Preschool Program

The Bearcat Discovery Center Preschool program is based on the idea that children are competent, inquisitive, learners who benefit most from the open-ended exploration of their environment. Children explore with hands-on, age and developmentally appropriate experiences. We value the research of play-based learning and agree that children’s work is play. We also emphasize the development of social skills and a strong image of self.

 

Preschool Program

Our Preschool program is designed to enrich and promote the growth of the whole child through developmentally appropriate, hands-on learning experiences. Our curriculum is the in-depth investigation of child interest topics. Additionally, we use Second Step social-emotional curriculum and Hand Writing Without Tears. We use California Preschool Framework and Foundations, which describe competencies—knowledge and skills—that most children can be expected to exhibit in a high-quality program as they complete their first or second year of preschool. In other words, the foundations describe what all young children typically learn with appropriate support. With the Foundations as our guidance, we assess preschool children twice per year to ensure they are progressing toward these competencies. Our goal is that preschool children are school-ready by the time they transition to TK or Kindergarten.

State Subsidized Child Care is a free or reduced cost program based on family need, family size and family income. Families may receive child care services based on the documented need, which may include working, in school, incapacitated or seeking employment.

Fee-Based Child Care has no income restrictions. Families may enroll in child care services part-day, full-day, full-week or part-week.

Free State Preschool Program

Even when children are out of school, they need a comfortable, safe and nurturing environment. The Bearcat Discovery Center School Age Program offers out of school care for children in grades K – 8th grade who are enrolled in the Union Hill School District.

Our School Age program supports children in the areas of social, emotional, cognitive and physical growth through a variety of activities that take place both indoors and outdoors; to support self-concept through social interactions that involve cooperation, conflict resolution while building strong relationships with peers and adults; and provide a safety net for children and families.

During our School Age Program we will provide children with a variety of activities to help stimulate their growth in a child-centered environment. We partner with Union Hill Elementary School to allow children to participate in after-school activities organized by the school district. Additionally the staff at the Bearcat Discovery Center recognizes that children need a dedicated space, time and support for their daily homework assignments. Our teachers provide support in beginning and when possible, completing homework. Children in the upper grades have access to Chromebooks and may use them for homework when warranted.

Our School Age program offers subsidized and fee-based childcare for children K through 8th grade. We offer Before and After School Care from 6:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

State Subsidized Child Care is a free or reduced cost program based on family need, family size and family income. Families may receive child care services based on the documented need which may include working, in school, incapacitated or seeking employment.

Fee-Based Child Care has no income restrictions. Families may enroll in child care services part-day, full-day, full-week or part-week.