First Discoveries Christian Preschool
Preschool in San Jose, CA 95125
First Discoveries Christian Preschool enrolls children 2.5 years to pre-kindergarten. We are located next to Willow Glen Middle School in the quiet residential Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose, CA. We were recently awarded the Commitment to Excellence and Seal of Approval from Better Child Development Organization. First Discoveries is also an Exemplary Preschool for Valley Christian Schools; and has been nominated twice as one of the Best Preschools in San Jose by KRON Channel 4.
The founders of First Discoveries Christian Preschool are a mother-daughter team, Rose Gemmell and Terry Beckett. They are committed to teaching and nurturing children in their formative years using Christian values. Through Bible teachings, the founders, along with their welcoming staff, help children develop empathy, friendships, and conflict resolution.
Parents will be happy to know that First Discoveries also uses a blended curriculum of ScienceStart!, Montessori, and the Reggio Emilia approach. Using this refreshing blend stimulates children’s growth in emotional, social, cognitive, physical, and spiritual development. The staff members at First Discoveries believe that children are born with a natural curiosity to their environment. To foster their inquisitive minds, children are provided with tools and equipment to experiment and expand their exploration process. Through this process children are introduced to the basics of science, cooking, art, and music.
Outdoors, children are provided with equipment to exercise and learn about nature. A large play structure is available for children to climb to their heart’s content. Their expansive lawn provides plenty of space for children to run and play. There are learning opportunities outdoors as well. Children explore and plant herb or vegetable gardens while learning about the life cycle of plants. First Discoveries has also added a “Hope Garden.” This new sensorial garden has pea gravel, butterfly-attracting flowers, different textures and music for children to explore and play while developing their sensorial skills.
First Discoveries’ dedication to children is shown in all areas of their curriculum. However, one difference sets them above and apart from most other preschools. First Discoveries has a Spanish Immersion program in the afternoon. Teachers and staff members work hard to make sure all children feel comfortable and benefit from a second language by speaking both English and Spanish to children who are new to the program.
First Discoveries Christian Preschool and their staff members provide a great multilingual program that can engrain a positive attitude for success in to your child at a young age. A positive successful attitude at a young age paves the road to greater future success in all areas of a child’s adult life.
- Child Ages:
- 2.5 years - 7 years
- Rates:
- $
- Licenses & Accreditations:
- California Department of Social Services: Community Care Licensing Division
- Vouchers:
- This provider does not accept vouchers
- Preschool:
- Yes
- Children per Teacher:
- Infant: -/-, Toddler: -/-, Pre k: 8/1, Afterschool: 8/1
- Hours of Operation:
- 7:30 am - 6:00 pm
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Our mission is to provide an advantageous educational environment for each child 2.5 to 6.5 years old. Our responsibility is to offer a safe and joyful avenue for children to grow and develop positive attitudes that will enable them to reach their true potential. We do this by exploring and discovering with them a part of their world each day; as well as showing each child how they all can succeed in their educational journey individually. By providing multiple opportunities to succeed for children and valuing their effort gives them the confidence and courage to pursue ongoing lifelong accomplishments.
Teaching Philosophy: We have a sincere love for children and a commitment to partner with families in educating their children to prepare them emotionally intellectually socially physically and spiritually. We believe that every child is a unique and special gift from God and should be encouraged to progress at his or her own rate of speed toward enriched experiences. We encourage children to explore and discover Gods amazing world as they develop their self-image establish friendships and experience the excitement of learning. Our school strives to provide families and their children with a strong educational and Biblical foundation to guide them in their developments. By basing our education on the Bible were teaching our students to look at the world around them from a different perspective. Were teaching them not just to succeed in their world but to transform it. Read more on our beliefs and why we stand by them.
We believe that children learn through active exploration and discovery from their environment and that they love and best learn from meaningful hands-on play based activities. Every area of our school is designed to create an environment of love and trust where children can grow to the full potential that God intended for them. The learning environment is carefully planned to allow freedom to be creative as well as stimulate healthy curiosity in the child. However limits will be set to help the child learn about safety and develop a respect for property and the rights of others. Through planned and emergent activities we help children naturally work to refine their skills that help them become more independent and capable. We believe that God has given each child unique abilities and given the opportunity to pursue them; each child will discover his unique gift. We are honored to be a part of that discovery.
