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 2-5 years, Sunshine Preschool is a multi-faceted 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 experienced in early childhood development and education. Their enthusiasm, warmth and understanding help children develop positive attitudes and feelings of self-worth.
1:6 Class Ratio
Parents or caregivers may attend, if needed, the first few weeks of class to assist in the separation process. By approximately the fourth week, children attend class alone. The goal is to make students feel comfortable and confident, laying the groundwork for them to participate independently.
Classes based on play allow children of all abilities to participate in shared activities, yet achieve 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.
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.
Our new and improved registration process works with you and your busy schedule! All Registration Packets are due to the Leisure Center by 5pm on November 8. All families will be notified of their placement by email the week of November 13. Currently enrolled families will be enrolled first through a random drawing. New families will be placed in a preschool class after current families through a random drawing.
1. Complete all necessary forms in this Registration Packet
Incomplete packets will not be processed
2. Register in person with a $250 non-refundable deposit
Additional supplementary paperwork, parent handbook and calendar will be sent to all
enrolled families July 2018.
| STATUS | Age Group | Days | Times | Dates | Annual Fee (Residents) | Annual Fee (Non-Residents) | Monthly Installment (Residents) | Monthly Installment (Non-Residents) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FULL | Terrific Twos | Tu, Th | 9:10-11:10am | 9/4-5/16 | $1482 | $1850 | $154 | $200 |
| FULL | Terrific Twos | M, W | 9:10-11:10am | 9/5-5/16 | $1482 | $1850 | $154 | $200 |
| FULL | 3-Year-Olds | Tu, Th, F | 9:15-11:30am | 9/4-5/16 | $2218 | $2726 | $246 | $314 |
| FULL | 3-Year-Olds | M, W, F | 9:15-11:30am | 9/5-5/16 | $2218 | $2726 | $246 | $314 |
| FULL | Pre-K | M-Th | 9-11:15am | 9/4-5/16 | $2866 | $3578 | $327 | $416 |
| Type | Description | Applies To | Date Posted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handbook | 2018-19 Sunshine Preschool Handbook | Preschool | Monday, August 13, 2018 |
| Packet, Waiver | Sunshine Preschool Registration Packet and Waiver | Registration, Preschool | Thursday, October 19, 2017 |
