Reggio Emilia-Inspired Preschool & Child Care in Springfield, MO at Chestnut Expy
Little Sunshine’s Playhouse & Preschool® of Springfield at Chestnut opened in 2002 and was the first of the four schools in the greater Springfield area. The school is located in the west part of Springfield with close proximity to downtown Springfield.
Our all-inclusive, private preschool program provides educational child care to children ages 6 weeks through pre-kindergarten in the Springfield, Willard, and Republic communities.
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, and afternoon snack.
What Makes Little Sunshine’s Playhouse & Preschool® so Special?
It’s all About our 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
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 Leadership Team

Mrs. Stephanie
Program Director
Hello! My name is Stephanie, and I am thrilled to be part of your family’s preschool journey as Program Director here at Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool.
My journey with Little Sunshine’s Playhouse began in 2012 when I was hired on as a preschool floater. Shortly after, I was promoted to lead teacher in our infant and toddler classroom. After some time with our infants and toddlers, I was then promoted to head teacher and then became assistant director. I left for a short time but am so happy to be back as your Program Director.
In 2014, I graduated with an associate degree in Early Childhood Education. I went on to graduate with my bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Development from Missouri State University.
My husband and I have a large blended family and reside in the Springfield area. Our family loves to BBQ, spend time at the lake, argue about who is the best Avenger (obviously Iron-Man), and celebrate the friendships we have made along the way.
As a parent myself, I understand what a big decision it is to leave your little one in the care of others. I want to assure you that it is my personal mission to provide your family with the best preschool experience that they could have. I look forward to meeting you.

Mrs. Danielle
Assistant director
Hello everyone! My name is Danielle. I am so excited to be part of the Leadership Team at Little Sunshine’s Playhouse. I have been in the early childhood field for 11 years, and have learned so much that has contributed to my love and passion for teaching children!
I started with LSP at the Chestnut location in 2014 while I was still working to complete my degree in early childhood education. I obtained my degree in 2016 and enjoyed continuing my career with this wonderful company. After having my second child, I took a short maternity leave and returned to LSP as a head teacher. I have thoroughly enjoyed using my time in that position as an opportunity to learn as much as I can to expand my leadership skills.
I have a wonderful husband, Chris, and we have two children; Emma, who is 7 and a proud LSP graduate, and Isaiah, 8 months old, who currently attends LSP. I also have a rescue fur baby, Sansa. We enjoy spending quality time as a family, whether it is game nights, traveling, or watching movies together.