SUBMITTED BY THE Logan County BOARD OF DD
The Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities Discovery Center means many things to many people. It may be their child’s first experience in preschool. It may be an only child’s first opportunity to play with others. It may be the first time a family experiences hope, that things would be OK; that someone understands their little person. Or it may be their child carrying on the legacy of attending preschool at Discovery Center just like they did as a youngster
The Discovery Center has been a part of Logan County for more than 30 years, providing preschool opportunities for hundreds of families, including families of children who have developmental delays and families of children who are peer mentors, fostering relationships with other preschoolers, offering play, conversations and friendships. There have been so many lives our program has touched!
A new family to Discovery Center this year, has three preschoolers in our program. When asked to share their experiences, Becky said, “The Discovery Center is a breath of fresh air. The kids are safe and you (parents) get a small break to take a breather and know that everything is going to be fine.”
The Watkins, a returning family to Discovery Center, also shared their experiences.
“I send everyone I know to Discovery Center because of the support and resources available to families. The school has gone above and beyond for our two boys.
“And even though I was hesitant, nervous, and anxious about preschool, the Discovery Center has created a safe place for all parents of kids but especially for kids with special needs.”
Katie shared “the first day I walked in with my kids, they were accepted and loved unconditionally by the staff at Discovery Center, and I didn’t have to apologize because they couldn’t talk, or they wanted to jump around. The team took my boys as they were and worked with them, making amazing progress.”
Maycie, Ja’Markus’ mom, said, “I definitely recommend the Discovery Center.”
Ja’Markus is a peer mentor in a general education classroom at Discovery Center. Maycie stated that,“when he started preschool, he was antisocial and had limited interactions with others.” After a year of playing and learning with his classmates, Maycie happily reports “he is counting to 10, knows his ABC’s and is writing his name. And he interacts better with peers. The Discovery Center has turned my son around and I definitely recommend it!”
When talking to Elise Beck, her heartwarming story started with, “Before we found the Discovery Center we didn’t know if our son would ever speak.
“When playing at the park, we would watch our son trying to interact with other kids, not being able to find the words to talk. His dad and I could see the loneliness and isolation in his eyes and felt sad for him. Kids at the park would ask ‘why isn’t he talking’ or ‘what’s wrong with him’; it was hard for us to watch.
“During Early Intervention, our son learned to say, ‘I’m Kevin’. Within a year of preschool with his teachers, therapist, and an entire staff on his team and in his corner, the Discovery Center gave my child a voice! They helped the world to see the brilliant, caring, incredible little guy that he is.”
Haylee, whose daughter is a peer mentor, said Leona’s first experience in school and playing with kids her own age was at Discovery Center.
“She has grown so much (since beginning preschool) and has come out of her shell. This is her second year of preschool, and she is no longer timid or shy, afraid to ask for help and most of it has to do with Discovery Center.
“The teachers are wonderful. I think the teachers mean a lot to her; they make her feel safe when she is not with us.”
And Haylee states “she values safety and comfort” when Leona’s at school.
There are many more uplifting stories in our community about the Discovery Center but if you want to experience them for yourself and your family, consider the Discovery Center as a preschool program for your child.
Our young children have daily opportunities to learn through group activities and play, along with listening to stories and exploring creativity through music and movement and art experiences. Discovery Center also provides exploration through outdoor play, as well as gross motor movement in our indoor gym space which includes swings, a rock wall, a trampoline and bikes.
The preschool program is licensed through the state of Ohio and is a 5-Star Step-Up-To Quality rated program. Our preschoolers attend two or four days a week, for half day sessions. Checkout our website at www.logancbdd.org and our Facebook page www.facebook.com/logancbdd to see the exciting activities and experiences our kids are having at Discovery Center.
Ja’Markus is a peer mentor who attends the Discovery Center. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
The Beck family appreciates the opportunities for their son at the Discovery Center. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)