aligns with Massachusetts state standards for early education, paired with our play-based philosophy to encourage exploration, curiosity, and development. Preschool is a time of growth, excitement, and challenge, and we are committed to creating the best possible experience for you and your child during these foundational years.
The School at Discovery Village
At The School at Discovery Village, we are dedicated to nurturing young minds through a curriculum inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. Our educational philosophy centers on child-led exploration, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong passion for learning.
Empowering Young Learners
We believe in empowering children from the very beginning. By encouraging self-expression, collaboration, and hands-on experiences, we help each child discover their unique voice and capabilities. Our environment is thoughtfully designed to inspire curiosity and confidence, enabling young learners to contribute meaningfully to their educational journey.
Core Values
Our program emphasizes the development of essential values:
- Critical Thinking: Through exploration and experimentation, children are encouraged to question, hypothesize, and solve problems both independently and collaboratively.
- Compassion: We nurture empathy and kindness, fostering a supportive and inclusive community where every child feels valued.
- Citizenship: Introducing concepts of community and responsibility, we instill a sense of belonging and contribution, preparing children to be thoughtful and engaged citizens.
- Respect: By modeling respectful behavior and promoting positive communication, we teach children to appreciate diversity and value different perspectives.
- Communication: We help children develop strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills, encouraging self-expression, active listening, and meaningful dialogue.
- Curiosity: Our hands-on activities and open-ended play ignite children’s natural wonder, encouraging a love for discovery and learning.
Join Our Community
We invite you to become part of our vibrant learning community at The School at Discovery Village. Together, we can support your child’s growth into a confident, compassionate, and curious individual.
For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact us at 781-790-0031 or email Ashley directly.
