In early childhood, every moment is full of discovery. Each moment is an opportunity to learn, from ABCs and 123s to how to care, connect and understand their place in the world. At Children’s Discovery Center, we believe these early years are especially sacred. 

As a Christian school guided by the Reggio Emilia Approach, we view each child as created in the image of God — uniquely gifted, deeply loved and capable of remarkable growth. This understanding shapes how we teach, listen and nurture their light.

Faith shapes identity, security and belonging.

Young children thrive when they feel safe, seen, supported and loved. Christian education offers a foundation of identity rooted in the unwavering truth that God made them on purpose and for a purpose. When children hear simple, yet powerful, comforting messages like “God loves you” and “God is always with you,” they begin to understand that they are part of a larger story.

This spiritual security helps children grow more confident and comfortable in exploring and learning new things.

Faith teaches values that guide daily life.

Preschoolers are at a stage where they’re figuring out how to share, show kindness, navigate conflict and understand their emotions. These are important life skills for playdates and preschool, and faith naturally supports this growth. 

Through age-appropriate Bible stories, songs, prayer and teacher modeling, children learn values that shape how they treat others each day.

A few of the Christian values we intentionally reinforce at our Toledo-area early childhood education centers include:

• Kindness/compassion
• Patience
• Honesty 
• Forgiveness
• Gratitude
• Joy

These values come to life when children help a friend, celebrate someone’s success, try again after a mistake or participate in morning routines. They learn that these behaviors matter because they reflect the love of Christ.

Faith invites wonder and curiosity.

Children are naturally curious. This sense of wonder aligns beautifully with Christian faith, which invites children to see creation as a gift from God.

Our Reggio Emilia–inspired classrooms build on this connection. When children explore nature or experiment with light and color, they develop scientific thinking while also learning to appreciate the creativity and intentionality within God’s world.

A simple seed sprouting, a rainbow on the wall or a new sound discovered outdoors becomes an opportunity to recognize God’s handiwork in everyday life.

Faith helps children navigate big feelings.

Preschoolers feel their emotions fully and honestly. Christian teachings offer gentle, developmentally appropriate tools to help them positively regulate those emotions with care. Short prayers, simple scripture reminders and calming worship songs can guide children through difficult feelings.

Some of our favorite classroom practices include:

• Short prayer pauses during transitions
• Scripture-based affirmations that bring comfort and courage
• Quiet moments of reflection at the end of a busy day
• Gratitude rituals that help children focus on blessings

These rhythms teach children that God is with them in every feeling, not just the happy ones, and they learn to turn to Him for peace and reassurance.

Faith strengthens community and connection.

Jesus teaches us to love and serve one another. In early childhood, these lessons translate into everyday acts of kindness and shared responsibility, teaching empathy and helping children model the way they treat others in a way that reflects God’s love.

Faith brings purpose to everyday learning.

Every part of a child’s day becomes richer when viewed through the lens of faith. As children discover new ideas and develop new skills, they learn that God created their minds to think, their hands to create and their hearts to love.

When children learn with a faith-based mindset:

• Art becomes an expression of God-given creativity
• Science investigations reveal the beauty and complexity of God’s creation
• Problem-solving shows children their ability to think deeply and persevere
• Outdoor play reinforces stewardship and appreciation for nature
• Faith isn’t separate from learning. It enriches and elevates every part of it

With each lesson, young discoverers learn that they are deeply loved and designed with intention by a God who knows them by name.

Discover the CDC Difference

For more than 40 years, Children’s Discovery Center has helped guide and expand the minds of Toledo’s youngest explorers. Our dedicated staff nurtures children into becoming lifelong learners by providing an innovative environment that promotes self-led discovery. Contact us today to learn more about our Reggio Emilia approach to learning, register your child and tour our facilities.