Derry Discovery Days Preschool

Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. And Jesus took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. Matthew 19:13-15

  • An outreach ministry serving young children ages one through five years old 
  • Open September through May
  • Meets Monday through Thursday at Derry Church, Hershey, PA

At Derry Discovery Days preschool, we consider it a privilege to care for your children, surrounding them with God’s love as they discover the world around them, make new friends, create and play. Our goal is to provide a value-based program that helps children gain positive social, emotional, intellectual and physical experiences.

Registration info

All classes are at capacity for the 2023-24 school year.

2024-25 Registration for new families is under way!  We have openings in our Ladybugs 1s Class (must be 1 by 9/1/24) and our Afternoon Butterfly 4s Class (must be 4 by 9/1/24).  All other classes are full at this time.  Contact Laura Cox, Director, at ddd@derrypres.org or call 717-533-9667 ext. 201 to set up a tour and to register.

Meet the Preschool Director, Laura Cox, and the Derry Discovery Days Board

Contact the Director

If you shop at Weis markets and use their club card, Derry Discovery Days preschool invites you to participate in the Weis4School program, which leverages your grocery shopping dollars to help earn cash for the school of your choice.

Click this link to register: just enter you club card number and in the drop down section, choose Derry Discovery Days. It’s an easy way for our preschool to earn some extra money to purchase supplies and learning materials.

LADYBUG 1’S CLASS

  • One year old by Sept. 1
  • Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday 9-11:30 am

Learn more…

turtle 2’S CLASS

  • Two years old by Sept. 1
  • TWO-DAY OPTION: Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday 9-11:30 am
  • FOUR-DAY OPTION: Monday through Thursday 9-11:30 am

Learn more…

BUSY BEE 3’S CLASS

  • Three years old & potty trained by Sept. 1
  • 9-11:30 am Monday & Wednesday (2 days)
  • 9-11:30 am Tuesday & Thursday (2 days)
  • 9-11:30 am Monday through Thursday (4 days)

Learn More…

BUTTERFLY 4/5’S CLASS

  • Four or five years old & potty trained by Sept. 1
  • 9-11:30 am Monday-Thursday mornings (4 days)
  • 12:30-3 pm Monday-Thursday afternoons (4 days)

Learn More…

2023-24 Discovery Days’ Teachers and Aides

2023-24 Dates of Interest

  • Aug 31 – Teacher meet & greet
  • Sept 5/6 – First day of preschool classes
  • Oct 9 – No classes: Columbus Day
  • Nov 1/2 – School Photos
  • Nov 7  – No classes: Election Day
  • Nov 20-27 – No classes: Thanksgiving break
  • Dec 22-Jan 2 – No classes: Christmas break
  • Jan 15 – No classes: Martin Luther King Day
  • Feb 14 – Family Ash Wednesday service 9:15 am
  • Feb 19 – No classes: Presidents’ Day
  • Mar 11 – No classes: Inservice Day
  • Mar 27-Apr 1 –  No classes: Holy Week/Easter
  • May 14 – No classes: Election Day
  • May 23 –  Last day of school

Up to two in-service days to be determined

Weather-Related Delays & Cancellations

DDD follows Derry Township School District for weather-related delays and closings. When the school district has a 1- or 2-hour delay, DDD morning classes will be held 10am-12 pm, afternoon classes 1-3pm.  When the school district dismisses early, DDD WILL NOT have afternoon classes

COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS

  • “Strengthen a parent…and you strengthen a child.” Mr. Rogers
  • Open and informed communication is essential for your child’s successful development at Derry Discovery Days. We achieve this by informing parents about our routines and objectives. 
  • The staff is available to meet with parents after school hours. Appointments appreciated. 
  • Newsletters keep parents informed and updated on all events and activities.
  • Parents are welcome to observe their child’s daily routine. Should parents have concerns regarding the health and safety of their child, please discuss these issues with the Discovery Days Interim Director, Laura Cox. The staff welcomes suggestions and ideas. We truly appreciate the parental support given to the program!
  • Questions?  Contact Laura Cox, Director