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First Discoveries Learning Center. An ark with animals, especially a sloth.

First Discoveries Learning Center
of Howell First United Methodist Church

1230 Bower Street, Howell

 

Our Philosophy 

Our goal for preschool is to create a safe, engaging and nurturing environment that supports curiosity, creativity, social-emotional growth, spiritual formation, and school readiness. With dedicated educators, age-appropriate curriculum, and a focus on whole-child development, the preschool aims to instill a love of learning to give young learners a strong foundation for future success.

Children Painting Together

Why choose us? 

  • Professionally trained staff

  • Christian enrichment

  • Staff trained in CPR first aid, security awareness, and early childhood education

  • Planned age-appropriate activities which help our children develop socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually

  • No afternoon nap for 4's; short quiet time with books and puzzles

  • Handwriting Without Tears curriculum as used by Howell Schools

  • Professionally lead educational activities, music, yoga, community helpers

  • Natural world elements; nature trails, bird feeding and gardening

  • Indoor large motor play area

  • Classroom holiday parties/programs

  • Regular communication with parents

  • Parent/teacher conferences twice a year

  • Yearly school pictures

  • Spacious, well-equipped, air-conditioned classrooms

Happy Kids Huddle
Kids in Preschool

​Upcoming Events

No events at the moment

Our Programs

3s

3 year old program

Meets Tuesday and Thursday

from 9-12.

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4s

4 year old program

Meets Monday and Wednesday

from 9-2:30

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Our program meets Labor Day through Memorial Day in a warm and nurturing environment with age-appropriate activities to encourage whole child growth.

Special Events

  • Community Service Projects

  • Family Social Events

  • Classroom Parties

  • Field Trips

  • Special Visitors

  • Educational Programs

  • Themed Days

  • Christmas Programs

  • Multicultural Activities and Visitors

  • End of the year Celebrations

  • Graduation Ceremony for 4s

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum provides for all areas of child development: physical, social, emotional, and cognitive, in an integrated approach. Appropriate curriculum planning is based on our teacher's observations and assessments of each child’s special interest and developmental progress. The daily schedule within the classroom includes free choice fine and gross motor skills activities, creative art projects, sensory play, music and movement, literacy, science, math outdoor play discovery and much more. Our curriculum supports the whole child by attending to physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual development in an integrated and developmentally appropriate way. Guided by careful observation and assessment, teachers plan experiences that honor each child’s unique interests, abilities, and inner life. Alongside free-choice fine and gross motor activities, creative art projects, sensory exploration, music and movement, literacy, science, math, and outdoor discovery, children are also invited into moments of wonder, reflection, and connection. Through storytelling, imaginative play, shared rituals, and practices that nurture empathy, gratitude, and attentiveness, we create space for children to explore meaning, cultivate curiosity about the world and one another, and grow in a sense of belonging and care. In this way, learning becomes not only the acquisition of skills, but a formative journey that supports children’s emerging sense of self, relationship, and purpose. ​ An important element of our curriculum is Godly Play, a story-centered approach that honors children as capable spiritual meaning-makers. Using hands-on materials, sacred stories, and spacious wondering questions, Godly Play invites children to enter stories rather than simply hear them. In this setting, there are no right or wrong answers. Children are encouraged to reflect, ask deep questions, and respond creatively through play, art, or quiet contemplation. This practice nurtures attentiveness, reverence, and trust, helping children discover language for their own experiences of God, community, and the world, while learning to listen respectfully to the insights of others.

Meet our Preschool Team!

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Our preschool team is full of dedication, expertise, and more passion than you would expect from any program. 

Howell First United Methodist Church

1230 Bower St, Howell, MI 48843 

(517) 546-2730

office@howellfumc.com

Office Hours: Mon-Thu 9am-1pm

FUMC Howell Circle Cross_edited_edited.p

Service Times 

Worship

8 am (Chapel)

9 am (Fellowship Hall)

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10:30 am (Sanctuary)

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© 2025 First United Methodist Church

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