Discovery Learning Center

"You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so… get on your way!" – Dr. Seuss

Quality early childhood education lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning, confidence, curiosity, and growth. Every song sung, story read, friendship made, skill practiced, and milestone reached has helped prepare our students for the exciting next step ahead.

We are honored to celebrate all of our 2026 graduates and the incredible progress they have made. To our students transitioning to kindergarten: we will miss your smiles, laughter, energy, and joy in our classrooms each day. We are so proud of you and wish you all the best on your next adventure!

We can’t wait to watch you continue to grow, learn, and shine. Congratulations, Class of 2026! 🎓✨

We remember, honor, and give thanks

We had what looks like 2 young bulls hanging out across the street this morning. They were quite feisty and having a lot of fun.

United Way of the Yampa Valley did an amazing job coordinating the annual Day of Caring! SSHS National Honor Society students volunteered at Discovery Learning Center making everything shine! Way of the Yampa Valley Gives

Thank you to our volunteers for Day of Caring! The Boyd and Berend Group were amazing! Way of the Yampa Valley Gives

Thank you , Colby and Bud for teaching us about hot air balloons! We learned what LTA (lighter than air) means with the FAA, how they unload the basket and hook the balloon to the basket and so much more.

END-OF-YEAR ANXIETY: WHY IT HAPPENS AND HOW TO HELP KIDS COPE
Arch 6, 2026 By Ciera Canaday, LCSW and Clinical Director

As the school year winds down, many families expect excitement - field days, class parties, summer plans, and graduation celebrations. While these moments can be joyful, the end of the school year can also bring a surprising increase in anxiety for many children and teens. Changes in routine, academic pressure, and uncertainty about what comes next can create emotional stress during what is supposed to be a celebratory time.
Understanding why end-of-year anxiety happens can help parents and caregivers support children through the transition more smoothly.

Why Anxiety Increases at the End of the School Year
For many students, the end of the school year comes with a sudden shift in expectations. Final exams, projects, and assessments often pile up all at once. Even younger children who may not have formal exams can still feel pressure to finish assignments, complete testing, or meet academic goals before the year ends.
In addition to academic stress, routines begin to change. Teachers may relax normal schedules, classrooms become more chaotic with events and celebrations, and students may begin saying goodbye to teachers or friends who are moving away or attending different schools next year.

For children who rely on structure and predictability, these shifts can feel overwhelming. The loss of routine- even when it leads to summer vacation - can create uncertainty that fuels anxiety.
Some children also experience social worries. Questions like Will I have friends next year? What if my teacher is strict? What if school gets harder? can quietly build in their minds.
Signs a Child May Be Experiencing End-of-Year Anxiety
Children do not always say they feel anxious directly. Instead, anxiety often appears through behaviors such as:

• Increased irritability or emotional outbursts
• Trouble sleeping or frequent worries at bedtime
• Complaints of headaches or stomachaches before school
• Avoiding homework or school-related conversations
• Difficulty concentrating or increased forgetfulness
• Self-isolating behaviors

Recognizing these signs early allows parents to respond with support rather than frustration.

Healthy Ways to Help Children Cope
1. Keep Some Routine Intact
Even if school schedules become unpredictable, maintaining routines at home can provide stability. Consistent meal times, bedtimes, and homework routines help children feel grounded during periods of change.
2. Talk About What’s Coming Next
Sometimes anxiety grows simply because kids don’t know what to expect. Talking about summer plans, upcoming transitions, or next year’s school environment can help reduce uncertainty. If possible, visit the new school, look at photos online, or talk about what the next grade may be like.
3. Normalize Their Feelings
Let children know it is completely normal to feel nervous about transitions. Statements like, “A lot of kids feel mixed emotions at the end of the year,” help children feel understood rather than alone.
4. Practice Simple Calming Skills
Teaching kids simple coping tools can help them regulate anxious feelings. Deep breathing, short movement breaks, journaling, or listening to calming music can reduce stress and help reset their nervous system.
5. Celebrate Accomplishments
The end of the school year is also a time to acknowledge growth. Celebrating effort, not just grades, helps children build confidence and end the year with a sense of pride.

Looking Forward
Transitions are an important part of growing up. While the end of the school year may bring uncertainty, it also offers opportunities for reflection, celebration, and new beginnings. With patience, reassurance, and supportive routines, families can help children move through this season feeling confident and emotionally prepared for what comes next.

Thrive by 5 would love to have educators, providers, and families represented in the room. You do not need to speak publicly or prepare anything in advance. Simply showing up demonstrates the importance of investing in early childhood and helps local leaders see the strength and size of our community.

Upcoming Presentation Dates:
• May 19 – Board of County Commissioners at 10:15 AM
• May 19 – City of Steamboat Springs at 6:00 PM
• May 20 – Town of Yampa at 6:00 PM
• May 21 – Town of Hayden at 5:30 PM

Thrive by 5 is focused on strengthening early childhood in Routt County through investments in access, workforce, and child care capacity so families can work, children can thrive, and educators feel supported in the important work they do every day.

Thank you for all you do for children and families in our community. We hope to see some familiar faces there!

Learn more about Thrive by 5: https://www.routtthriveby5.org/