Sunshine Daycare Center: Hands On Learning, 7 Days A Week

Jennifer Jimenez opened Sunshine Daycare Center in February 2012 and plans to run it like a preschool, catering to children ages 2 through 6. Sunshine Daycare Center’s curriculum will emphasize reading, writing, math, and science skills, as well as fine and gross motor skills.

Jennifer Jimenez, NYS certified teacher, mother, and life-long educator, believes children should start learning as soon as possible. That’s why she opened Sunshine Daycare Center and plans to run it like a preschool, catering to children ages 2 through 6. With two classrooms, a strong curriculum, and plans to stay open seven days a week, Sunshine Daycare Center is aiming to be more than just a babysitting venue.

Jimenez has 12 years of teaching experience with the NYC Department of Education and 12 years of experience working with children at a nonprofit organization. “I always wanted to open a day care,” she says. “I think every teacher has a dream of having their own little school.” Jimenez says that preschool level is the perfect time to start teaching children, as the skills developed at a young age are the foundation for a child’s future education.

Sunshine Daycare Center’s curriculum will emphasize reading, writing, math, and science skills, as well as fine and gross motor skills. Jimenez plans to include circle time, art activities, children’s tai chi, an introduction to Spanish, and outdoor play in her school days. She also wants to incorporate healthy eating (breakfast and healthy snacks will be provided throughout the day) and an early development of financial awareness. “I’ve always had high expectations for children,” she says. “At a very young age, they just want to learn.”

Jimenez has structured the schedule to accommodate parents with busy work schedules. Sunshine Daycare Center is open from 7am-6pm, Monday through Friday, and from 9am-5pm on the weekend. Children can attend two, three, or five days a week, for either a half-day or a full day, from September through June. Jimenez will be running a summer camp during July and August. She also offers hourly childcare that can be purchased in blocks of 10 hours.

Sunshine Daycare Center is located at 34-57 Francis Lewis Boulevard. Registration is currently open, and open houses will be running all through the month of February. The location is stroller and wheelchair accessible, and free parking is available. For more information call 718-353-1800.