Woodlands Discovery Preschool opened in Fall 2024 as a new program within the ODC Early Childhood Network. In alignment with our mission to advance outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan, we turned an unexpected opportunity into something special—renovating a commercial building and transforming an unused parking lot into five beautiful nature playscapes. Our conservation team also began restoring the 20 acres of overgrown woods behind the site, converting a forgotten space into a maintained natural environment with winding trails for children and teachers to explore every day.

Unlike Dragonflies, Little Hawks, and Seedlings, Woodlands operates as a full-time, year-round program, designed to meet the childcare needs of working families while offering the same high-quality, nature-based experiences ODC is known for. We serve children from six weeks to Kindergarten entry, five days a week, all year long—providing the consistency and reliability your family depends on.

At Woodlands, our nature-based model gives children a strong foundation for exploring, discovering, and connecting with the natural world. Through enriching daily experiences and a supportive, nurturing atmosphere, we help foster each child’s early development and set the stage for a lifelong love of learning and growth.