The Discovery Center, Ann Arbor | Fees, Rankings, Address, Admission, Vacancies, Reviews & More

We were not pleased with the overall experience our daughter had at the Discovery Center. One of my child’s three teachers was especially warm, kind, and appeared to be invested in my child’s best interests. Her other teachers were also caring, but did not appear to have the skills necessary to effectively teach and support preschoolers.

I have witnessed my child’s teachers talking to children in a harsh, scolding tone. One small child (3 or 4 years of age) was getting a time-out and a harsh scolding because he “woudn’t sit still” during lunch time. As a parent, I have been spoken to in a scolding manner because my child’s behavior did not meet their expectations one day (she was having difficulty remaining quiet during nap time).
The classroom teachers had inappropriate expectations for preschoolers’ behavior. For example, they punished age-appropriate, positive behaviors such as talking about a story as it was being read. Sadly, talking about a story is exactly what an engaged, curious child should be encouraged to do, and spoken language is the primary way that they process information. Instead, they are required to remain silent, in a designated spot on the rug, and passively listen to the teacher read a story. Often, the stories that are chosen are much too difficult for a younger child to follow and understand, yet they are required to remain silent and not move.

I expressed my observations and concerns to the director, and she did not respond with concern, compassion or warmth; rather, she responded with a terse, “I’ll look into it” response. I did not receive any follow-up from her, and continued to observe these behaviors. My child eventually refused to attend school, telling me that she was afraid to go. I shared this experience with the director, and again received a cold and unconcerned response. To her teachers’ credit, when I shared with them that she was afraid and would not be returning, they did express concern and were sorry that she had a poor experience.

My child deserves a better environment for her first school experience, and am relieved that I have found a different placement for her. I wish that I would have had more information before initially choosing this center for her, and I wish that the director was more compassionate and interested in helping our daughter have the best experience possible.

This had been a wonderful place for both our children. Our daughter went here for about a year, but when her brother needed to start day care because of work schedules, he was too young for their program, and we took her out and put them elsewhere. It was nowhere near as professional, caring or feedback rich as the discovery center. As soon as he was old enough we went back and have been amazed by the difference in our kids attitude to leaving in the morning. I pick up simulated, happy and well fed children each time they are there. The teachers feedback is not scolding, as someone else wrote here, it’s helpful, instructive and insightful advice from professional educators with years of experience. The ability to see your child interact without them seeing you to affect their behavior is wonderful. This place is great from design to staff to the obvious love and care my children are treated with. It’s the best.

My child has gone to the Discovery Center since she was first able to and will be moving on to kindergarten in a few weeks. She has grown and developed so much here thanks to her teachers. I’ve never had a problem with communication (as older reviews have mentioned); everyone (from the director to the teachers) has always been open and available to talk. I have been completely happy with our experience, and I highly recommend TDC! From the teachers to the classrooms to the playground, nature area, and rainbow room, this has been a very positive and nurturing environment.