Our Classrooms

About our classrooms

The GREDC includes five early learning classrooms in our main building at 515 Jefferson, as well as a 4-yr preschool and a school-age out-of-school time program located in the Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center. Our youngest students begin in the Tesoro infant classroom, transitioning through our programs until entering kindergarten. Each classroom is designed and arranged to meet the developmental level and learning goals of the current group of children enrolled in the classroom. Rather than transitioning at a specific age, several factors are taken into consideration when determining fall transition plans. The needs and capabilities of each child and the environment of the next classroom are considered before transitions are determined. We also strive to keep peer groups together so they maintain existing relationships. We always look at what classroom and group of students is the best fit for each child.

Each of our classroom names are derived from Italian words that hold something meaningful to the classroom.

Our classrooms at 515 Jefferson:

Scoperta

Meaning discovery, Scoperta begins as a toddler classroom and loops into a young preschool classroom. The classroom provides an environment that encourages children to explore and discover more complex materials, social interactions, and a broader environment.

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Vita Mia

Meaning my life, Vita Mia begins as a 3-yr old preschool classroom. Children in this classroom are learning to care for themselves and their environment gaining confidence in caring for all aspects of their lives… self care, relationships, responsibilities, and emotions.

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Our classrooms at the Child Discovery Center

These classrooms are located in the same building as our partnering elementary school, the Grand Rapids Child Discovery Center, at 409 Lafayette Ave.

Immaginare

Meaning imagine, Immaginare is a 4-yr old preschool program, in partnership with the Great Start Readiness Program. The program operates at the Child Discovery Center during the school year, providing opportunities for children to imagine all the possibilities of the world while learning to be part of a community.

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Learning Spaces

In addition to our classrooms, we have several learning spaces thoughtfully created for specific purposes.

Cucina

Meaning kitchen, the Cucina is perhaps not typically listed as a “learning space” by many early learning centers. But at the GREDC, even our Cucina is used to educate, explore, and create. In addition to creating breakfast, lunch, and snack for every child every day, the Cucina becomes a science lab whenever an emergent project or creative passion requires the services of an oven, stove, or mixer.

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Gigi's Garden

We are definitely lucky to be located in Downtown Grand Rapids and have many walkable experiences to enjoy with our students. Even close to home — literally in the front yard — we created a garden specifically designed for little hands and growing minds.

Gigi’s Garden, named after a former GREDC Director, contains several raised garden beds and lattice trellises within a safely enclosed space. Children of all ages use the garden to explore, experiment with plants, water, and bugs, and learn about life cycles and nature.

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