Derry Discovery Days Preschool
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. And Jesus took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. Matthew 19:13-15
- An outreach ministry serving young children ages one through five years old
- Open September through May
- Meets Monday through Thursday at Derry Church, Hershey, PA
At Derry Discovery Days preschool, we consider it a privilege to care for your children, surrounding them with God’s love as they discover the world around them, make new friends, create and play. Our goal is to provide a value-based program that helps children gain positive social, emotional, intellectual and physical experiences.
Registration info
2024-25 Registration for new families is under way!
We have openings in our morning Butterfly 4s class and our afternoon Butterfly 4s Class (must be 4 by 9/1/24). All other classes are full. Contact Laura Cox, Director, at ddd@derrypres.org or call 717-533-9667 ext. 201 to set up a tour and to register.
Meet the Preschool Director, Laura Cox, and the Derry Discovery Days Board
If you shop at Weis markets and use their club card, Derry Discovery Days preschool invites you to participate in the Weis4School program, which leverages your grocery shopping dollars to help earn cash for the school of your choice.
Click this link to register: just enter you club card number and in the drop down section, choose Derry Discovery Days. It’s an easy way for our preschool to earn some extra money to purchase supplies and learning materials.
turtle 2’S CLASS
- Two years old by Sept. 1
- TWO-DAY OPTION: Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday 9-11:30 am
- FOUR-DAY OPTION: Monday through Thursday 9-11:30 am
BUSY BEE 3’S CLASS
- Three years old & potty trained by Sept. 1
- 9-11:30 am Monday & Wednesday (2 days)
- 9-11:30 am Tuesday & Thursday (2 days)
- 9-11:30 am Monday through Thursday (4 days)
BUTTERFLY 4/5’S CLASS
- Four or five years old & potty trained by Sept. 1
- 9-11:30 am Monday-Thursday mornings (4 days)
- 12:30-3 pm Monday-Thursday afternoons (4 days)
2024-25 Dates of Interest
- Aug 29 – Teacher meet & greet
- Sept 3/4 – First day of preschool classes
- Oct 14 – No classes: Columbus Day
- Oct 28-29 – Picture days
- Nov 5 – No classes: Election Day
- Nov 25-Dec 2 – No classes: Thanksgiving break
- Dec 23-Jan 5 – No classes: Christmas break
- Jan 20 – No classes: Martin Luther King Day
- Feb 17 – No classes: Presidents’ Day
- Mar 5 – Family Ash Wednesday service 9:15 am
- Mar 10 – No classes: Inservice Day
- Apr 16-21 – No classes: Holy Week/Easter
- May 13 – Class picnics
- May 22 – Last day of school
Up to two in-service days to be determined. TBD: Fall Festival, picture days, winter event.
Weather-Related Delays & Cancellations
DDD follows Derry Township School District for weather-related delays and closings. When the school district has a 1- or 2-hour delay, DDD morning classes will be held 10am-12 pm, afternoon classes 1-3pm. When the school district dismisses early, DDD WILL NOT have afternoon classes
COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS
- “Strengthen a parent…and you strengthen a child.” Mr. Rogers
- Open and informed communication is essential for your child’s successful development at Derry Discovery Days. We achieve this by informing parents about our routines and objectives.
- The staff is available to meet with parents after school hours. Appointments appreciated.
- Newsletters keep parents informed and updated on all events and activities.
- Parents are welcome to observe their child’s daily routine. Should parents have concerns regarding the health and safety of their child, please discuss these issues with the Discovery Days Interim Director, Laura Cox. The staff welcomes suggestions and ideas. We truly appreciate the parental support given to the program!
- Questions? Contact Laura Cox, Director