Reggio Emilia-Inspired Preschool & Child Care in Leawood, KS
Little Sunshine’s Playhouse & Preschool® of Leawood is owned an operated by Brad and Kristin Dahler. We opened our castle doors in 2012 and were the first Little Sunshine’s Playhouse in the Kansas City metro. The school is located in Leawood right down the road from the cross section of 151st street and Nall Ave.
Our all-inclusive, private preschool program provides educational child care to children ages 6 weeks through pre-kindergarten in Johnson County and Leawood community.
In order to cater to your family’s unique child care needs, we offer a variety of schedule options, which are M-F, MWF and Tues./Thurs. Our monthly tuition rates include: formula, wipes, baby food, breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and extracurricular activities.
What Makes Little Sunshine’s Playhouse & Preschool® so Special?
It’s all About our Leawood Families.
At Little Sunshine’s Playhouse, we are committed to providing you the highest quality of communication, security, and innovative conveniences through our Distinctive Services so you can take comfort in knowing your child is in the very best care.
LuvNotes®
Daily communication from your child’s teacher about their daily adventures
Red Carpet Service™
Convenient morning drop off service during your morning rush
Chef-Prepared Meals
Well-researched, nutritious menus for active, growing little ones
Double-Secured Entry
Strictly-enforced security putting parents minds at ease
Our Proprietary Reggio Emilia-Inspired Curriculum
Creatively Shine®
Our Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, Creatively Shine®, is based on the latest research and trends to prepare your children for their educational careers equipping them with cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and language skills.
At Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool® we believe that a child’s work is play. We teach children age-appropriate lessons, manners, and social skills all through creative and purposeful play. We believe that if children enjoy learning at a young age it will carry with them throughout their lives.
Each month we have original projects, provide each classroom with new materials that reflect the monthly theme and provide related activities to support the individual concepts of the “whole child.”
Our Leawood, KS Leadership Team
Ms. Elsie
Area Manager
My name is Elsie and I am proud to serve as the area manager for Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool® in Kansas City. I began my journey as preschool teacher while in college at the University of Kansas in 2008 (Rock Chalk!) pursuing my Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education. It was during this time where education young children truly became a passion of mine. I have served as a program director in the Johnson County community since my family moved to the area in 2014.
I believe each child has a unique learning style and should be given the opportunity to thrive in a safe and loving environment. I look forward to going in to work each day where I get to watch our amazing teachers do amazing things and witness our students learn through play and discovery.
In my spare time you can find me with my family; my husband Ryan and our three kiddos; Max, Leo and Ella. We enjoy traveling, have family movie nights & being outdoors as much as possible.
Ms. Holly
Program Director
My name is Holly, and it is my pleasure to serve as the Program Director for Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool in Leawood. I began my early childhood career over 25 years ago working with infants and school-aged children. I achieved my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education at the University of Missouri Kansas City. I have served as a program director in Kansas and Missouri for more six years.
In my spare time, I love to use my creativity through interior design. I enjoy hitting the gym every morning, being outdoors, and spending time with my family. I am married with three daughters; Marissa, Arista, and Makelle. We are pushing being empty nesters with one still in high school.
Providing positive learning environments and giving children learning opportunities to help reach their highest potential is a huge passion of mine. I fell in love with Reggio Emilia Approach years ago and am so excited to share this part of my journey here at LSP. It takes a village to provide the best outlook for our young generation. I am excited to partner with you and be a part of your journey.
Ms. Morgan
Assistant Director
Hello! My name is Morgan, and I am the Assistant Director for Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool of Leawood. I have been an early childhood educator for nine years. I began my leadership journey at my first job in Warrensburg, MO. There I was the program and curriculum developer. Soon after I left there, I was given the opportunity to join Little Sunshine’s Playhouse. When I became a part of this leadership team, I fell in love with this school and the Reggio Emilia-inspired approach and philosophies to help children learn and grow. I am looking forward to getting to know each of the families here and watching their children thrive!
On a personal note, before getting married and moving to the KC area, I was born and raised in Warrensburg, MO. My husband, Alec, and I enjoy doing most things outdoors. We enjoy going to the lake, walking our sweet pups, camping, and spending time with our loved ones. We have two crazy sweet puppies, Moose & Thor.
I really believe in the importance of early childhood education and am so excited to be a part of each child’s unique learning path here at LSP!
Educational Child Care Programs in Leawood, KS
Infant Program (6 weeks – 1 year)
Our highly trained infant teachers partner with you to ensure your baby’s developmental needs are met every step along the way. Our nursery staff create predictable routines and nurturing classroom environments that foster social and emotional development in your baby.
Our toddler classrooms are designed to encourage purposeful play where our teachers guide your child through age-appropriate learning experiences that prepare them with the knowledge they need to be confident as they grow.
Early Preschool Program (2-3 years)
Your child’s preschool teacher and our classroom create a nurturing, home-like classroom environment where your toddler is treated as a capable individual, whose opinions, actions and thoughts are respected and valued.
We design our preschool classrooms with developmental milestones in mind and equip each classroom with age-appropriate, educational toys to help continue inspiring your preschoolers curiosity and desire to learn and engage with their classmates and their environment.
It is our mission to prepare your child for a successful year in the wonderful world of kindergarten. Our skilled pre-K teachers help build essential skills by carefully crafting engaging activities that balance instructed learning and purposeful play.
Our Leawood Preschool
What Our Leawood Families Are Saying
Kate
Love LSP- our son has been there since he was five months old. One of his teachers, he has had since he was in the infant two classroom. She is so incredibly dedicated to the children and is truly a mom away from moms for the little kids. She pointed out a spot on my child’s body yesterday to bring to the dr attention and I’m so grateful that she did! She truly goes above and beyond to make sure the kids get the love and attention they need when they are away from their own parents!
Marissa
We have been there since my child’s birth and I have always felt so comfortable leaving her there. They are all so wonderful and caring. The classes are small, so your child is being taken cared very closely. So very happy we are there!
Neliel
This place is amazing, all the staff there, are so sweet and kind. I love that they all know and greet every child by their name, my three-year-old son loves it there it has become a second home to him. All the staff at Little Sunshine’s Playhouse in Leawood are so sweet and caring and thoughtful, my child’s teacher is the best teacher ever, her LuvNotes are always a delight to read, you can tell she loves looking after her children. I mean when my son walks in the door to her classroom her face just lights up and she calls out his name, it is so heartwarming to have such a teacher who is so loving and caring to teach your child.