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About Us
Our Philosophy
Children learn best through play and exploration of their environment; thus, our program focuses on allowing children to make discoveries through self-directed as well as teacher-directed activities. Children's interests and developmentally-appropriate practices are top priority in lesson-planning, and classroom schedules are flexible to meet children's needs.
Our daily program includes:
- Lots of play and exploration
- Hands-on Experiences involving all of the senses and all of the developmental domains - social, emotional, physical, creative, and cognitive
- A safe, nurturing, and inviting learning environment
- Opportunities for social interaction and problem-solving
- Theme-based learning activities
Meet our Staff
We take great pride in the quality of staff we have at Discovery Junction. Our teachers are passionate about learning, professionally & academically qualified, and happy to discuss your child with you.
Becky
Director
Becky splits her time between office and classroom duties and wears many hats around here. She has a B.S. from Lebanon Valley College in elementary and special education, and she enjoys to read and spend time with her family.
Denae
Young Infant Teacher
Denae has been working with children for more than four years, and she enjoys helping them succeed. She also loves spending time with her husband and two daughters, a "Penn State family".
Mandy
Young Infant Teacher
Infants learn so much in their first few months, and Mandy loves to be a part of that process. She attended the Lebanon County Career and Technology Center in high school and has an associate's in early childhood education from HACC. Mandy also loves to shop, read, and spend time with her family.
Michelle
Older Infant Teacher
Michelle's experience in child care includes working with other care centers as an infant teacher and a cook. She loves children, and being able to share in their experiences of discovery.
Charity
Young Toddler Teacher
Charity has worked with Discovery Junction since 2007, and with nearly every age group, though toddlers are her favorite. She graduated from HACC with an associate's degree in early childhood education, and in her free time she enjoys jigsaw puzzles, traveling, playing the clarinet, and watching sports.
Allyson
Young Toddler Teacher
Allyson comes to Discovery Junction with experience babysitting, and hopes to further her education by getting CDA. She likes to spend her free time with her family.
Sam
Tween Toddler Teacher
Sam has her bachelor's from Penn State in human development and family studies. She loves to get to know each child individually, and watching them learn and grow. In her free time, she spends time with her husband and daughter.
Kelly
Tween Toddler Teacher
Kelly's experience includes several years of babysitting and working with special needs children. She hopes to go back for further education in the near future. Kelly enjoys reading, hiking, and crafts.
Angel
Older Toddler Teacher
Angel has been working in childcare for more than two years, and loves every age grop. She especially enjoys witnessing moments of learning and growth. She and her family enjoy outdoor activities like baseball, while she also enjoys yoga, dancing, and crafts.
Amanda
Older Toddler Teacher
Amanda graduated from Manheim Central and Lancaster County Career and Technology Center in 2007, and received her Child Development Associate credential in 2013. She enjoys camping with her family, attending church, being outdoors, and going to her children's sporting events.
Anna
Preschool 1 Teacher
Anna joined Discovery Junction in early 2020. She's spent time being a nanny and babysitting, and is currently working towards her Bachelor's Degree, and does Roller Derby in her free time.
Nicole
Preschool 1 Teacher
Nicole has been with Discovery Junction since 2015, and has enjoyed teaching in almost every classroom at the center. Her experience includes babysitting, child development courses, and volunteer work with the Special Olympics. Nicole enjoys cooking, going to the gym, watching movies, and hiking.
Sarah
Preschool 2 Teacher
Sarah is studying early childhood development at HACC. Teaching is her passion, but she also enjoys spending time with her family and doing outdoor activities like camping, boating, and hiking.
Jess
Preschool 2 Teacher
Jess has been working with young children for 15 years. Her passion as an educator is to observe her students as they succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. She has an associate's degree in early childhood education, and in her free time she likes to watch her children play sports and make memories with her family.
Valerie
Kindergarten Teacher
Valerie holds a B.S. in Child Studies, with a minor in Education. She loves reading, her dog Lucy, hula hooping, and playing D&D with her husband.
Heather
School Age Teacher
Heather is our newest staff member, and is excited to work with us and join the Discovery Junction family!
John
School Age
John has worked with children in many different settings including coaching and teaching. He spends his free time with his wife and two sons
Crystalene
Float Teacher
Crystalene taught at Discovery Junction from 2012 to 2014, then resumed in June 2018. She loves working with all age groups and watching kids grow and learn. Crystalene has a B.S. in psychology, and enjoys martial arts and spending time with her family.
Penny
Cook
Penny loves to see the children's smiling faces every day while working hard to serve everyone healthy and delicious meals. Penny has been married for 13 years, and has 3 children and 3 grandchildren.