American Sign Language is available to all students as a part of their curriculum. Why do we teach American Sign Language to hearing infants and children? Sign language is one of the most powerful tools possible to promote your child's educational development. Infants as young as 7-8 months can learn and use signs to communicate their needs! In a short time they will be able to master dozens of signs.

It is widely accepted that the area of the brain used to learn language is highly receptive in children. Active use of this part of the brain only increases the natural ability to learn - be it English, Spanish or the written word.

GITSSMART classes, taught by Brian, serve children age three through Kindergarten. They provide young children with the opportunity to increase their computer skills, and at the same time to reinforce the academic readiness and social skills, preparing them for a successful future. For more information, email at [email protected] or call 952.898.5880.

Children's Discovery is proud to offer dance lessons to its students! Happy Feet Dance Company brings its upbeat and popular program to us once a week during your child's free time. This high-energy program is designed to give your child professional dance lessons without the hassle of nights and weekends spent away from home and driving back and forth from a dance studio. Dance classes are offered to all students that are 3 to 6 years of age. The program includes tap, jazz, ballet, rhythm and movement instruction. We will work on coordination, balance, beginning dance technique and so much more!

Classes are focused on boosting self-esteem and having tons of fun! There are 2 exciting recitals: one during the holidays in December, and the year-end in May with our Annual Spring Recital held at Little Canada Elementary School. This exciting show features dazzling costumes and props, and it is the highlight of the dance year!

Happy Feet Dance Company Owner and Instructor, Jenny Hansell, has been with Children's Discovery for 7 years. Jenny also has 12 years of teaching experience and 20 years of dance training. She teaches classes across the north metro at various child care centers, elementary schools, and is the Dance Director for the cities of Vadnais Heights and St. Anthony. Please feel free to contact Jenny with questions or for more information about the dance program at 763.784.4151.

• Rhythm and movement exercises that develop small and large motor skills
• Recognition of notes and note values
• Counting exercises to help recognize numbers and develop math skills
• Memory skill building through repeated music terminology
• Introduction to the music staff and piano keyboard
• Creative development through improvisation, composition and keyboard exploration
• Development of verbal skills through group interaction
• Improved hand-eye coordination through hands-on experience with rhythm instruments and the keyboard.
• Reinforcement of listening skills by discerning high and low, loud and soft sounds.
• Recognition of the music alphabet, colors, and shapes with worksheet activities
• Music story time focusing on composers, music terminology, and character development.
• Weekly life lessons incorporating positive emotional and social skills to build self-worth.

Preschool age children and older can learn Spanish with Sarah Steil. Spanish lessons are available to Kindergarten students, as a part of their curriculum, at no charge.

Beth Wiskus, MA, MT-BC, NMT is a Neurologic Music Therapist with SPECIAL MUSIC, Inc. She offers music classes at the Little Canada CDA location for the trannie, toddler, preschool and Pre-Kindergarten classrooms. Each class runs for about 30 minutes and incorporates:

- Music and Movement

- Singing

- Song Writing

- Interactive Instrument Play

Beth is a Board Certified Music Therapist with her BA in Music Education from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and her MA in Music Therapy from the University of MN. She also has her advanced training as a Neurologic Music Therapist. Beth has over 15 years of experience specializing in working with children with special needs ages 2-17. She has run music groups for daycare centers as well as early childhood sites for many years. Beth currently has two children attending Children's Discovery.

Print the registration form here.

When: One class per week for eight weeks starting in June.

Where: At Children's Discovery Academy.

Who: We only hire coaches with educational or working experience with young children who share our developmental principles.

Materials: The coach brings all the balls and equipment. The children just need comfortable loose clothing, tennis shoes and socks.

Our Curriculum: Based on 20+ years of field experience we designed curriculum for 3 key stages of development: young preschool (3-4.5), preschool (4.5-5.5) and early school age (5.5 and up).

Register On Line! Click the 'Register for Classes' link at www.childrenslearning.com Refer to your Soccer Fact Sheet (provided by Children's Discovery Academy in April/May) for specific instructions.

Children are bused from Children's Discovery Academy to the Maplewood Community Center. The Maplewood Community Center Water Safety Instructors are trained and certified by the American Red Cross in Water Safety.

It's a full sized school bus that has been renovated into a children's gymnastics center that comes right to Children's Discovery Academy. Some of the many items included in the bus are: