Discovery Care
Discovery Care is our out-of-school time program and summer care program for grades K-5. During the school year, meaningful experiences are provided for children enrolled at the Child Discovery Center for before and after school, half days, and days the school is not in session. During the summer, the program is open to the public.
Discovery Care offers nurturing, Reggio-inspired before- and after-school care for Kindergarten through 5th grade students at our partner school, the Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center (GRCDC). We also provide full-day and half-day care during school closures, including teacher planning days, professional development, and most holidays.
During aftercare, our dedicated team picks children up directly from their classrooms and escorts them to their grade-level Discovery groups. Each afternoon includes a nutritious snack to keep kids energized and smiling.
Program Hours
Before-School Care
Monday–Friday 7:00 – 8:00 AM
After-School Care
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 3:30 – 6:00 PM
Tuesday 2:30 – 6:00 PM
Half-Day Care 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM on scheduled early release days
Full-Day Care 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM on most school closure days
Tuition (2025–2026 School Year)
MDHHS funding is available for those who qualify.
| Rate | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Before care | $8.30/day · $37/full week | 7:00–8:00 AM |
| After care | $17/day (M/W/Th/F) · $24/day (Tuesday) · $89/full week | 3:30–6:00 PM (M/W/Th/F); 2:30–6:00 PM (Tuesday) |
| Before & after care | $124/week | — |
*Half and full day care is available on days when GRCDC is closed due to planning, professional development, and most holidays. Separate registration is required for those days. Families who normally receive before or after care on those days have priority, followed by all other families until full.
Summer Program
Looking for a fun, enriching summer experience for your child? Discovery Care welcomes students who have completed Kindergarten through 5th grade to join our vibrant, hands-on summer program.
Each week includes:
- Field trips to local destinations
- Reading enrichment and literacy games
- Exploration in the arts and sciences
- Water play days — bring a swimsuit, towel, and water-friendly shoes
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Breakfast and snacks are provided daily. Please pack a lunch and water bottle for your child each day.
Summer Tuition: $210/week per child · $46/day per child
We can’t wait to welcome your child for a summer full of learning, laughter, and adventure.
Enrollment
To enroll in either the school-year or summer program, please contact:
Jen Brynaert — Discovery Care Director jenb@thegredc.org
More about us...
Our Story
Learn about our history, from the early days in the 1980's at Aquinas College to our current campus on Jefferson Ave, right in the heart of Grand Rapids.
The Reggio Emilia Approach
The Reggio Emilia approach is an innovative and inspiring approach to early childhood education. This educational philosophy is focused on preschool and primary education and is described as child centered and constructivist.
Emergent Curriculum
The Emergent curriculum develops from exploring ideas that are socially relevant, intellectually engaging and personally meaningful to children.