The Practical Questions
What ages do you accept?
We care for toddlers through Pre-K at our preschool locations, with infant care available exclusively at our Benicia school. School-age care is also available through Kid Zone in Brentwood. Age ranges vary slightly by location, so we’ll be happy to help you find the right school for your child.
What are your hours?
Do you offer part-time options?
Where are you located?
How do I schedule a tour?
Start by sending us a tour request through the website or giving us a call. A member of our team will reach out to learn a little about your child and what you’re looking for, answer your questions, and talk through availability. If Sunshine House sounds like the right fit, we’ll arrange a convenient time for you to visit.
Your Child & Our Approach
Will my child cry at drop-off?
Starting somewhere new is a big step, and it’s normal for some children to need time to feel comfortable. Our experienced teachers stay close, offer reassurance, and help each child build trust at their own pace.
A warm, confident goodbye helps your child begin transferring that sense of security from you to us. and If there are tears, we’re happy to send you an update once your child is settled and smiling.
My child has speech or language delays. How do you help?
Children come to us with a wide range of developing communication skills. Throughout the day, teachers read, sing, talk, model language, and create natural opportunities for children to communicate and build confidence. Our open, mixed-age spaces also expose children to the language and conversation of children at different developmental stages.
If your child receives speech services or has specific communication needs, we’d love to learn more about them and talk together about whether Sunshine House would be a good fit.
My child is very active. Will they be ready for kindergarten?
We love active, curious children. Young children learn through movement, exploration, hands-on experiences, and meaningful play.
Our open learning environment gives children room to move and follow their curiosity, while teacher-guided experiences build early literacy, math, science, listening, and problem-solving skills in playful, age-appropriate ways. Children build the skills they’ll need for what comes next without being rushed out of childhood.
How do I know my child will be treated kindly?
We know how much trust it takes to leave your child in someone else’s care. We choose teachers not only for their experience, but for their warmth, patience, and genuine love of children.
Our open, connected environment also means teachers work alongside one another throughout the day. With staff longevity averaging ten years, newer teachers learn from experienced educators, and children are surrounded by people who know them well.
Kindness isn’t something we save for difficult moments. It’s part of how we talk to children, guide them, comfort them, and help them through their day.
My child is not potty trained yet. Can you help?
Yes. Children are ready for potty training at different ages, and we are glad to support this step with patience and encouragement.
We welcome children who are not potty trained yet. When your child is ready, we work with your family and offer gentle reminders throughout the day as part of the normal routine.
My child has food allergies. What precautions do you take?
We take allergies seriously and manage them carefully every day. Known allergies are clearly documented with each child’s photo in food areas, and staff are trained to check allergy information before serving food.
For children with peanut allergies or other specific food needs, we take added precautions and work closely with families to follow the plan that keeps their child safe.
My child does not nap. How is that handled?
Every child has a quiet rest time after lunch, with books available. Children who do not fall asleep can move into a quiet activity once rest time is over.
Many children who do not nap at home do rest here because their mornings are active and full. We support each child’s needs while keeping the afternoon calm and comfortable for everyone.
How do you approach discipline?
We see discipline as guidance, not punishment. Children are still learning how to share, take turns, use words, manage feelings, solve problems, and be part of a group.
When behavior is challenging, our teachers look beyond the behavior to what a child may be trying to communicate or accomplish. We stay calm, help children through the moment, and show them what they can do — using words, solving a problem, making things right, or trying again.
The goal isn’t simply to stop a behavior. It’s to help children gradually build the self-control, confidence, and social skills they’ll use for life.
Is your program play-based or academic?
We are proudly play-based, with thoughtful teacher-guided learning woven throughout the day. Children learn best through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences, and they also benefit from thoughtful teacher-guided learning.
Throughout the day, children build early math, science, language, reading, writing, creativity, independence, and problem-solving skills in ways that feel natural and meaningful. The goal is not just kindergarten readiness — it is confidence, curiosity, and lifetime readiness.