What "Play" can teach ... Balance, strength, coordination Science Concentration Spatial relationships Self-expression Math concepts Release for aggressive feelings Music and rhythm Dramatic play Communication and speech Hand-eye coordination Sequencing skills Follow directions

A Parent Participation Preschool is a preschool in which the parents, children and teacher all contribute to, and actively participate in a creative learning environment of growth. The Preschool is non-profit, founded and maintained by parents whose concern is to provide a quality educational experience for their children during the vital preschool years.

The children's educational program emphasizes "Learning Through Play". Through play, many of the necessary skills for later life are developed. Learning through play comes about when the need for freedom and guidance is recognized. Sunshine Hills Parent Participation Preschool [SHPPP] provides a play-based curriculum that:

• supports the development of the whole child - socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually.
• allows for the recognition of each child’s unique learning style, abilities, and developmental level.
• allows for hands on learning, where the curriculum can emerge from the children’s interests, needs and desires; making learning concrete and meaningful.

Central to our programs is the belief that:

• children thrive in an atmosphere of trust; where they are provided with support, in a safe & gentle environment.
• a child’s self esteem and ability to learn are interdependent. That is, children succeed when they have a strong sense of self; therefore we believe it is important to foster a sense of competency and independence in all aspects of the child’s being.
  

SHPPP's unique environment includes an excellent adult to child ratio allowing for individual attention. We are proud of our quality programming with play activities. Examples of what play-based curriculum can provide for children’s development are:

Outdoor play: Children need fresh air and exercise; it helps to develop strong muscles and healthy bodies. Physical play helps to develop an awareness of their bodies (balance, strength, coordination) and builds confidence.

Story time: Sitting quietly listening to stories develops the skills of concentration and attention, and is an introduction to the wonderful world of books and reading.

Block building: Building is a bridge between the world of pretend and reality. It provides experience in spatial relationships, opportunities for sharing, and develops large and small muscle control. Blocks also provide a pre-math experience (size and shape sorting, balance).

Painting: Painting provides an opportunity for self-expression and enjoyment. The fun of creating is more important than the end product.

Water play and sandbox: Play in these areas encourages experimentation in texture and measurement in a fun way. It also presents early scientific and math concepts.

Play dough and clay: Modeling provides a release for aggressive feelings and offers general enjoyment.

Music and rhythm: These provide a means of self-expression through experimentation with songs, instruments, finger plays, games, and dancing.

Dramatic play: This type of play is used to reenact experiences and stories, fears and feelings. It allows children to try out different roles and promotes cooperation.

Language communication: Communication and speech improve enormously at preschool. They are developed through all forms of play.

Table toys: Puzzles, beads, games, etc. These help a child to develop his hand-eye coordination, sequencing skills, ability to follow direction, and concentration.

Cutting and pasting: These provide an experience in hand and finger manipulation as well as self-expression. When presented with a variety of materials, shapes, textures, and objects to glue, children find an enormous amount of enjoyment in their creations.

Science table: Objects and experiments feed a child's natural curiosity about the world around them and expand general knowledge.

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