The College of the Siskiyous Discovery Children’s Center is a new facility.  It was built just over a year ago.  The Center has large, spacious rooms furnished with child-size furniture.  The facility and staff are dedicated to providing a family-oriented environment and are committed to promoting quality childcare in a safe and nurturing environment.

 It is the philosophy of the Discovery Center that every child has special qualities that are individual and unique.  The Center is dedicated to providing a blend of experiences that are positive, supportive and educational.  

 It is our belief that children succeed when they are engaged in positive relationships with other children.  At the Discovery Center we provide age-appropriate activities and educational curriculum that promote development and discovery.  This allows children to learn at their own pace and in their own way.

 The Discovery Center offers a Preschool Program serving children from 2.5 to 5 years of age and an After School Program serving children 5 to 12 years of age.  Transportation for the After School Program is provided from Weed and Butteville Elementary Schools

 Currently, twenty-five staff members are on hand to care for the children. This provides a one-to-four, staff-to-child ratio. All staff must be fingerprinted, have passed a current TB test, be in good health and are required to attend all staff meetings.

 In addition to the regular staff there is a wide variety of students working with the children. The participating students may be Early Childhood Education majors or students enrolled in a work-study program or a work experience program.

 Children are provided hands-on learning activities.   An America Reads Program tutor is on hand to work with the children.   She is an asset to children enrolled in the preschool and after school programs.  She helps the children with their reading and math homework. 

 Special programs are planned for the children during the holiday season.   Particularly fun trips include:  Hunter’s Orchard, a Halloween costume parade, a visit to the Weed Convalescent Hospital, a Thanksgiving Feast, Holiday caroling, a special Mom’s Night and Dad’s Night and a family Holiday Program.  During the summer months the children participate in the swimming program at the Weed Swimming Pool which is adjacent to the Weed Campus.

New outdoor equipment, including a state-of-the-art climbing structure is provided in a beautiful outdoor area that is completely fenced and is nestled next to the Center on the beautiful College grounds.  The area sits under the age-old pine trees. 

 The Discovery Center provides care for the children of college students, COS staff members and the public.  It is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Children are enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis.

 Breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack are provided for the children.  Parents are welcome to visit the Discovery Center any time during the day.  We believe and encourage parental involvement, as it is an important factor in the development and quality of the on-going program.

 COS Administrative Assistant, Nancy Miller, said, “I truly enjoyed sharing the Mom’s Night activities with my son. During the evening we sang songs, read stories, and shared projects that were a lot of fun. The activities and the stories carried especially important messages for the children.  I know it takes a lot of energy to plan and organize events such as this.  The Discovery staff members have an exceptional way of communicating with the children.”

 “The COS Discovery Center is a model preschool program and a rewarding experience for everyone involved.  It promotes caring and enthusiastic preschool education for children.  The staff carefully plans activities and is concerned with every detail, from the selection of toys to making sure every day is a rewarding experience for the children,” said Sharon Swingle, COS theatre department costumer. 

 If you are considering a pre-school program or an after school program for your child, my staff and I invite you to come to the Discovery Center at anytime for a visit.  We would be happy to talk with you about the quality our programs and for your child. You can reach the Center by calling 938-5352 or visit our website at:  www.siskiyous.edu and look in the service area.