Our programs are thoughtfully designed to support every stage of early childhood, from infants just beginning to explore the world to preschoolers preparing for kindergarten. With a focus on social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development, each classroom offers a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive at their own pace.
From the moment your infant joins our care, we begin building trust through nurturing, responsive interactions. Our teachers support each baby’s growth with compassionate routines and an exploration-based curriculum that encourages language, movement, and self-awareness.
We keep parents closely involved, providing consistent updates on needs and milestones. Babies are cuddled, sung to, and engaged with sensory play daily, and they enjoy safe outdoor time whenever weather allows.
A quiet nap area supports restful sleep, while those awake can continue to explore. Each child has a personalized portfolio that tracks their development through age five—a meaningful keepsake for families.
Discover how our nurturing infant care program supports early development through compassionate routines, sensory exploration, and personalized attention.
As toddlers grow, we nurture their independence through play-based learning that supports physical, emotional, and social development.
At this stage, children begin moving from parallel play to engaging with peers in meaningful ways. Art, music, and movement become daily experiences, helping toddlers express themselves through painting, dancing, and pretend play.
Sensory exploration continues with water tables, sand, and textured materials both indoors and out. Storytime happens in small groups or one-on-one, building early literacy skills. Mealtimes are served family-style, giving children the chance to practice self-feeding and fine motor coordination in a social setting.
Find out how our sensory-rich toddler program encourages early literacy, fine motor development, and meaningful play.
As children grow from toddlers to preschoolers, our preschool program supports social development, friendship-building, and teamwork through structured routines and age-appropriate learning experiences.
In a classroom designed for exploration, children choose from a variety of hands-on activities, toys, and books that inspire curiosity. Teachers observe and create a responsive curriculum based on each child’s interests and developmental needs.
Child-sized toilets encourage independence and toilet training, while daily music, dance, and arts activities promote creativity and fine motor development. Outdoor play includes climbing, running, and sensory fun with sand and water.
Come see how our nature and science-rich environment helps children grow through exploration and discovery.
As toddlers grow into preschoolers, we focus on building friendships, encouraging teamwork, and supporting social development through a structured daily routine.
Children are given freedom to explore their interests through teacher-guided, play-based activities. Classrooms are thoughtfully designed with child-sized features, including toilets to support toilet training.
Music, dance, and hands-on art projects continue to develop creativity and fine motor skills. Outdoor play is a big part of the day, with space to run, climb, and explore sand and water tables. A raised garden and indoor science center bring nature and discovery into everyday learning.
Give your child a strong start in a safe, engaging preschool program focused on early learning and social development.
Our 3-year-old Preschool and 4-year-old Prekindergarten programs focus on self-help, decision-making, and school-readiness through hands-on learning and purposeful play. Each program features age-appropriate curriculum designed to support your child’s growth at every stage.
Discovery Centers offer a variety of engaging areas, including dramatic play, science, math, sensory, art, and early literacy. Children are encouraged to make choices, explore at their own pace, and participate in group activities that include music, movement, and storytime.
Mealtimes are social and skill-building, with children practicing pouring, scooping, and conversation. Daily fitness activities and outdoor play (weather permitting) help support healthy routines. Parent-teacher conferences are offered twice a year to support ongoing communication and development.
From early literacy to outdoor play, we nurture the whole child. Connect with us to learn how your child can thrive here.
This program:
Meets Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards and Pyramid Model Social-Emotional Competencies
Follows the Appleton Area School District 4K Calendar
Uses a play-based curriculum to build social-emotional skills
Offers optional fall and spring conferences
Includes a light breakfast
Our Summer School Age program provides a fun and relaxed environment where children build essential skills like teamwork, empathy, independence, and acceptance. While the atmosphere is casual, there is a curriculum shaped by the children’s interests, focusing on social development and personal growth.
Children have access to a variety of self-selected activities, including dramatic play, board games, puzzles, books, arts and crafts, and more. These activities encourage creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration, helping children develop key communication skills and foster meaningful friendships.
Give your child the opportunity to grow through collaborative activities and engaging learning experiences this summer.
Our 3-year-old Preschool and 4-year-old Prekindergarten programs focus on self-help, decision-making, and school-readiness through hands-on learning and purposeful play. Each program features age-appropriate curriculum designed to support your child’s growth at every stage.
Discovery Centers offer a variety of engaging areas, including dramatic play, science, math, sensory, art, and early literacy. Children are encouraged to make choices, explore at their own pace, and participate in group activities that include music, movement, and storytime.
Mealtimes are social and skill-building, with children practicing pouring, scooping, and conversation. Daily fitness activities and outdoor play (weather permitting) help support healthy routines. Parent-teacher conferences are offered twice a year to support ongoing communication and development.
From early literacy to outdoor play, we nurture the whole child. Connect with us to learn how your child can thrive here or click the button below to learn more.
“I can’t imagine my child at any other daycare facility. The teachers/employed staff are tremendous and truly care about the kids. While my child is in daycare, I don’t have to worry about them falling behind in their age-appropriate development milestones because of YCDCs teachers/staff and the communication. What a weight lifted!”
– Jen and Joel V.
