Frequently Asked Questions

Our main goal is to support a child's whole development, which includes their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. Through play-based activities and repetition throughout the day, we promote experiential learning over worksheets in order to foster fine motor skills, letter and number identification, as well as cognitive and spatial awareness. With the help of this method, kids can learn important skills in an entertaining and engaging way, preparing them for success in school.

At Sunny Hills, we prioritize foundational skills that form the building blocks of your child's development. Before delving into academic subjects, we focus on fundamental skills such as attention span, self-regulation, social interaction, and motor skills. Children learn to lengthen their attention span, maintain proper behavior in various settings, speak up for themselves, and interact positively with peers. We emphasize the importance of group play, sharing, and following classroom routines. Additionally, children practice essential motor skills like holding a pencil or paintbrush, using scissors, and other fine motor activities. Mastering these skills sets a strong foundation for academic learning and overall success, ensuring that your child progresses developmentally in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Every child's development is monitored closely, and although we don't always check in for average developmental advancement, we are watchful for any possible setbacks. We will get in touch with you right away to talk about any concerns we have that might point to a developmental delay so we can work together to decide on the best course of action. In order to further assist your child's growth, we can also suggest assessments and offer resources. We welcome honest communication and are here to help with any queries or issues you might have. 

At Sunny Hills, we use Brightwheel and a private Facebook group as two channels for communication. While our private Facebook group highlights children's activities, Brightwheel permits messaging under each child's profile. When they have questions or concerns, parents can use Brightwheel to get in touch with the instructor or they can speak with the teacher in person during pick-up or drop-off to schedule a convenient time for more conversation. In order to foster cooperation and understanding between parents and teachers, we place a high priority on open communication.

We take great satisfaction in keeping our core staff members on board for multiple years, giving our students security and continuity. Children can form close relationships with their teachers and classmates as a result of this continuity, which promotes a feeling of security and belonging. Children remain with their class and core group regardless of birthdays or other circumstances, creating a comfortable and encouraging learning atmosphere. We think that having a stable workforce improves the standard of instruction and advances the welfare of children.

We accept applications all year long or until we fill up. We don't base our enrollment decisions on a magic number; instead, we consider a number of elements, such as the dynamics of the classroom and the kind of social-emotional support required to keep the environment under control. Ensuring that every child has the attention and resources they require to succeed is our top priority, and we work hard to create a balanced and supportive environment for all of our children. 

 A $200 annual registration fee is required to reserve your child's place in the program; this price is non-refundable. It assists us in budgeting for things like insurance and registration-related administrative costs, as well as classroom dynamics and resources.  

We've found that greeting children at the door and welcoming them into their space by a teacher helps to create a safe and comforting environment. This approach significantly reduces separation anxiety, minimizes distractions for both teachers and students, and maintains a secure environment by limiting the number of people coming in and out of the building. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us create the best possible setting for all our students. 

You are welcome to bring cupcakes or cookies to celebrate your child's birthday at Sunny Hills. We recommend store-bought treats for convenience and safety. In the event that a child has allergies, we can keep birthday treats on hand that accommodate their dietary restrictions. 

We eat brunch around 11 AM.  We encourage your children to eat a good breakfast before coming to school and to bring a lunch that does not need to be heated up. **Please note that we do not have facilities to heat up food on-site**. If you wish to send your child with something warm, thermoses work great. Weather permitting, we love to picnic outside; otherwise, children will eat in their classrooms. Additionally, we ask that children bring a full water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. We take allergies into consideration and address or accommodate them based on their severity to ensure the safety and well-being of all our students. 

In July and August, Sunny Hills hosts a summer camp at our Beaverton site. Over the course of four weeks, each camp session follows a daily schedule akin to that of the academic year, with the addition of summer-specific activities like carpentry, water play, and other projects meant to encourage inquiry and unstructured physical activity. The first session of the program begins the first week of July and lasts for four weeks. The next week marks the start of the second session, which lasts for an additional four weeks and usually ends by the end of the third week in August. We will have time to get ready for the next school year thanks to this plan. The summer camp fee is similar to our monthly school year tuition, so both parents and kids will have an easy adjustment.

Our annual tuition can be paid in full for a discount equal to one month's tuition, or payable in 10 equal monthly installment. These monthly payments are consistent, factoring in school calendars and closures, and are due regardless of any extended holidays, sabbaticals, illnesses, or other absences. Payment methods include cash and checks, which can be paid in person at the school, and cards through our online system, Brightwheel. **Please note, we do not offer credits or refunds for missed days to ensure the stability of our program and the quality of our educational offerings.**

Our primary focus is on providing a half-day preschool designed for educational purposes. At this time, we do not offer before and aftercare services. Additionally, please note that we are not licensed for this type of care. Thank you for your understanding.