Classrooms and Curriculum

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What is a "Trauma Sensitive Environment?"

Children living in adversity have higher rates of ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences), which produce toxic stress and damages the structure and function of their developing brains.  (See our "Research" page to learn more.)  SonShine teachers implement daily strategies in a Christ-centered, nurturing, consistent, and reliable environment to reduce the effects of toxic stress in children and enhance their ability to learn.

"Start children off in the way they should go and even when they are old they will not depart from it."  Proverbs 22:6

SonShine's high quality faith-based education gives children a solid foundation from which to grow to be resilient, healthy, successful life-long learners in school and throughout life, and for growing a relationship with Jesus Christ.  

At SonShine, we guide children in how to learn, not just in preschool, but throughout their lives.  We allow them to learn at their own God-given pace and in the ways that are best suited for their individual needs.

Our Curriculum

SonShine utilizes The Creative Curriculum, a scientifically based, research-tested model which links curriculum and assessment.  It is based on its developmentally appropriate approach to learning and the philosophy that young children learn best by doing.   Important goals of The Creative Curriculum are to help children become enthusiastic, independent, self-confident, and inquisitive learners.

Sonshine also aligns our curriculum with the Iowa Early Learning Standards - http://www.state.ia.us/earlychildhood/files/early_learning_standarda/IELS_2013.pdf) 

** Within all curriculum, SonShine infuses basic biblical teachings and principles throughout the day in a manner that is age appropriate and relevant to the teachable moment. 

Bible Instruction

For our daily bible instruction, we use a variety of children's bibles, puppets, art, flannel story boards, and other materials to present the biblical truths of:

- creation

- the fall of man (sin)

- the birth, death, and resurrection of God’s Son Jesus Christ

- the indwelling of the Holy Spirit 

- eternal salvation found through repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ as   

  Lord and Savior.    

We also guide the development of:

• Godly character traits: love, joy, humility, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, respect, empathy, forgiveness, compassion, generosity, responsibility, honesty/truthfulness, trustworthiness, wisdom, perseverance, thankfulness, courage, and dependability (Gal. 5:22-23; 6:9; 1 Cor. 4:2)
• Servant-minded/positive  attitudes (2 Cor. 4:5)
• Healthy choices and habits  (Prov. 23:1-3; 1 Cor. 6:19-20)
• We teach children to be active and creative explorers who feel confident to try out their ideas; “think big”; to enjoy life, and live it abundantly as God intended. ("A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly."  John 10:10)

The activities we plan for children are also based on their interests and needs. The way we organize the environment; select toys and materials; plan the daily schedule; and talk with children, are all designed to accomplish our goals for the children in the following developmental domains:

Spiritual

Children will know:

• the Triune God:  God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit
• the immense love God has for all creation
• the biblical truths of creation, sin, forgiveness, redemption, and salvation 
• salvation is given to those who ask for forgiveness (repent) and put their trust and faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior
• basic age appropriate biblical principals and teachings 
• Godly character traits  (see above)

* It is our prayer that as children and their families come to know Christ, they will independently and by their own free will, accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.  This will never be forced as we believe it is the Holy Spirit who prompts and leads people to the acceptance of Jesus Christ.

Social

Children will: 

• feel safe and comfortable in school
• trust their new environment and staff
• make friends 
• feel they are a part of the group
• show empathy to others
• know they are called to love and forgive others

Emotional

Children will:

• feel safe, loved, and secure at SonShine
• know and utilize skills for self-regulation
• experience and feel self-confidence
• be independent (age appropriate)
• have a positive attitude towards self, school, and others
• know they are uniquely and wonderfully made by God for a very special purpose

Cognitive

 Children will:

• become confident learners by letting them try out their own ideas, learn from their thoughts and actions and experience success 
• acquire learning skills such as the ability to solve problems, ask questions, and use words to describe their ideas, observations, and feelings

Physical

Children will :

• increase and develop their large and small motor skills
• feel confident about what their bodies can do
• learn how God wants us to treat/use our bodies.
• habits for a healthy and safe body

(All Iowa Early Learning Standards are incorporated within the domains)

Area 1 - Social and Emotional Development

Area 2 - Physical Well-Being and Motor Development

Area 3 - Approaches to Learning

Area 4 - Social Studies

Area 5 - Creative Arts

Area 6 - Communication, Language, and Literacy

Area 7 - Mathematics

Area 8 - Science

(Details for each Standard Area can be found at: http://www.state.ia.us/earlychildhood/files/early_learning_standarda/IELS_2013.pdf