The owners of the center are a married duo, Kirk and Kim Huddleston. Kirk has owned and operated his own business since 1994. He has an educational background in business administration, marketing, accounting and also has his Director’s Qualifications in Early Childhood Education. Kim has been working in the early childhood education field since 1995, obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Criminal Justice and Director’s Qualifications in Early Childhood Education. We have four children and have lived in Fruita since opening our original location in Fruita in 2004. We are thrilled to open our new location in Grand Junction in 2015. Discovery Kids Learning Center is the result of many dreams, our unconditional love of all children, and countless hours of education and hard work.
Program Philosophy and Mission
Discovery Kids Learning Center is devoted to providing a child-centered program that focuses on a developmentally appropriate curriculum for children which is sensitive to and promotes their social, emotional, cognitive, language, physical, and creative development. We believe all children are unique individuals and thus our programs are designed to correspond with each child’s developmental level. This encourages them to learn and discover at an appropriate pace. Our program is designed to meet the individual developmental needs of young children 1 to 12 years of age in Fruita and in Grand Junction. It provides experiences that enrich and enhance each area of a child’s growth. Within our center’s daily schedule each child has opportunities to create, explore the environment, discover new interests, learn problem-solving and personal interaction skills, and learn concepts through first-hand experiences. Children develop a positive self-concept through a balance of self- and teacher-directed activities. Opportunities for solitary play as well as group activities are provided. The staff serves as positive role models and provides care that is supportive, nurturing, warm, and responsive to each child’s individual needs. We respect families as the primary and most important providers of care and nurturing. We believe parents and teachers are partners in children’s care and education.