The colorful classrooms of Newtown Discovery Preschool are filled with the sounds of children’s laughter and the hum of purposeful activity. But what sets this school apart isn’t just the children’s engagement or the state-of-the-art facilities—it’s the visionary behind it all: Amanda Sinkler. A devoted mother, educator, and entrepreneur, Amanda has redefined what it means to create a nurturing and inspiring early learning environment. Her passion for children’s growth isn’t just professional—it’s deeply personal. Now, she is expanding that vision with the opening of a second location in Warrington, continuing her mission to provide exceptional early childhood education for even more families.
A Lifelong Passion for Education
Amanda’s journey to creating The Discovery Preschools began early. As a teenager, she volunteered at the Newtown Athletic Club (NAC), assisting with summer camps. Over the years, Amanda rose through the ranks to become a manager overseeing youth programs. “Even then, I knew I loved working with kids. It’s always been my passion,” she recalls.
Amanda’s academic background further cemented her dedication to education. She pursued a degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Business, a combination that foreshadowed her future as an entrepreneur. However, her student teaching experience left her disheartened with the traditional education system. “I couldn’t stand the bureaucracy. It felt like the system stifled creativity and focused more on conformity than nurturing individuality,” she says.
This dissatisfaction planted the seeds for something greater. After years of managing kids’ programs and camps at the NAC, Amanda began envisioning an environment where children could truly thrive—a space that nurtured creativity, play, and individuality.
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A Place for Discovery
The opportunity to bring Amanda’s vision to life came when her business partner, Jim, acquired a building and presented her with a question: “What do you want to create here?” Amanda’s answer was clear: a preschool that would set a new standard for early childhood education.
Amanda meticulously designed The Discovery Preschools, imagining it not just for other families but for her own children. “I wanted a place that felt warm, safe, and inspiring—a place where I’d feel confident sending my own kids,” she explains. When it came time to look for childcare for her own children, she visited numerous daycare centers and preschool facilities. She observed what worked and, more importantly, what didn’t. “So many facilities felt impersonal, with children confined to small rooms all day. I knew we could do better.”
The result was the Newtown Discovery Preschool, a trailblazing center for early learning. The success of this first location has set the stage for expansion, with a second location in Warrington and plans for a third Bucks County preschool in the near future.
“I wanted a place that felt warm, safe, and inspiring—a place where I’d feel confident sending my own kids,” Amanda Sinkler, Founder, The Discovery Preschools
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A Unique Approach to Early Learning
The Discovery Preschools method blends various educational philosophies into a unique curriculum. Drawing inspiration from Reggio Emilia’s emphasis on the environment, David Elkind’s focus on play, and Lev Vygotsky’s concept of scaffolding learning, Amanda developed a method that blends the best aspects of various educational philosophies, which she calls her “fusion approach.”
This innovative curriculum prioritizes hands-on learning, dynamic play spaces, and fostering creativity. “We’re not here to teach memorization,” Amanda emphasizes. “We’re here to teach children how to think, explore, and problem-solve.”
The environment itself plays a key role. Every classroom is designed with welcoming spaces, open layouts, and secure play areas. “The space children learn in should inspire them,” Amanda says. “We’ve invested in creating classrooms that feel dynamic and engaging, not confining.”
Exceptional Educators, Extraordinary Impact
The quality of a preschool often hinges on its educators, and The Discovery Preschools sets the bar high. “We’re not just hiring staff; we’re building a family of educators who are passionate about shaping young minds,” Amanda says. Every potential hire goes through a meticulous vetting process to meet the school’s high expectations.
“Our standards exceed industry norms,” Amanda explains. “We invest in our teachers with competitive pay and continuous professional development, ensuring they bring their best every day.” The school also benefits from a robust administrative team, including a Director of People Operations and a Director of Admissions. “This allows our teachers to focus entirely on the children while the admin team handles logistics and parent communication,” Amanda notes. The result is a well-balanced environment where both staff and families flourish.
Opening during the pandemic in September 2020, the Newtown Discovery Preschool faced unique challenges. “We started with just five kids,” Amanda recalls. “But by September 2021, we were nearly full and had a waitlist of over 200 children.”
This rapid growth is a testament to the school’s reputation and the trust parents place in Amanda’s vision. Today, the Newtown location is thriving, and the second school in Warrington is set to continue the success story.
The Discovery Preschool Of Warrington invites you and your family to join them for their Open House and Ribbon Cutting on Saturday, February 22nd from 10am – 2pm!
The brand-new Warrington location offers state-of-the-art classrooms, experienced educators, and a curriculum designed to inspire curiosity and creativity in every child.
Discovery Day Includes:
The team can't wait to show you around the school, answer all your questions, and have fun with the whole family! See you there! Please RSVP HERE.
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Tips for Choosing the Perfect Preschool
For parents navigating the overwhelming process of choosing a preschool, Amanda offers this advice: “Do your research. Check state inspection reports and visit multiple schools to compare environments, curriculums, and values.” Amanda underscored the online availability of inspection reports as a fantastic objective place to start. “The minimum standards required by the state are just that—minimum. Look for schools that go above and beyond,” advised Amanda.
Amanda also encourages parents to trust their instincts. “When you walk into a school, you should feel comfortable and inspired. If something feels off, don’t ignore it. This is about finding the best fit for your child.”
Unleashing the Spirit of Discovery
As The Discovery Preschools expand to a second location in Warrington and prepares for a third, Amanda remains as hands-on as ever. As a mother herself, she understands firsthand the importance of finding a nurturing, inspiring place for children to learn and grow. “This isn’t just a business to me. It’s my passion. I want every child who walks through our doors to feel seen, valued, and excited to learn,” she says.
With Amanda’s leadership and unwavering dedication, The Discovery Preschools aren't just places for children to learn; they are schools where children will flourish. And for parents, they offer the peace of mind that their children are in a space that prioritizes their well-being, growth, and happiness.
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