Discovery Connection

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Mission:
Discovery Connection's mission is to provide a safe space for children during “out-of-school” hours offering academic support and opportunities for creative expression through the arts; developing the Whole Child.

We serve the youth of the Verde Valley by managing and implementing a quality program in three local communities: Cottonwood, Clarkdale and Camp Verde. We are a Community Education Model that collaborates with up to seventeen different Community Agencies among which include the school districts and municipalities from each community served.

Discovery Connection Sites are located

Clarkdale Jerome School:
301-9105

Cottonwood at the
Dr. Daniel Bright Elementary School:
928-451-4376

Camp Verde
at the United Methodist Church:
301-3239

For More information, contact Paula at
646-5200.

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The essential elements of our program are:

Safe Space:
Setting an environment that is not only physically safe but emotionally and intellectually safe for children to have self-expression.

Community Circle:
Community Circle sets the atmosphere and establishes a safe zone that allows children to share the highs and lows of their day. It also prepares children for daily projects with stories, songs, poems, directions and examples.

Multiple Intelligence Theory:
This theory, developed by Howard Gardner, suggests we all have intelligences with which we process our world. We are all smart in many different ways. This theory coupled with the social component of Community Circle help to create a process-oriented, safe-space for self-expression and self-empowerment.

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Academics:
Working in partnership with the regular school day staff to identify individual academic needs for older children and by providing open-ended learning opportunities in all intelligences to promote life long learning in younger children.

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Creative Expression:
Providing children with a safe space and opportunities for creative expression is an important element to the success of a quality program.

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Nurtured-Heart Approach:
A positive approach to discipline that promotes inner wealth and resources and relationships. Nurturing an ability to problem solve.

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Conceptual Culture is a blend of “Conceptual Framework”, an educational term and “Organizational Culture”, a business term. Conceptual: ideas and relationships; Culture: Frame for beliefs, values, rituals and traditions. Our program’s Conceptual Culture draws from four different paradigms: Educational Programming, Childcare, Parks and Recreation and Arts Education to create a unique new concept of programming for children. Placement of our program inside a community education model enhances the quality of life for children in Yavapai County.

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Connect Central:

Homework/Tutorial Assistance
Reading Time
Hands On Math games aligned with the Arizona State Standard

DISCOVERY HOUR:

Community Circle
Integrated, creative arts-based curriculum based on The Multiple Intelligences Theory (aligned with AZ. State Standards)
Meaningful projects/activities reinforce key concepts as well as foster and community of respect and caring.

During full day programming (Intercessions and Summer), The Discovery Connection is open from 7:45a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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Discovery Staff provide full day sessions with a wide variety of offerings to make this schedule diverse, fun and dynamic.

Buena Vista Discovery Connection is regulated by the following:

Department of Health Services
Buena Vista Children’s Services

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