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The Discovery Gym Preschool
Preschool Information
The Discovery Gym is proud to boast about our 4,000 square foot preschool center designed entirely for the well-being and development of young children. We offer an open floor concept with a natural flow between our learning centers and our gross motor area. We believe that high quality child care is only possible by providing generous amounts of space to play and learn. For this reason we will limit our attendance to one classroom of 2 year olds, 3 year olds, and 4-5 year olds.
Children learn best when they are moving and learning through hands-on experiences. Our highly qualified staff will guide our young explorers as they develop social skills, grow in academic and language areas, and begin to understand the benefits of physical activity and a healthy body. We also understand the importance of the young child being able to express himself through art, music, and dramatic play and will provide many opportunities for these expressive areas.
Minds ‘n Motion
Our Minds ‘n Motion program is designed to teach pre-reading and math skills through whole body experiences. We know that young children learn best when they are moving and learning through hands-on experiences. We have used this concept to design our Minds ‘n Motion program. Children will run, jump, climb, and crawl while learning pre-reading skills and math concepts.
Handwriting Without Tears
Carrie and Sarah both attended the Handwriting Without Tears workshop this summer in order to provide our preschoolers the best possible start when it comes to handwriting. Handwriting Without Tears is a nationally recognized handwriting program designed to develop the fine motor skills necessary to develop handwriting without the frustration young children may experience in the process.
Stay Connected!
The Discovery Gym offers parents the opportunity to stay connected with their child through our password protected, secure camera viewing. Cameras are located in the classroom and gym areas of our facility and will live stream the day’s activities to be viewed on your personal computer. We have a technical adviser on staff to insure the safety and privacy of our children. Please let us know if you would like further information and we will be happy to have him contact you.
Transition Time
Transition into preschool can be an anxious time for both parents and children. For this reason, we will be happy to arrange a time you and your child can come in, play, explore, and get comfortable with The Discovery Gym and its staff. We strive to provide the smoothest transition and the fewest tears possible for you and your child as you enter our program.
Meet the Staff
Owner, Curriculum Director, Teacher
Laura Shelton, owner and curriculum director, holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Spalding University in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education and a Master’s of Arts in Teaching (MAT) from University of the Cumberlands in Elementary Education. Ms. Shelton also is a state certified Developmental Interventionist and is certified through First Steps to provide developmental therapy to children ages 0-3 with developmental delays and disabilities. Ms. Shelton holds a current Kentucky State Teaching Certificate and was previously employed by Shelby County Public Schools as a Pre-K teacher at Heritage Elementary and Painted Stone Elementary. Ms. Shelton has also taught Head Start at Clear Creek Elementary.
Ms. Shelton has a unique background in that she was a college gymnast, Kentucky State certified gymnastics judge, USAG Gymnastics coach for competitive Levels 1-10, a former gymnastics club owner, and a National speaker for the USAG Federation. Ms. Shelton is a USA Gymnastics professional member and is USA Gymnastics safety certified. These experiences will be reflected in curriculum development as Discovery Gym students will experience learning through research based curriculum as well as hands on learning and movement experiences.
Special Areas Teacher
Carrie Hall, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Communications and will be responsible for day to day daycare management duties and documentation and will also hold the position of Special Area’s Teacher. Carrie’s business communication background will be invaluable as she communicates with the community and clients about the programs The Discovery Gym has to offer. She also has a unique background in that she was a high level gymnast in both Olympic style and Rhythmic Gymnastics earning a spot in 1992 to train at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Carrie also coached gymnastics for several years winning four Kentucky State Championships, is a USA Gymnastics Professional Member and is USA Gymnastics safety certified. This background will be an asset as Carrie teaches Movement Education in addition to her duties as Daycare Director. Carrie is also certified to teach Handwriting Without Tears.
