Sonshine Preschool

If you’re looking for a preschool with nurturing teachers who view each student as individuals and gently guide them to be «good people» (helpful, caring, cooperative, responsible, friendly, etc), then look no further. Sonshine is wonderful.
My third child was here for their 3’s program and I had the intention of putting her in a Montessori Pre-​K class when she turned 4. Sonshine Preschool was such a pleasant surprise — SO MUCH better than I imagined — that I kept my child here for a 2^nd year (the 4’s program). She loved it that much, as did I. There was no way I would pull her out to be in another school, regardless of how modern the rooms are or how technologically-​advanced their systems are… or even how shiny and big they play structures are. No way.
I will say that if you care about those outward things, then you may not like Sonshine because they have older classrooms, donated toys, and older playground equipment. (Most were acquired through donations.) But what they lack in new-​ness, they make up for (and more) in their care of your children. They also keep their tuition on the lower side, compared to the 10+ preschools I looked into in the Dublin, Pleasanton and Livermore cities.
My child (now in Kindergarten) loves school, can read 3^rd grade books, and is highly sociable with other children. I absolutely believe that her positive experience during her 2 years at Sonshine contributed to this.
About the different classes:
The 3’s class was less academic and more structured to help children (mostly first timers at school) to socialize with other kids and learn how to listen and follow directions, etc. The 4’s class had more academics to help prepare the kids for Kindergarten or TK (or DK, depending on what city you’re in). They had homework to help kids practice their fine motor skills and get used to writing left-​to-​right, etc. They also taught phonics and alphabet-​writing, but in fun, age-​appropriate ways, like making the letter by gluing yarn or craft objects onto a cardboard.
One of the things my child loved (other than the teachers and the great friends she made) was the Reading area (there was carpet and pillows) and also the Science area (lots of cool things to look at under a microscope, stick insects, etc). Unlike some preschools, Sonshine also had a dress-​up area, which was always popular with boys and girls of this age. They learn so much by playing.
I think Sonshine combines play-​based with traditional preschools, which worked great for us because… why shouldn’t preschool be FUN?!! I think if kids love school at an early age, then it builds a positive foundation for school as they get older. This was, unfortunately, not the experience one of my other kids had, which is why I feel compelled to write this review.
This is what I’ve learned from having my kids attend different preschools and visiting over 10 preschools:
1. Not all preschools are equal.
2. The more you pay, the more you… will usually have nicer objects around the school (nicer play structures, lots of paper?) It doesn’t guarantee a better experience for your child.
3. Different personalities of children will like different types of preschool, so take your child and visit them before enrolling. Don’t just enroll because you know people who’ve gone there, or if you had a sibling attend.

Sonshine is a loving environment for children to learn how to be successful in in everyday life. The curriculum taught at Sonshine helps build a solid foundation to transition to elementary school. Where the children do learn the «district prerequisite» they also learn cooperative play. Cooperative play is essential in a child’s development. It allows them the tools to handle situations in a positive manner. My 1^st is now 7 and he is thriving in school. He came out of Sonshine with a confidence that has made him eager to learn. I highly recommend Sonshine, for helping shape children into well rounded students.

I love this school! It’s so loving and caring! You couldn’t ask for a better environment for your kids. Both my kids love going to school! I wish we could stay here forever instead of moving to a new school for kindergarten.

My son and daughter both attended Sonshine for their 2, 3 and 4’s class and I couldn’t be happier. We will greatly miss their caring teachers. I always felt very comfortable leaving the kids in their capable and loving hands. For us, Sonshine offered the right balance of age appropriate learning, which was always presented in a fun and playful way. My kids gained so much from being nurtured by their kind and patient teachers… each and every teacher there is amazing! It really is a place that we will look back on with that «warm and fuzzy» feeling.

Today was the first day of preschool. Once again, a total success. The first words out of my daughters mouth were «when am I coming back?» I have so many good things to say about this school, staff and teachers I don’t know where to begin. There are so many aspects to choosing a school, and I found that Sonhine exceeded all our needs and expectations. This is our second year here. The staff is so friendly, encouraging, and helpful. Almost everyone here has children of their own and many years of experience. Everything is so clean and organized! From toys to learning the structure of this school is very obvious. My daughter showed such improvement after a few months here with fine and large motor skills. More than academic, she was taught social skills — the things that will help her most in life. I saw such growth in academic, social and interpersonal skills, that we decided our second child will go here as well. Sonshine is a well rounded and family focused center– we love this school!

This is hands down one of the best preschools in the tri-​valley (if not California). I have had some close family members attend this wonderful academy, and have come out bright, energetic, and ready for any academic challenges that await them.
Plus, the staff is truly gifted and highly educated and experienced in dealing with children.

Our experience at Sonshine lost it’s luster with the 4’s program.
DGD the elder entered the program in the fall, and after 5 – 6 weeks we had questions… when were they going to start the pre-​kindergarden portion of the program? Other parents were asking the same question.
As parents today know, children are expected to know quite allot to be ready for kindergarten, and I saw bored, unhappy kids when I volunteered. The class was not under good control.
With the clock ticking, and without a program we found satisfactory in place, we made the hard choice to move her to a school that had what we/​she needed.
We could not have been happier with our choice, and she flourished.
DGD the younger did remain in the 2’s program for the year, and that was a 3 star experience, unlike DGD the elders 5 star. I was in the classroom once a month, and since she enjoyed going, we finished out the year.
In the end:
I feel parent volunteers are a double edged sword, and do not prefer this model for pre-​school. There are just too many variables.
I also feel Sonshine’s conflict resolution is not effective.
I was very disappointed in Sonshine’s pre-​kindergarten program, which was entirely lacking.

My daughter has attended this school 3x a week for the last 2 years, since she turned 3 years old. And she loves it. She has made new friends and has a great relationship with the teachers as well, Mrs Z and Mrs Terry, who are both extremely nice, well organized and highly competent teachers. My wife has helped out on a regular basis and is really happy with the school and the teachers as well. We will send our younger daughter to the school as well once she turns 3.