Reggio Emilia-Inspired Preschool & Child Care for University City, MO Families
Little Sunshine’s Playhouse & Preschool® of University City opened in 2014 and was the first of three Little Sunshine’s Playhouse locations in the Saint Louis metro. The school is located in the southwest part of University City off Delmar and 170 across the street from Jilly’s cupcakes.
Our all-inclusive, private preschool program provides educational child care to children ages 6 weeks through pre-kindergarten in the Clayton and Ladue 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, afternoon snack, and extracurricular activities.
What Makes Little Sunshine’s Playhouse & Preschool® so Special?
It’s all About our University City 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.
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 University City, MO Leadership Team
Ms. Candace
Program Director
Hello families! My name is Candace, and I am the Program Director at Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool of University City.
I developed my love of early childhood education at a young age and knew that I wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of young children. There is nothing more rewarding to me than seeing a child grow and develop the life skills and academics they need to have a successful educational career.
It has been my privilege to work in early childcare since 2000, serving several families and children in all roles within a school. I was born and raised in St. Louis (Go Blues and Go Cardinals!). I received my Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from Webster University, and an Associates of Arts in Teaching from STLCC.
My passion for providing quality education, building bonds, and relationships with each of you, as well as setting my team up for success is what drives my work every day. I absolutely enjoy running the day-to-day operations of a preschool and providing premium childcare for our community.
When I am not at school, I enjoy reading, being poolside, dining-out, and spending time with family and friends.
I am excited to have the opportunity to get to know your family and watch your child grow at LSP!
Ms. Katelyn
Assistant Director
Hello, my name is Katelyn, and I am honored to be the assistant director of Little Sunshine Playhouse and Preschool in University City.
A little bit about me, I have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, as well as a certification in Child Life through an additional Child Development and Family Studies degree.
I have experience working as an early childhood teacher, as well as working as part of the psychosocial team in the hospital setting. My passion lies in working with children and families. I am excited to watch your child grow and learn while providing support and family centered care.
Outside of my rewarding work life, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our little sunshine. Our son Jacob is growing up so fast. Being a mom is the absolute best. We enjoy trips to the lake, going out to eat, and I have learned to tolerate multiple trips to Home Depot a week to support my husband’s hobbies. My other passion lies in health and fitness. During “me time” you will find me at the gym.
My goal at Little Sunshine’s Playhouse is to build trusting relationships with the families we serve. Please feel free to reach out at any time. I look very forward to meeting you.
Educational Child Care Programs in University City, MO
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 University City, MO Preschool
What Our University City Families Are Saying
Kate
My husband and I cannot say enough good things about our experience at Little Sunshine’s of University City. Our son turned one right as the pandemic began. He was a little behind for his age, and when the opportunity came for him to return to Little Sunshine in June 2020, we were nervous that he would be leaving his infant classroom and moving to the toddler room. However, he grew leaps and bounds right upon starting! We absolutely love their lesson plans, daily art projects and learning, and detailed communication that lets us feel like we are part of his day. They have always been available to discuss any questions we have right away. Most importantly, we truly feel how much they care for our son on a daily basis! I highly recommend LSP!
Molly
We have two children at Little Sunshine and have been very happy with the quality of care. The teachers that both of our children have had have been very attentive, loving, kind and professional. We feel comfortable leaving our children in their care each day. They are organized as a whole and do a good job of informing us about our children’s day. We are thankful to have found Little Sunshine!
Laura
I would highly recommend Little Sunshine’s Playhouse for your childcare and educational needs. My oldest daughter started when she was 2 and immediately learned so much. Our youngest daughter started when she was just 12weeks, it’s nerve-wracking as a parent to trust others with your children especially so young, but I had no problems with LSP. They took wonderful care of my infant and adapted to her schedule and needs. I could relax and do my best at work knowing they were caring for my baby.