My son started DLC in 2017 at age 2, and it has been one of the best parenting decisions we have made. He is now in third grade and just finished the summer program. He loves it there. When we first started looking for a daycare, I wanted a play-based non-chain environment. DLC was super close to our house, and I loved the philosophies I read on their website. DLC has been more than I hoped. We were there before pandemic, during pandemic, after pandemic. All the time they had a warm and professional staff, helping all of us navigate zoom-school. The teachers are wonderful and caring. The outdoor play area is huge. The school-age kids in the summer do a ton of field trips. They are very communicative. I feel well-informed. They are constantly evolving and improving. But most of all, my son loves it. He is sad he doesn't go there anymore. I think he would love to be a kid at DLC forever. He has made memories and friendships that will last him a lifetime. read more

DLC provides the kind of care for my children I've always wanted them to have. Emotionally focused and tailored to their needs, the teachers at DLC think hard about each child and their needs and develop a custom plan to help them thrive. I'm confident that my children are in the right place and grateful to have this opportunity. On top of all that, the community at DLC is wonderful. I've recruited every parent in the vicinity to join DLC, and, if you are in the market for a daycare, I want to recruit you too. read more

Finding this gem of a daycare/preschool was the best gift we could have received for our kids. At our tour they said, "if you don't like your kid coming home covered in paint this isn't the school for you." We immediately signed up!! Being a primarily outdoor facility, our kids get such incredible fun and care. The teachers are just the best of the best! And this is compared to a chain preschool we had been at before. Don't look back! Sign your babies up!! read more

Discovery Learning Center - Summer program play - Child Care & Day Care Near Me - Fair Oaks, California

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Our son started at DLC when he was two years old, and now three years later he's graduating to go onto kindergarten. We are so grateful for the time spent at this wonderful preschool! From the beginning, the school director Jami and all the teachers have been amazing. They really see each child as a unique individual, get to know them, and support their specific needs. The kids spend the majority of the day playing outside, with lots of fun hands-on activities and art projects, but also lots of free play. The classes are grouped roughly by age but they clearly put thought into finding the right fit in the groups. The large outdoor area has several play spaces for climbing, swinging, digging, and water play, with lots of shade. The kids usually end the day wet, sandy, and happy! They often go on little walking field trips, with bigger field trips as the kids get older. Teacher turnover at DLC is very low; most of the current teachers have been there since we started. You can really tell that they feel like valued members of the team, not just employees. When there have been challenges (normal with toddlers and preschoolers!) communication has been great and everyone has had a positive approach to helping the kids grow and learn. We've also met many other great families through DLC . Our son looks forward to school every day and we will miss our DLC family! read more

Wonderful preschool, we have been there many years with multiple children. Highly trained staff with low turnover and evidence based early childhood education. Low ratios. read more

DLC is amazing! My eldest daughter started with DLC 5 years ago, my younger 18 months ago. They have incredibly dedicated staff and a low ratio of teachers to students. The kids learn so much, but it is so much fun that both our kids are excited to attend. My older daughter was diagnosed with childhood apraxia of speech while in their preschool program (she is now in their before/after school program). DLC truly practices inclusion and supports each child where they are at. They were so phenomenal through the diagnosis process and willing to integrate her speech therapy practice into their program. The communication with parents is stellar and the director is well-organized. Truly the best! read more

DLC is the kind of preschool you dream about for your kids. The emphasis on free play and social-emotional development at the school is so important for that age group, and prepares the kids so well for future schooling. We moved away from Carmichael two years ago after my oldest attended DLC for two years, and I still mourn the fact that my two younger kids won't have the magical DLC experience. There really is no place like it. read more

Sending both of our children to Discovery Learning Center has been one of the greatest decisions we have made for our family. We toured many preschool programs and none of them matched our vision. When we toured Discovery Learning Center, we knew instantly that this was everything we were hoping a preschool would be. The environment was welcoming and full of things to discover. The staff is incredibly kind and their knowledge of child development is phenomenal. They truly take a holistic approach and meet your child exactly where they are in the process of growing. We have both a neurotypical and neurodivergent child. Both have completely flourished at Discovery Learning Center and there is no other preschool we would trust more! read more

My daughter attended DLC for about two years, and I can't say enough good things about this place. She just thrived at DLC, made amazing friends, grew in confidence all while learning and most importantly, playing. They have an amazing outdoor play yard with swings, a slide, a rope swing, a garden, and often engage in water play on warm days. My daughter loved enjoying the play yard with her friends. The teachers were always finding new activities, art projects, dress-up and stories to keep kids engaged and learning through play while having fun. The director, Jami is extremely transparent. She was always proactive in her communication. I don't have a lot of experience with preschools and daycares, but unlike the school my son went to, Jami always informed us if there was any sort of transition in staff, any illness, any community updates, anything that a parent would want to know about. If there was a new staff member, Jami would send an email, providing a bio, and making sure we knew who our kids were spending their days with. Occasional calls from teachers (always prefaced with "not an emergency" so we weren't worried :) ) to let us know about minor incidents were greatly appreciated, and another example of the transparency at DLC.  I can't say enough about how much we appreciated the actions DLC took with regards to COVID. They were so diligent and ensured the kids were well-cared for during this unprecedented time. Keeping kids in small groups, implementing strict cleaning policies, temperature checks, planned drop off times with parents staying outside. We felt safe with the measures they took, and really appreciated how quickly they adapted to make things work, while also considering how the crazy world impacted our children. Jami sent articles to parents, reminding us that we weren't alone and helping us navigate this with our kids. It's strange to think that our kids will have memories of wearing masks to preschool, but it's the world we live in; DLC did everything possible to make it as easy on them as they could.  We left DLC because we moved out of the area, and my daughter still asks if she could go back. I'm so fortunate of the 2 years she spent here, and would whole heartedly recommend this place to anybody looking for a play-based preschool where kids simultaneously learn and play. read more

