Curriculum
Our curriculum is individualized to meet the needs of the children at their stage of development. Children spend time in different activities, teaching them letter recognition and sounds, awareness of numbers and shapes, pre-reading and writing skills, and sight word recognition. Our curriculum includes hands-on activities, fine motor skill practice, social skill practice, imaginative play, and more. We have specific learning goals for each age level in our preschool, and our teachers build their daily lessons with these goals in mind. We use materials from Zoo-phonics, Frog Street Press, and Heggerty, along with as much great children’s literature as we can!
Teachers and Class Size
Sunshine School is blessed to have a loving, caring group of women to serve as our team of teachers. Teachers in our Pre-K classes hold bachelors degrees, and many of our teachers have teaching experience in public and private schools. We strive to keep our classes small so that children and families receive close, personal attention from the teacher. In general, our nursery classes cap out at six students while 2s, 3s and Pre-K go up to eight students per class.
We are always looking for wonderful teachers and substitutes! If you are interested in joining the Sunshine School Team, fill out an application and drop it by the office!
Schedules and Classes
Classes are held on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Three-Day Pre-K and 3s classes meet additionally on Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. We do not accept children prior to 8:55 am. This enables our teachers and staff to prepare for their day. Pick up time is promptly at 2 pm. Many teachers have family obligations that require them to leave school in a timely manner.
A daily schedule will be posted in each classroom and sent home at the beginning of the school year in each child’s folder. Nap time/quiet time is scheduled each day after lunch for our Nursery, 2’s, and 3’s children.
Each class in the 2’s through Pre-K 5 participates in special classes such as Chapel, Art and Music – read below for more details!
Once a month, we host “Sunshine Science Lab” for our Three’s and Pre-K classes, and students enjoy a hands-on science lesson. We also contract with Kidokinetics to lead our three-day classes in PE every Tuesday.
Chapel
During Chapel time, all of our classes meet together in the Backyard, a special room for children’s events.
Children spend time singing together, as well as hearing a lesson from the Bible pertaining to the month’s virtue. Children practice their monthly memory verse as a group and end the time in prayer. Chapel is also a special time for our Chapel teacher to recognize individual birthdays and achievements.
Art
Through hands-on activities, children learn various art techniques and explore art history.
Every month, our art teacher follows a thematic curriculum to lead children to discover art through the use of different materials, textures, and mediums. Each child will come home with a monthly “art portfolio” to share with their families!
Music
During Music time, children express themselves through singing and learning new songs as well as movement.
Children are encouraged to experiment with age-appropriate musical instruments such as bells, rhythm sticks, drums, and shakers. Our 2’s – Pre K 5’s practice and perform a program each semester. Programs are held in Prestoncrest’s auditorium in the evening, and all parents, family members, and special friends are invited to attend our programs.