Bearcat Discovery Center
About Us
The Bearcat Discovery Center Preschool Program and the Before and After School Program was established in 1996 and is located on the beautiful Union Hill School District Campus. Our programs pride themselves on providing a high standard of quality care to meet the needs of children and families in our community.
Bearcat Discovery Center provides programs for children from 2.5 years of age through 8th grade. Families can pick up enrollment packets at the Bearcat Office as well as on this website.
Our Programs
Our Preschool program is open year-round to children from 2.5 years of age to TK age children. We promote learning through a hands-on age- and developmentally-appropriate exploration and play that builds TK and Kindergarten readiness skills. The teachers and staff are dedicated to creating a learning experience that nourishes the development of the whole child in the areas of social and emotional growth, cognitive development, and physical development. Children are encouraged to explore, create, discover, ask questions and problem-solve in a safe, supportive, and educational environment.
The Before and After School program provides a nurturing and caring environment for all TK through 8th grade students enrolled at Union Hill School. Our program is open year-round! We provide care before and/or after school, early release days, and full-day for Fall, Spring, and Summer Break. Teachers provide a variety of learning experiences, support child-driven activities, and offer homework help. As important, our staff understands the importance of self-esteem in children and they are there to support children develop social-emotional skills necessary to support their school experience.
Funding Programs Offered
The Bearcat Discovery Center offers care for Preschool and Before- and After School children. The programs that we offer include:
- State Preschool Program – Children who turn 3 by December 1st or on their 3rd birthday. Families must qualify with income and need.
- Private Pay Preschool Program – Children 2.5 – 5 years of age. We offer two, three, or five days per week either part-day or full-day care.
- Voucher Preschool Program – Children are accepted and are referred from Sierra Nevada Children’s Services (SNCS). Care is offered based on the certification from SNCS.
- Before- and After-School State Funded Program – School Age children grades TK – 8th grade. Families must qualify with income and need. Days and hours are based on the needs of the family.
- Before- and After-School Private Pay Program – School-Age children grades TK – 8th grade. Parents pay for days based on need. Days and hours are based on the needs of the family.
- Voucher School Age Program - Children are accepted that are referred from Sierra Nevada Children’s Services (SNCS). Care is offered based on the certification from SNCS.
Staff
It is our philosophy that caring, nurturing, and educated teachers and staff are facilitators of learning. Our teachers are permitted through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. In order for teachers to maintain and renew their permits every five years, they are required to complete Early Childhood Education units or complete 105 hours of professional development respectively. All staff are fingerprinted and registered at the Department of Justice. Our staff are required to have CPR and First Aid training as well as Health and Safety Certificates. Our staff attend monthly meetings and annual workshops and training. We strongly believe that having a qualified, educated staff is essential in providing the best care and instruction to the children at Bearcat Discovery Center.