Preschool Program
Ages 3–5 Years
At Sammie’s Sunshine Academy, our Preschool Program prepares children for kindergarten through intentional, play-based learning that supports cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and spiritual development. We provide a nurturing, structured environment where children build confidence, independence, and a love for learning.
Daily Routine
Preschoolers thrive with consistency and flexibility. Our daily flow supports learning, movement, and rest.
A Typical Day Includes:
Morning welcome and classroom routines
Group time (songs, stories, discussion)
Learning centers and guided activities
Indoor and outdoor gross-motor play
Meals and snacks following licensing guidelines
Rest or quiet time
Small-group learning experiences
All activities are supervised and adapted to meet children’s individual needs.
Curriculum Overview
Our preschool curriculum is developmentally appropriate and intentionally guided, aligned with Indiana early learning expectations. Learning takes place through hands-on experiences, exploration, and meaningful teacher-child interactions rather than formal academic pressure.
What Preschoolers Learn
Early Literacy: letter recognition, storytelling, vocabulary, early writing
Early Math: counting, sorting, patterns, number awareness
Science & Discovery: exploration, problem-solving, curiosity about the world
Creative Arts: music, art, dramatic play, self-expression
Social Skills: cooperation, sharing, group participation
Emotional Development: self-regulation, confidence, empathy
Faith & Character Development
Faith is integrated in a developmentally appropriate and respectful manner, with a focus on character and values in formal instruction.
Children experience faith through:
Songs and activities that promote kindness, gratitude, and joy
Encouraging, positive language
Caregivers modeling patience, honesty, and Christ-like behavior
Self-Help & Independence Skills
Preschoolers are encouraged to develop independence and responsibility through age-appropriate self-help skills, including:
Managing personal belongings
Cleaning up learning materials
Handwashing and hygiene routines
Following classroom expectations
Completing simple tasks independently
These skills build confidence and support kindergarten readiness.
Positive Guidance & Social Development
We use positive behavior guidance to support emotional regulation and healthy social interactions. Caregivers:
Model respectful communication
Use redirection and problem-solving strategies
Help children identify and express emotions appropriately
Discipline is always instructional, supportive, and never punitive.
Family Partnership & Communication
We believe strong family partnerships support successful learning. Our preschool team:
Communicates regularly about learning, behavior, and progress
Shares milestones and classroom experiences
Respects family values, routines, and cultural practices
Families are encouraged to collaborate with teachers to support their child’s growth.
