A warm and loving atmosphere sets the tone for Sunshine Preschool, a popular program from the Northbrook Park District that has been enriching children’s lives since 1980. Under the close supervision of experienced instructors, young children gain educational and social skills while enjoying music, art, crafts, cooking, story time, science, sports, theatre and field trips.
Designed for ages 3-5 years, Sunshine Preschool is a multifaceted program based on a philosophy of learning through play in a nurturing and supportive environment. The program supplies a rich variety of experiences, along with guidance, creativity and imagination. A low child/teacher ratio allows preschoolers to receive individual attention with the following goals:
The Sunshine Preschool curriculum uses a thematic approach to learning at all age levels, preparing for the next level of education with the guidance of Illinois standards and benchmarks. Examples of themes are:
Although each classroom uses the same themes, the activities and curriculum focus on the respective ages, benchmarks and standards.
Special Classroom ActivitiesThe Leisure Center location provides unique opportunities to enhance the preschool experience. Students are able to cook in the kitchen facility and interact with older adults in the Senior Center. They also attend music classes.
Pre-K 4 preschoolers leave the Leisure Center for several well-supervised field trips, usually during the fall and spring; parents will receive information in advance. Unless the trip is within walking distance, parents will drive the children. Several times during the school year, entertainers visit the classrooms. Previous entertainers have included storytellers, firefighters, police, airline pilots and an Olympic athlete.
We welcome and encourage contact between parents and teachers. Let staff know about any changes at home that might affect your child at school. If needed, teachers can meet with parents before or after school. At the end of the school year, parents will receive an evaluation form by email. The Park District welcomes your feedback and suggestions.
Classes based on play allow children of all abilities to participate in shared activities while still achieving success and mastery. Instructors work to develop positive self-esteem in an atmosphere in which students’ needs are recognized and met on an individual basis.
In the classroom, preschoolers enjoy arts and crafts, games, music, show and tell and storytelling. They experience unstructured play while exploring educational centers, which include a writing center, dramatic play area, sensory tables and manipulative toys and counters. Structured activities such as circle time use large and small motor skills, songs, storytelling and theme-related crafts.
Sunshine Preschool is staffed by well-trained teachers who are specialized in early childhood development and education, carefully selected and trained by the Northbrook Park District. Their enthusiasm, warmth and understanding help children develop positive attitudes and feelings of self-worth.
1:6 Class Ratio
The focus is on fostering a positive, comforting and nurturing environment. Through a variety of developmentally appropriate activities, teachers facilitate each child’s progress, including language, social/emotional skills and motor skills related to functioning well in school.
Children are encouraged to think independently, be creative and explore. In the process, they develop a love of learning and become prepared for kindergarten.
| Type | Description | Applies To | Date Posted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunshine Preschool Parent Handbook 2021-2022 | Preschool | Tuesday, August 31, 2021 | |
| Packet | 2021-2022 Sunshine Preschool Registration Packet | Preschool | Wednesday, May 19, 2021 |