DLC is above 5 stars...it's a place any parent could hope for their child to attend pre-school. Supportive, nurturing and engaging, meeting each child where they are, developmentally and emotionally. DLC is giving my Son the tools to navigate all aspects of life and we couldn't feel more grateful to have found a spot for him here. He is so proud to be a part of the DLC community with loving friends and teachers who are a guiding light in his life...he comes home with dirty clothes and a happy heart! read more

Enrolled my daughter on November 16th and her final day was December 31st. When I first toured the school, it all seemed so promising. I quickly learned how micromanaged this place was after a few encounters with the school director. The tuition rate is overpriced and on top of that they add on a "+10% COVID fee". Considering the tuition price, they do not even provide lunches for the students. Make sure you know all the details before enrolling your child. Cheers read more

We were at a different Montessori preschool and my son came home crying every day because other kids were hitting him. We talked to the teachers about it and kept working on it, but every day it was getting worse. When we switched to DLC, all of my son's fears melted away! He immediately loved it and is excited to go each day! When conflicts come up between kids, the teachers are PAYING ATTENTION and teaching the kids the best way to handle it!! I think the biggest difference is the smaller teacher to student ratios and plenty of time outdoors. I cannot say enough good things about this place. read more

DLC is the best!! I went to DLC from when I was two years old until the end of sixth grade. The teachers are so patient, caring, and kind. They emphasize exploration based play and truly care about every aspect of development. I loved every one of my years there and would come come at the end of each day so excited and happy. I highly recommend Discovery Learning Center! read more

Discovery Learning Center A.K.A DLC. The only place for my kids!!! My stepson went there and we loved it! My Daughter went there we loved it.... and brace yourselves DLC I am sending 2 more in June. The environment for children is amazing!!! My kids learned so much there. They encourage kids to think and solve problems on there own. The make manners a MUST. They are involved the kids in ever thing. The kids help organize, plan and put together. The hands on work and the "outside the box creative ideas impressed me every time. My kids got to do every thing from the basics like writing and painting to cooking, taking care of animals and playing instruments. Can I say HELLO options... My kids had so much to do. Taking my daughter first thing in the morning.... She could eat breakfast (that I provide) there. They even let me take food and store it there for her to have on hand, if the weather is good outside play is always and option (on a play ground I want play on), tables of different activities (always at least 3). Lunch time you can pack a lunch to be heated. Me and the kids love it. (what kid wants PB&J all the time, No thank you). The structure and set curriculum is followed through on, not just put on a calender to look good. I honestly think that DLC played a HUGE part in the academic success of my daughter. She is now in 2nd grade and DLC gave her a jump start to a fabulous student. I have 2 more babies starting in June ages 2 and 3 and I cant wait to be back at DLC. read more

DLC is definitely the greatest preschool around. My son has been going there for over two years, and loves it so much. The teachers are all experts in every way with young children, including extensive educations, many years experience, creativeness, and the list goes on. There are lots of fun outings, school events, parent participation, etc. After trying out a few daycare centers before finding DLC, and experiencing mediocre childcare, I am thankful EVERY DAY that we have DLC. I leave in the morning knowing the kids are going to have a great day every day, and learn so much. Once you walk in, talk to the teachers, and see the kids in action, you will know you found the right place. That was how I felt and still do! read more

This place is amazing. The teachers and owners truly care about the children and their experiences. Not only do they work to make sure your child is receiving great care, they make sure to keep parents involved! I have never seen a school that cares so much about teacher-parent relationships! I love that they focus on Emilia Reggio/ nature-based learning. This is a place where your child can truly be a kid, not a little robot at a desk, forced to learn specific things from a curriculum book. The teachers base their curriculum off of what the children are actually interested in. Their outdoor play area is phenomenal. There are tire swings, rope swings, a spider swing (great for children who need space or are on the spectrum), upside down monkey bars, a racetrack for bikes, a sand pit and so many other areas that promote exploration! Children are allowed to get messy, play in water, paint, shaving cream, you name it! This is the most unique learning center I've ever seen. I would 100% recommended this place to anyone! read more

A wonderful preschool experience that celebrates each child and values hands on, experiential early learning.

I went to this preschool myself, over 15 years ago! I still to this day talk about how awesome it was. Life long memories. The staff was so hands on, letting us create, imagine, get dirty, and explore! I wish i lived closer so my son could go as well! read more

Our daughter loves it here, and we love the teachers too. Weather permitting, she gets to spend a good part of the day playing outside, and frequently comes home covered in dirt, mud and paint, just as a kid should! read more

DLC has been a great fit for my child. Instead of expecting him to form to their ideals, he is embraced and understood by his teachers. He's given the space to grow as well as encouraged to try new things and introduced to new concepts. This program truly respects each child as an individual and does not have a cookie-cutter approach to teaching. They make learning fun and hands-on and allow for true play time. The children are constantly engaged in play or activities and generally seem happy. The teachers and owner are highly trained and work well together as a team. I feel so lucky to have found DLC as it has been a perfect fit for my family. read more

What a wonderful, loving, caring and fun environment. We moved to New York and wish I could take all the teachers with me. Now that I am interviewing new places I realize just how lucky we were with the DLC teachers. I can't recommend it enough. My little one started at 2 yrs old and loved every minute of it. I was looking for a play school - not a day care and a place that really offered my daughter stuff that I could not offer at home. DLC was the place!!! Really can't recommend the place enough. read more