This information is sponsored by our partner at Little Sunshine Playhouse & Preschool. Be sure to check out the Facebook LIVE video we did while touring their University City facility!
There is NOTHING easy about leaving your children in the care of someone else. First, you have to find a few options, schedule your tours, ask lots of questions, weigh the pros and cons and then put a deposit down so you don’t lose your spot. Did I mention this all needs to happen very soon after a positive pregnancy test so you don’t also feel the stress of a wait list?!
I don’t think I understood the magnitude of deciding on childcare until after my baby was born. Suddenly, the reality of leaving him with someone else hit and thanks to hormones, I wept for days. I hope I can offer you some relief by sharing my firsthand experience with touring Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool because it really was a breath of fresh air. 
With a location in University City and coming soon to O’Fallon, you have two locations to check out. Your first tour will immediately calm your nerves starting with the high security upon entering. Aside from knowing the kids are safe, my favorite part was their reporting system, LuvNotes. It’s all electronic and updated daily with activities, photos and any necessary reports for parents. It’s an easy way to feel like you’re part of your child’s experience without being there.
I’m lucky to be at home with my son, but I did go through the process of heading back to work, initially, and I understand the fear and anxiety that comes with the decision of childcare. We asked Little Sunshine’s team to answer some questions to give you even more information about their services and curriculum!
Little Sunshine’s Playhouse prides itself on having an unrivaled distinction in early childhood education. What sets LSP apart?
We’re different than other childcare facilities for several reasons! From the moment you walk through the doors at Little Sunshine’s Playhouse, you enter a one-of-a-kind educational adventure where your child feels at home. The warm, soothing colors and décor create a unique “Once Upon a Time” experience we’re so proud to offer families. We understand staying connected and knowing how your children are doing is very important to parents so we send parents daily LuvNotesTM emails so they can have a snapshot into their children’s daily activities and learning exercises.
One of a parents’ main priorities when researching childcare is the educational element, what is the Reggio Emilia curriculum and what does it provide children?
Reggio Emilia is an Italian early childhood education philosophy that supports claims that children are full of curiosity and creativity, ready to explore the world with a sense of wonder and awe. It suggests children are competent and active participants in their own learning. Reggio is a very hands-on, project-based curriculum that focuses on the whole child.
Through our curriculum, children develop cognitive, emotional, physical, and language skills throughout their time here at LSP. We believe the environment plays a major role in the child’s education, because of that, our classrooms act as a “third teacher.” At Little Sunshine’s Playhouse, we believe a child’s work is play!
What should parents look for in an early childcare center? What do you consider key elements in a high-quality operation like LSP?
The number one question we get from families is about safety. Safety is of the upmost importance and is a major component in our day-to-day operation. We have double-secured entry at each of our schools and our families each have a unique code that provides them access. We also practice monthly drills
including fire, tornado and intruder so our children and staff are always prepared.
Although we provide care for children six weeks to six years, many families seek out a preschool environment to ensure their child is ready for Kindergarten. Our pre-kindergarten readiness program prepares our graduates for their Kindergarten journey. Our Reggio Emilia curriculum coupled with daily workbook exercises ensure a well-rounded foundation so your little one is ready for Kindergarten.
For parents who are interested in enrolling their children, what is their next step?
Just give us a call to set up an enrollment interview. We’d love to meet you and your family and provide a tour of one of our schools! You can reach our University City school at (314) 995-7204 and O’Fallon at (888) 858-8070.
You can also connect with us on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/UniversityCityLSP/
https://www.facebook.com/OFallonLSP/
