Our Story
About Time Learning
Stephanie Harris, M. Ed.
Founder
Meet the Founder
If you enter the doors of Disocvery Time, the first thing you migh notice is our team motto: One Team, One Dream! This motto was created in 2014 when founder Stephanie Harris started our program, achieving a dream that she discovered as a high school student at local T.C. Williams. While taking an early childhood elective class, she recognized her passion for children and at just 16 years old she set the goal of opening her own day care and preschool program in her hometown of Alexandria, VA. In 2014, that dream finally came true as she opened the doors to our first location. Her enthusiasm continues to inspire our staff at Discovery Time to carry out our mission to empower children to be their very best. Stephanie holds a business degree from Howard University and a master’s degree in education from George Mason University. She is a proud alum of Teach for America and previously taught middle school in Washington, DC.
Since 2014, we have worked to provide high quality early childhood education measured by our annual Family Satisfaction Survey.
Our Mission
Discovery Time Learning Center was founded with a purpose of Supporting Families, Guiding Discoveries and Empowering Children to be their very Best. This mission guides our work and is essential to providing young learners with the strong early childhood foundation that is so critical to their future.
Our Curriculum
Recognizing that children grow in predictable stages, our discovery based curriculum balances intentional guidance with children’s natural curiosity to explore their environment.
Our observation based assessments monitor progress as children work towards achieving social, emotional, cognitive, language and physical developmental goals at their own pace.
Our Educational Philosophy
At Discovery Time Learning Center we believe in child-centered, play-based education. Our early childhood programs are built upon four general principles: every child’s learning is different, environment shapes learning, strong teacher – child relationships make a difference, parents are partners and play is essential.
Every Child’s Learning is Different
Early learning is an exploration that children pursue at their own pace. Each child is unique and and has unique developmental needs an open-ended curriculum assures that each child can engage with developmentally appropriate activities based on their individual interests.
Environment Shapes Learning
Our classroom spaces are organized to facilitate various kinds of playful exploration, from active to focused, independent to whole group. A consistent routine provides predictability and a sense of security and learning centers allow for children to freely access the raw materials for learning.
Strong Teacher - Child Relationships Make a Difference
In the first 5 years, every single interaction with a child matters. Our teachers build a relationship with each child to provide a sense of security, cultivate self-esteem, and plan for each child’s unique needs in the classroom.
Parents are Partners
Within our learning center, you will find a connected community of ideas, family resources, and genuine network of support. We welcome you to share your insights, talents and interests so that learning becomes a shared experience that will continue throughout your child’s educational process.
Play is Essential
Within our learning center, you will find a connected community of ideas, family resources, and genuine network of support. We welcome you to share your insights, talents and interests so that learning becomes a shared experience that will continue throughout your child’s educational process.
The Discovery Time Difference
703-930-9043
DiscoveryTimeLearningCenter@gmail.com
Address 1
1509 Leslie Avenue Alexandria, VA 22301 Admissions: 703-930-9043 Office: 703-566-4885
Address 2
420 Hume Avenue Alexandria, VA 22301 Admissions: 703-930-9043 Office: 703-537-8552