Certified Teachers
Our teachers are certified with State of Michigan teaching degrees. They are "hands-on" teachers who work directly with the children. This provides the children with the benefit of receiving professional learning experiences from qualified teachers.
Credentials
Creative Discovery is owned by and is directed by Sharon VanOrd. She holds multiple degrees in Early Childhood Development and Education. She has held several different teaching positions over the past 20 something years. Sharon's love of children and her teaching background have prepared her well for the challenge of providing a learning center environment that is second to none. Sharon is truly committed to assuring that every child in the Creative Discovery program receives the best possible care and educational opportunity that a learning center can provide. Sharon is committed to assuring that Creative Discovery's teachers are certified and are hands-on.
Literacy Training
Literacy is hugely important in a child's educational process. It encompasses all forms of communication, including reading, writing, speaking, comprehension, and understanding. We at Creative Discovery understand its importance and our programs focus directly on literacy training. Our teachers are trained in various techniques to help our students develop their literacy proficiency in a positive manner.
Zoo-Phonics
Zoo-Phonics is a copyrighted program that teaches young children letter recognition and sounds along with associated motions. Our preschool version is a perfect lead in to the Howell Public School's version that was introduced in the Kindergarten curriculum in the fall of 2006.
Kindergarten Readiness and Re-enforcement
Preschool programs at Creative Discovery are designed to help prepare our students for entry into kindergarten from both an educational and social standpoint. We constantly monitor and evaluate our students to determine their individual development level and share appropriate information with their parent/guardian.
For children attending Kindergarten on alternate days, we offer a program on the "off days" designed to re-enforce their educational experiences received in Kindergarten.
Lesson Plans
Lesson plans are an integral part of effective teaching. They assure that the day's lessons are organized and well thought out. Sharon prepares detailed lesson plans for the month including literacy focus, educational themes, events, and food menus. Copies are provided to each family.
State-of-the-art Programs and Techniques
Our programs include Zoo-Phonics and elements of MLPP (Michigan Literacy), L.E.T.R.S. (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading & Spelling), and PLaY (Playful Literacy and You). Equipment, furniture, and play manipulatives used at Creative Discovery are designed especially for young children. The physical arrangement of our class rooms are "center based".
Curriculum in line with HPS
Sharon has been and continues to be familiar with the curriculum in the Howell Public School Kindergarten and Elementary levels — the Zoo-Phonics program for example. Creative Discovery programs are designed to help prepare our students for an easy transition into the Howell kindergarten programs.
Safe, Clean, Healthy Environment
As a top priority, we are committed to providing an environment that is safe, clean, and healthy. We pay special attention to medical needs of the children such as allergies, food restrictions, etc.
Competitive Pricing
We offer flexible pricing depending on your needs. Our rates are affordable and we are confident that the value of our services are well above our prices.
Community Leader
Creative Discovery is member of the Howell Chamber of Commerce and a proud sponsor of the Girl Scouts of America. Sharon has been a Girl Scout leader for many years and is currently a Troop Service Director. She leads the Beautification Team at Southeast Elementary. Sharon leads and is an active member in several fund raising committees — United Way, Walk for Diabetes, and others.
Great Location
We are located in a quiet neighborhood surrounded by medical offices, elementary schools, and few small residences. The Howell High School property borders the rear of our property and St. Joseph Hospital is just a few short blocks away. Easy access to all highways and express ways.
Convenient Parking
We have a spacious parking lot with parking spaces within a few feet of the front door, providing for easy drop off and pick up.
