ODC Early Childhood Network

ODC Early Childhood Network Little Hawks, Seedlings and Dragonflies Discovery Preschools are nature-based preschool programs for three and four-year-olds located.

Schools include Little Hawks Discovery Preschool located at the Outdoor Discovery Center, Seedlings Discovery Preschool in downtown Holland, Dragonflies Discovery Preschool in Park Township, and Woodlands Discovery Preschool in Holland Township. Children spend time outdoors each day, learning through active play and exploration. OUR PHILOSOPHY
We believe that children are natural learners, eager t

o explore and create. The teaching staff promotes early learning by:
- Providing a natural environment that enables and encourages discovery, experimentation, and the opportunity to see the results of one’s actions.

- Structuring a program that includes many opportunities for children to be outdoors, learning and exploring, reflecting the research that supports the advantages of these experiences.

-Offering opportunities for children to connect with nature while developing the skills of the whole child, as well as children’s individual abilities and interests.

- Encouraging problem solving and reflection by asking open-ended questions and providing information in response to children’s ideas, observations, and questions.

- Assisting children in their interactions with each other and supporting opportunities for learning to work in a group.

- Appreciating and celebrating the unique individuality of children and families

You may qualify for FREE PRESCHOOL! Our afternoon 4-year-old session participates in Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program. This program supports qualify preschool in Michigan. The income eligibility includes moderate income levels.

🌿 Joy lives in the small moments: first steps, shared laughter, everyday connection 🌿
05/30/2026

🌿 Joy lives in the small moments: first steps, shared laughter, everyday connection 🌿

Teachers at Dragonflies Discovery Preschool celebrated the end of the year by hiking out to the forest to take a moment ...
05/29/2026

Teachers at Dragonflies Discovery Preschool celebrated the end of the year by hiking out to the forest to take a moment and write something they noticed, appreciated or admired about each teacher! It was a beautiful time together to sit in nature and reflect back on the year! 🌳🌲

The Chipmunk Class has been using all of their senses to explore the forest. 🐿️ From feeling the textures of different l...
05/28/2026

The Chipmunk Class has been using all of their senses to explore the forest. 🐿️ From feeling the textures of different leaves and barks, to listening to birds sing, spotting creatures, and discovering new scents and sounds. Every adventure helps our students grow and thrive each day! Forest exploration offers so many benefits like building confidence, supporting language development, strengthening motor skills, encouraging curiosity as well as providing calming sensory experiences through nature play. Most importantly, forest exploration gives students the freedom to learn through play, movement and discovery! 🍁 🌳 💚

05/26/2026

✨ Joy isn’t just a feeling—it’s a practice. ✨

In this uplifting episode, clinical social workers Heather & Kristina explore how joy transforms parenting.

💡 Key insights:
🌿 Happiness is fleeting—joy is a choice that builds resilience
🌿 Joy lives in the small moments: first steps, shared laughter, everyday connection
🌿 Benefits of joy: better health, stronger relationships, emotional balance
🌿 How to cultivate it: presence, mindfulness, gratitude & family rituals

💕 Parenting isn’t about chasing perfection—it’s about finding joy in the journey.

❤️ Whether it's the first day of school or starting a new job, these moments matter—and so do our emotions. Take a breat...
05/24/2026

❤️ Whether it's the first day of school or starting a new job, these moments matter—and so do our emotions. Take a breath. Slow down. Let change be felt—not rushed. ❤️

🌱 Transitions are hard — for us and our kids. How do we help them navigate the emotional ups and downs of change? Check ...
05/23/2026

🌱 Transitions are hard — for us and our kids. How do we help them navigate the emotional ups and downs of change? Check out this week's Podcast for some helpful tips! 🌱

With our school year programs wrapping up this week, we will ALWAYS remember exploring with each one of our students! Sp...
05/22/2026

With our school year programs wrapping up this week, we will ALWAYS remember exploring with each one of our students! Splashing in puddles, testing how fast our sleds could go, climbing the tallest trees, enjoying our favorite snacks, visiting the Birds of Prey...but most important was the kindness and wonder shared by all! Thank you for all of the memories we made together this school year! We are wishing you well as you head off into summer! ❤️ 🌳 🔍 🌲

05/21/2026

Students in Before Care started out their morning with a hike into school! 🥾 They made their own trail mix the day before, which they brought along for their big adventure. Along the way, they found worms, flowers, and a tiny grasshopper while also hunting for salamanders! 🐛🌳🌲🔎

It was the perfect way to start their day: full of adventure and discovery! 💚

Early Childhood Educators - join us this June for our Nature-Based PreK Certification Program (June 15–19)! While public...
05/20/2026

Early Childhood Educators - join us this June for our Nature-Based PreK Certification Program (June 15–19)! While public registration has officially closed, thanks to generous support from the Old National Bank Foundation, we still have a limited number of full scholarships available. If cost was preventing you from registering, we encourage you to complete our scholarship application as soon as possible and an ODC team member will follow up with you shortly.

https://loom.ly/aESTk8E

05/19/2026

🌱 Transitions are hard — for us and our kids.
How do we help them navigate the emotional ups and downs of change?

🎧 In this episode, clinical social workers Heather & Kristina talk about:
✨ Supporting kids through big life changes
❤️ Honoring both beginnings and endings
📦 Using tools like memory boxes + calming language
💛 Making space for grief, gratitude & excitement

Whether it's the first day of school or starting a new job, these moments matter—and so do our emotions.

💬 Take a breath. Slow down. Let change be felt—not rushed.

05/18/2026

Check out what the Kestrel class reeled in on a recent trip to the pond! 🎣 👀

Address

Holland, MI
49423

Telephone

+16163939453

Website

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