Preschool

Itty Bitty Einsteins

Itty Bitty Einsteins are FREE, MEMBERS-ONLY events introducing preschoolers and their caregivers to fun, hands-on Discovery Center science. The classes compliment our Little STEAMers preschool with coordinating activities for children and families. 

Enjoy hands-on science with your kid(s) and get to know the Center!

Join us every 1st Saturday of the month.


Little Explorers Nature Preschool

Session 1a

Member Price: $468
Nonmember Price: $562

Session 1b

Member Price: $195
Nonmember Price: $234

Session 2

Member Price: $468
Nonmember Price: $562

Our Little Explorers Nature Preschool is South Dakota’s first fully outdoor education program based on Montessori principles that children learn best when they are given the freedom to move, to choose their own work, and follow their interests, operating within boundaries that include respect for themselves, others, and the environment.

Little Explorers Nature Preschool students learn from their environment through guided adventure and build skills with independent hands-on learning. Using Montessori methods, our teachers, with the help of local community guides, develop students’ exploration skills and their understanding of STEM concepts. 

Session 1A is for students ages 4-5 and runs June 3-27, every Monday-Thursday from 8:00am to 12:00pm.

Session 1B is for students ages 3-4 and runs June 4-27, every Tuesday-Thursday from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. 

Session 2 is for students ages 4-5 and runs July 8-August 1, every Monday-Thursday from 8:00am to 12:00pm.

Dropoff occurs within 15 minutes prior class and pickup within 15 minutes after the end of class.

Parents or guardians are responsible for dressing their student in appropriate clothing for being outside, including close-toed shoes, and applying their student’s first round of sunscreen.

Session 1a and 1b students and their caretaker/s are expected to attend the Little Explorers Welcome on Thursday, May 30, 2024, from 5:30-6:30pm at the South Dakota Discovery Center Launchpad, 300 East Capitol Avenue

Session 2 students and their caretaker/s are expected to attend the Little Explorers Welcome on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, from 5:30-6:30pm at the South Dakota Discovery Center Launchpad, 300 East Capitol Avenue.

Payment plans available, please send inquries to info@sd-discovery.org.

Class materials are provided by the South Dakota Discovery Center out of program fees and donations. Shelter from inclement weather is made possible through a partnership with the Izaak Walton League and use of the Pierre Native Plant Arboretum and Nature Area is made possible through a partnership with the City of Pierre. Become a supporter today!


Little Explorers registration is open for Summer 2024!

Little STEAMers Preschool

2-Day Session (3-4 year olds)

Member Price: $693
Nonmember Price: $832

3-Day Session (4-5 year olds)

Member Price: $1,064.25
Nonmember Price: $1,227

Our Little STEAMers Preschool is based on the Montessori principles that children learn best when they are given the freedom to move, to choose their own work, and follow their interests, operating within boundaries that include respect for themselves, others, and their environment. In Little STEAMers Preschool students learn through guided exploration and build skills with independent hands-on learning. Using Montessori methods, our teachers progress students’ exploration skills and use a complete preschool curriculum to develop students’ understanding of STEM concepts (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and communication (language arts & literacy). 

The 2-Day Session is for students ages 3-4 and runs September 12 to December 20, every Thursday and Friday from 8:00am to 12:00pm at the SDDC Launchpad, 300 E. Capitol Ave. Dropoff occurs within 15 minutes prior class and pickup within 15 minutes after the end of class at the back entrance. Students MUST be potty trained prior to the start of class. Our 2-Day Session students and their guardian/s are expected to attend the Little STEAMers Welcome on Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 5:30-6:30pm at the South Dakota Discovery Center Launchpad, 300 East Capitol Avenue.

The 3-Day Session is for students ages 4-5 and runs September 9 to December 18, every Monday-Wednesday from 8:00am to 12:00pm at the SDDC Launchpad, 300 E. Capitol Ave. Dropoff occurs within 15 minutes prior class and pickup within 15 minutes after the end of class at the back entrance. Students MUST be potty trained prior to the start of class. Our 3-Day Session students and their guardian/s are expected to attend the Little STEAMers Welcome on Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 5:30-6:30pm at the South Dakota Discovery Center Launchpad, 300 East Capitol Avenue. 

Parents or guardians are responsible for dressing their student/s in appropriate clothing. 

Class materials are provided by the South Dakota Discovery Center out of program fees and donations. Become a supporter today!


Little STEAMers registration is open for Fall 2024!

Mar
22

Little STEAMers Preschool 2023- Spring Semester Fridays

Sign up for our science-based preschool program for our youngest learners. Literature,...
Mar
29

Little STEAMers Preschool 2023- Spring Semester Fridays

Sign up for our science-based preschool program for our youngest learners. Literature,...