Teachers receive the National Credential of Child Development Associate Degree (CDA), a New York State State Teaching Degree or a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education. We are proud of the low staff turnover and many staff members have ten years or more years of employment at New Discovery. Our staff has a reputation for their combination of educational skills, practical experience, and a warm, caring devotion to each child’s growth and development. Staff members work cooperatively to share new ideas as well as tried and true practices for guiding children and parents through the early childhood years. All classroom staff receive a minimum of 30 hours of training every 2 years.

ALL TEACHERS AND ASSISTANTS are required to complete CPR and first aid training. In addition, teachers are required to receive and maintain Medical Administration Training.

2 year olds

0-5 children=1 teacher; 5-10 children=1 teacher/1 assistant; 11-12 children=1 teacher/2 assistants

3 year olds

0-7 children=1 teacher; 8-14 children=1 teacher/1 assistant

4 year olds

0-8 children=1 teacher; 9-16 children=1 teacher/1 assistant; 16-18 children=1 teacher/2 assistants

5 year olds

0-9 children=1 teacher; 10-18 children=1 teacher/1 assistant

There is free time and structured time in all of the classrooms. The time allowed for each varies according to the ages of the children. Concepts are presented daily during structured time. Creative expression, social development, cognitive skills and problem solving are incorporated into each day. All classrooms have a daily routine and teachers plan activities one month in advance. Guided play is part of each day. The age-appropriate curriculum guide for each age group is available.

It is not required that a child be toilet trained in order to attend New Discovery.

December 1st is the cut off date for pre-school classes (ages 3, and 4). If a child lives in other than the Kings Park School district, the cut-off of his district will be honored. In order for exceptions to be made to the cut-off date policy, the approval of the director is required.

Teachers distract children from inappropriate behavior and encourage them to use words instead of actions to express their feelings.

This varies for each child and communication with the parent is important to understand the child’s feelings. It takes time and patience for children to adjust to being away from a parent or caregiver. Crying is a normal emotional release and may actually help some children deal with this new experience. However, we will not let a child become overly distraught without calling his/her parent. Separation anxiety or temporary regression of behavior is not unusual and can occur at any time during the school year. Our staff is experienced in working cooperatively with parents to handle these issues.

New employees are screened thoroughly by New Discovery and a private investigative agency. In addition, new employees are fingerprinted through New York State Office of Children and Families and screened by New York State Central Clearing Agency.

A child cannot start the program unless he/she has a current immunization record and we ask for that to be submitted with the child’s application. Record of a medical exam within 12 months prior to starting our program must be submitted on our New York State form before a child starts school.