Children’s Discovery Center
The Children’s Discovery Center (CDC) provides year-round, full-day programs for children ages 2 to 5, using a play-based learning model that nurtures curiosity and fosters a love of learning. As the only nonprofit in Sublette County offering summer childcare for children as young as 2, the CDC plays a vital role in supporting local families. From June to August 2024, we served 46 students, enabling 41 families to continue contributing to the local economy with the confidence that their children were in a safe, engaging environment.
Beyond childcare, our Summer Program blends education with outdoor exploration, ensuring that students experience the natural world firsthand. Open to children of all economic backgrounds and abilities, the program emphasizes science literacy and environmental stewardship. Students participate in hands-on activities such as dissecting owl pellets, hatching butterflies, composting, and growing the food they prepare and eat at school. They also engage in the local Farmer’s Market, where they grow plants, transport them to the market, and manage sales, fostering responsibility and real-world learning.
During the summer, CDC collaborates with 16 local and regional organizations and visits over 35 locations across Sublette County. These experiences encourage children to develop a deep respect and appreciation for their community and environment, shaping them into responsible, engaged citizens.
Throughout the rest of the year, students continue to explore and enjoy the outdoor classroom in all seasons—collecting leaves for “Leaf Man” in the fall, building snow forts in the winter, and planting seeds in the spring. Our 4- and 5-year-olds take on leadership roles as the “keepers” of the school, caring for animals year-round, watering plants during the growing season, and even shoveling snow from sidewalks.
- Community partnerships are essential to our mission. CDC proudly collaborates with local organizations to offer a variety of enrichment programs, including:
- Intergenerational programs with the Sublette Center
- Literacy initiatives with the Sublette County Library
- Ski lessons with White Pine Ski Resort
- Swim lessons with the PAC
- Ice skating lessons with Wind River Skate Club
- STEAM with Ms. Tamara from the Pinedale Elementary School Art programs with local artist Hayley Ruland, who has introduced students to stained glass for several years.
- Parents play a crucial role in shaping our outdoor classroom. Through their skills, labor, donations, and expertise, they have helped create an inspiring and dynamic learning space for our children. Their contributions make a lasting impact, ensuring that CDC remains a place where young minds can grow, explore, and thrive.
