Curriculum
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:
- All about Me
- Holidays
- Hibernation
Although each classroom uses the same themes, the activities and curriculum focus on the respective ages, benchmarks and standards.
Special Classroom Activities
The 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.
Field Trips and Special Entertainers
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.
Parent Involvement
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.
A Typical Day
- Welcome and Drop-Off
- Circle Time
- Learning and Play Centers
- Manipulative and Dramatic Play
- Sensory Table
- Writing and Art Center
- Computer Activities (4s)
- Cognitive Games
- Story Time
- Snack
- Gross Motor Play (Indoors or Out) and Fine Motor
- Nature Exploration
Classes Based on Play
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.
Activities
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.
Staff
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.
