DAIRY ROAD DISCOVERY CENTER, INC.
W. MELBOURNE, FLORIDA

Dairy Road Discovery Center, Inc., established on July 10, 1990, is a renowned educational institution located at 2200 Dairy Rd, West Melbourne, FL. The preschool, under the leadership of President Natalie J. Ward and Vice President Kevin M. Ward, operates with a rich heritage since being opened in 1976 by Jo Godwin, Natalie's mother. Emphasizing experiential learning through involvement, the center nurtures each child's development—socially, academically, and physically—by placing them according to their specific needs rather than age. Their philosophy of 'Learning by doing' is central to fostering an environment where children engage with activities within their comfort zones, ensuring that accomplishments are both celebrated individually and collectively. Each day, the center offers a structured program of morning and afternoon reading sessions enriched with interactive elements like flannel board stories, finger plays, and big books. Dairy Road Discovery Center provides a developmentally appropriate preschool experience alongside kindergarten preparation through its top-notch Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program. Designed for 4-year-olds, this program meets Florida's state-mandated educational standards and benefits from skilled and seasoned staff members involved in strategic planning, assessments, and comprehensive parent feedback. Moreover, the VPK students enjoy unique field trips twice a month to local community sites such as libraries, theaters, hospitals, and more, enriching their educational experience beyond the classroom. Families receive detailed progress reports through formal assessment phases at the beginning, mid-year, and end of the year, with opportunities for parental consultations for specific areas of improvement. The center’s offerings expand into arts, music, Spanish, cooking, gardening, sign language, dramatics, science, and library activities, all aimed at enhancing reading and number readiness while promoting fine and gross motor skill development. Established over three decades ago, Dairy Road Discovery Center remains dedicated to delivering quality education with love in a safe environment, nurturing future generations within the Melbourne and West Melbourne area.