Northbrook Park District’s Sunshine Preschool hosts free open house Dec. 14

Four-year-old Halle Elkins started preschool this year, and her mother said she couldn’t have asked for a better experience than the Northbrook Park District’s Sunshine Preschool.

“Sunshine Preschool has been a wonderful experience for my child,” Marlee Elkins said. “She was initially nervous about starting school, but from day one, both the director and teachers went above and beyond to make her feel comfortable and supported. They’ve also been incredibly reassuring to me as a parent. We are very grateful for the care and attention my child receives.”

Such testimonials are common from families with children enrolled in Sunshine Preschool, which offers early childhood education for ages 3-5 with a focus on learning through play and exploration.

Classes for 3-year-olds focus on teaching to share, take turns, engage with other kids and develop friendships. Classes for 4-year-olds build on those skills with the addition of hands-on learning in early literacy, math, science and social studies.

Sunshine Preschool’s four teachers have a combined 47 years of experience with a variety of educational backgrounds, skills and talents, said Northbrook Park District Recreation Supervisor Maria Warren.

“Parents know that the teachers at Sunshine Preschool care and look out for their children as if they were their own during their time here,” Warren said. “Every day, students receive one-on-one, small group, and larger group instruction in various ways, and teachers always come up with creative ways to make their instruction feel like ‘play.’ Children love Sunshine Preschool so much that they always inquire why there is no school on weekends.”

Teachers are conscientious about meeting children’s individual needs, said parent Jenny Mitropoulis.

“My son needs extra monitoring because has a very long list of food allergies, and the teachers have been so accommodating. They care so much.”

Parent Shrara McCue agreed. “The students get so much individual attention. I know my son is safe and loved here, and he comes home excited about learning new things.”

Parents can rely on open communication from teachers and staff about how their children are doing, including regular emails and updates about school activities, Warren said.

“Our families are encouraged to participate in classroom readings, parties and outings,” she said. “Sunshine Preschool makes a point to celebrate each child, family and event in the community, so everyone can share in the joy and happiness.”

Numerous studies have shown that preschool attendance is crucial to academic and professional success later in life.

Attending preschool at age 4 makes children significantly more likely to go to college and less likely to have behavioral issues, according to a study led by a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor published in 2022.

Other studies have found that preschool education for 3- and 4-year-olds can improve health and longevity and reduce persistent educational gaps, according to a 2023 article in the Washington Post.

Sunshine Preschool takes place 9-11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday at the Northbrook Park District’s Leisure Center.

Families can extend their children’s day until 12:45 p.m. Monday to Thursday by enrolling them in enrichment classes taught by early childhood instructors and preschool teachers. Enrichment includes lunch and focuses on a variety of disciplines, including art, nature, dancing, music and cooking.

Families also can extend their children’s preschool week to include Fridays from 9-11:30 a.m. by enrolling them in a variety of programs offered throughout the year. The current programs include Safety Town Fridays (September to December), Habitat Explorer Fridays (January to March), and Noggin Builders Fridays (April to May). Enrichment options from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. are also available to extend preschool on Fridays.

After recently going back to work, parent Sana Ahmed said she made sure her 3-year-old daughter could attend the Sunshine Preschool, where her two older children had a great experience.

“No matter what, we had to make it work,” the Northbrook resident said. “I wouldn’t send her anywhere else.”

Sunshine Preschool will host a free open house from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Leisure Center, 3323 Walters Ave. in Northbrook. Classrooms will be open with fun activities for children, and teachers will be ready to answer questions and meet with parents/guardians.

Registration for the 2025-26 school year opens Monday, Dec. 16 at nbparks.org.

For more information, visit nbparks.org/programs/preschool or call (847) 291-2995.

Established in 1927, the mission of the Northbrook Park District is to enhance the community by providing outstanding services, parks and facilities through environmental, social and financial stewardship.