Programs
Toddler, Preschool, and Pre-K Programs for Each Stage of Early Childhood
Sunshine House offers warm, year-round care for young children, with programs that vary by location. Most of our schools serve toddlers, preschoolers, and Pre-K children, with infant care available only at our Benicia location and school-age care available onsite at Loma Vista Elementary.
Children don’t all grow on the same timetable — and preschool shouldn’t ask them to. Across our programs, children have room to play, explore, build friendships, gain independence, and grow in confidence, surrounded by teachers who truly know them.
INFANT CARE
Infant Care in Benicia
Our youngest children need gentle, attentive care above all. We follow nurturing routines that support healthy growth, early communication, and a deep sense of security. Each baby is cared for with warmth, patience, and close attention to their individual rhythms, helping them feel safe, secure, and deeply cared for.
TODDLERS
Toddler Care and Early Learning
Toddlers are busy, curious, capable people. They learn by doing — moving, carrying, climbing, talking, trying, making choices and doing more for themselves. We give them safe, welcoming spaces to explore while warm routines and familiar teachers provide the security they still need.
Familiar routines and gentle guidance help toddlers feel secure, while caring teachers support each child through important milestones, including learning to use the toilet, at their own pace.
Play-Based Preschool
In many of our preschool spaces, children learn in open, mixed-age environments. Younger children hear rich language and ideas from older peers, while older children grow in confidence by helping, leading, and sharing what they know. Rather than moving every child through the same activity at the same time, children have meaningful choices throughout their day. Teachers introduce ideas, materials and experiences, then help children take those experiences in directions that interest and challenge them.
Children build early language, math, science, writing, creativity, problem-solving, and friendship skills through hands-on learning and play.
Pre-Kindergarten
Our Pre-K/TK experience supports early reading, writing, math, listening, problem-solving, and self-help skills in a way that still honors childhood. Children leave feeling capable, confident, and ready for what comes next — not rushed out of being little.
Before- and After-School Care
School-Age Kid Zone: Before- and after-school care at Loma Vista Elementary.
TK & Kindergarten After-School Care: Available at select Sunshine House preschool locations.
SCHEDULES
Flexible Full-Time and Part-Time Childcare
Childcare That Fits Real Life. Not every family needs the same schedule. Sunshine House offers a variety of full-day and part-day options, allowing families to choose care that fits their child’s needs and their family’s routine.
Availability and schedule options vary by location.
A DAY AT SUNSHINE HOUSE
What a Day Looks Like
The day is thoughtfully structured, but never rushed. Children have the comfort of predictable routines, along with the freedom to play, explore, and grow at their own pace.
While each age group and location has its own rhythm, a typical preschool day might include:
A warm welcome
Children ease into their day, reconnect with teachers and friends, and begin playing indoors or outside.
Lots of time to choose and play
Children build, pretend, create, explore, move, talk and play with friends — with teachers nearby to support and extend their ideas.
Experiences that spark learning
Stories, music, art, science, early literacy, numbers, conversation and other teacher-guided experiences are woven naturally into the day.
Time outside
Children have regular opportunities to move, explore and play outdoors.
Meals together
Healthy snacks and a sit-down lunch give children time to slow down and enjoy being together.
Rest and reset
Children who sleep can rest, while non-sleepers have peaceful alternatives.
What You Will Find Across Sunshine House
Warm, experienced teachers who know and care about each child
Long-term staff, with teacher longevity averaging ten years
Open, mixed-age spaces where children learn from one another
Beautiful indoor and outdoor environments designed for play, learning, and connection
A thoughtful balance of teacher-guided experiences and child-led exploration
Thoughtful attention to each child's comfort, routines, and individual needs
Open, consistent communication with families
Plenty of opportunity for children to make choices, follow their interests, and build independence.
GET IN TOUCH
Not Sure Which Program Fits?
Come visit, tell us about your child, and we’ll help you find the Sunshine House location and schedule that feel like the
right fit.