Our Mission Statement

We promise to provide high quality learning experiences for children in a safe, loving and consistent environment.

We promise to employ high quality staff who are committed to excellence.

 We promise to serve as an advocate for children and families in our community.

Our Philosophy

We believe each child is uniquely prepared, eager to learn and full of potential.  It is our mission to partner with parents to provide a safe environment which fosters adventure, exploration and nurtures the desire and ability to learn.

We consider four elements the foundation of quality early childhood experiences;

(1) teachers who guide and partner with children in the learning process,

(2) curriculum which allows children’s natural curiosity to direct learning,

(3) supporting positive self-image, and

(4) facilitation of the ability to form and sustain healthy relationships with others.

Our personalized curriculum emphasizes prosocial, life skills and character.  Supported by the Montana Early Learning Standards while encompassing Christian values, our program offers an ideal combination of hands-on learning and guided lessons that support growth while capitalizing on the interest of the children. 

Your Child’s Health & Safety are Important to us!

Enjoy peace of mind knowing your child is happy and safe. We proudly provide:

– Full Facility Surveillance System
– Little to no screen time – over 95% of our day is spent in hands on learning activities 
– Highly qualified teaching staff – combined we have over 100 years’ experiencec in Early Childhood Education!
– We are all CPR/1st Aid Certified – no exceptions
– Biometric Sign In/Out system
– Nutritious Meals
– Nut Controlled Environment

Meet the Owners & Director


Welcome to The Sunshine Academy!

The most important thing you need to know about Greg and I is that we are parents, just like you.  Yes, I have a degree in Early Childhood Development.  Yes, we both have more than 10 years’ experience in this field.  Yes, we love working with kids.  Yes, we are passionate about creating high quality teaching opportunities for the community.  But, when it truly boils down to it – what makes us great at what we do is that we understand exactly what it means to be a parent.  Teething, potty-training, terrible-twos, potty-training, “threenagers,” potty-training, picky eating, potty-training… we have survived them all (well, mostly).

We have three core values upon which our program is founded: Integrity, Family, and Future.  We believe by hiring Early Childhood Professionals who encompass these values, we are able to provide families with support and children with engaged quality experiences.  In addition to encompassing these values over half of our teachers are parents whose children have attended our facility.  Parenting is hard work and we believe one of the best ways to support our families is to surround them with fellow parents who “get it.”

I want to thank you for your interest in our program and welcome you into the Sunshine Family!  We look forward to partnering with you and giving your child a “brighter future.”

Sara and Greg Schreiner

NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR

“When I go to work each morning, it is like a breath of fresh air. No two days are the same. There are many fantastic surprises throughout each day. The opportunity to witness the daily changes and growth each child experiences is truly a blessing. The relationships that are developed amongst the children, families, and staff are meaningful and built on trust and respect. The Sunshine Family is one big team and we know that we have to work together and support each other to ensure we are providing quality learning and care.”

Susan Sholar

Reviews


“Before my son started going to Sunshine, he was shy and uncertain about himself. He didn’t talk much and I had a hard time getting him to participate in activities with other kids. At Sunshine, he has gained confidence in himself and has developed amazing social skills. He now loves to participate in activities and has the confidence to try new things and discover his world with excitement. He is overall just a happier kid. I love the balance that Sunshine has developed between letting a kid be a kid and just having some free play time with having structure and quality learning in a class environment. At Sunshine, kids can be goofy, loud and messy but they also get some structured class time with quality educated teachers.”

CRYSTAL CHOUINARD

ACCOUNTANT

“We were new to Laurel and didn’t know many people so when my grandma was no longer able to keep him full time I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. I was referred to Sunshine by an ex-employee. I toured the facility and was impressed with not only the program but the staff as well. The very first day that I left Zander at your facility I was a little bit apprehensive. He ran in and immediately started to play. When I left I had tears in my eyes. I am not sure if it was because I was leaving him with Strangers or that he wasn’t going to miss me like I had thought. When I came to pick him up he was happy and also excited to come back the next day. Then I knew the tears were more of joy, as I knew my son was in the right place. Thank you for all you do for our children. I am so grateful for you all!”

MISTY WITTMAN

PERSONAL BANKER

“I feel like Sunshine is preparing our kids for kindergarten. The creative projects that teach fine motor skills, science and alphabet/word recognition are key to childhood development. My husband and I both work outside the home and we would not have had time to teach these skills at home. Sunshine teachers make learning fun and we enjoying hearing what each class is working on for the month!”

DESIREE ELKIN

“Both of our children have attended the Sunshine Academy. The staff is loving and cares for each individual child as if their own. The teachers at Sunshine prepare the students with educational standards to help them transition from preschool to pre-k and on into kindergarten. The entire program helps lay a solid educational foundation for each child to succeed in school. We absolutely love the staff and how they not only get to know the children, they also get to know that parents. The staff genuinely cares for each child!”

KRISTEN HERSEL

4TH GRADE TEACHER

Our kids are happy and enjoy going there every day! We love the hours that our kids can go because it works with our schedule and the people that work there are truly amazing! There is no words to describe how amazing this facility is! We have been so happy with our boys progress and most of all they work great with our family!

MELISSA KANTOROWICZ

“I love the changes I have seen in my son since he’s been spending three days/week @ Sunshine’s preschool program! He is more assertive and confident. I am convinced Kindergarten will be an easy transition.”

MANDI BRUNCKHORST

STAY AT HOME MOM

“Sunshine has a great preschool program. The children are actively engaged in age-appropriate learning and activities throughout the day. I would not trust anyone else with my child.”

DIANE BONET

When moving to the area my biggest concern was care for my kids. Sunshine took away that concern and is providing an environment that I appreciate and he enjoys going to!

KATIE SHELTON

“Both my kids have developed physically since we moved them to Sunshine. The outdoor play development, especially, has been tremendous.”

ANNE NELSON

ANALYST

You will not find a better place for your child!
KARA FRIESZ