Our mission is to provide an early care and education program of the highest quality. We strive to create a flexible program which respects individual differences in families and children, is supportive of parents, and fosters the highest degree of well-being in each child.

Sunnyside, in operation since 1975, is one of the area's most established early childhood centers, offering quality care for children ages 1½ to 6. The Center is licensed by the Massachusetts Office of Child Care Services (OCCS) and accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. We are open Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Full-day and morning programs are available for toddler and pre-school age. The morning program runs from 7:45 to 12:30. Children bring their own lunches. We provide morning and afternoon snacks.

Minimum attendance is three mornings. Children are divided into three groups: younger, middle, and older. Schedules and activities for each group are geared to the interests and capabilities of the children within them. Each group is staffed by two teachers and at least one Smith College student classroom assistant.

In the afternoon all of the classroom groupings are smaller by design. We operate a school year program (September through mid-June) and a summer program (mid-June through mid-August). Sunnyside is closed on most major holidays and one day each semester for staff development. There is a winter recess in December and a two week closure at the end of August.

What Sunnyside is all about

Our goal is to provide a homey environment which lends itself to the feeling of extended family. We believe that in order for children to feel safe, secure, and nurtured, both children and parents must establish close, personal relationships among themselves and with staff. In support of this we maintain small group sizes and high teacher-child ratios. Our primary caregiver model also contributes to the development of those bonds.

We believe that fostering social-emotional development is the heart of developmentally appropriate early childhood education. To achieve that end, our curriculum focuses on building social skills, supporting a positive self-concept, and enhancing self-esteem.

We believe that the classroom teachers and environment should stimulate and encourage a great interest in learning. We understand that a well-trained and dedicated staff provides the consistency and structure upon which a great program can be built. We value our teachers for providing that foundation and for spreading warmth and affection among all of the children in their care.

We fill our days with the joy and celebration that accompany exploration and discovery. We appreciate the excitement of meeting new challenges and the comfort found in familiar experiences.

We offer a developmentally based program, rich in dramatic play, sensory experiences, and carefully selected and varied learning materials. Time for free play and exploration alternates with planned teacher-directed activities in art, science, cooking, music, and movement. We also make use of the rich variety of community resources. A Sunnyside week might include a walk beside Paradise Pond, a visit to the Smith College greenhouse, or a field trip to a local orchard or farm. Situated at the end of Paradise Road, Sunnyside has two floors of children's rooms, each of which has big windows, child-sized tables and chairs, a reading corner, art supplies and easels, age-appropriate playthings, books, and dress-up clothes. Our roomy, enclosed back porch with play structures allows children to stretch their legs and move about freely, regardless of the weather. On most days, children go out to play in fenced-in front and back yards.

Who we are

Our staff consists of a director, an administrative assistant, and seven teachers. The director coordinates and administers the Sunnyside program. The teachers share responsibility for curriculum planning, daily teaching, and communication with parents. Our teachers are friendly and enthusiastic, as well as experienced and highly skilled. All teaching staff must meet state OCCS requirements for education and experience. Smith College work-study students and an administrative intern supplement our staff. Consultants affiliated with Sunnyside include a clinical psychologist and a pediatrician.

The Sunnyside family

We believe that when a child attends Sunnyside, his or her whole family becomes part of the Sunnyside family. We want parents to feel that they have a place and a voice here and we welcome their participation in our activities. At various times, parents have joined us to read aloud, play music, and share their talents and skills in other ways.

Sunnyside is, in fact, a parent' cooperative. When your child comes to Sunnyside, you become a member of an independent non-profit corporation. You have a say in how Sunnyside operates. You and the other parents elect the board of directors who set policy and hire staff. The board is made up of Sunnyside parents, and there are several committees you may join.

You are also asked to contribute three hours of work a month to Sunnyside. This may mean serving on a committee, participating in a cleaning party, working at a fundraising tag sale, or shopping for the snacks served each day. Many parents find that through this work, they feel more involved in their child's Sunnyside experience and they get to know other families. (Families may choose the non-work option for an additional fee.)

Sunnyside was originally founded by a group of families affiliated with Smith College. That affiliation continues today. The Center is used by Smith's academic departments as a child study site and the college owns and maintains 70 Paradise Road. The classroom assistants and administrative intern also come to us through the college. Operating costs, however, are paid entirely from tuition fees and fundraising.

Enrolling at Sunnyside

To apply for admission, we ask you to submit an application along with a $20 filing fee. Upon receipt of your application, you are placed on a waiting list. In April we begin enrolling children for the following fall.

Parents may apply for admission up to a year in advance of possible enrollment. Children must be at least 18 months old by October 1 of the year in which they enroll. Mid-year enrollment is sometimes available, and is contingent on available space. In admitting children, we follow a priority list, which gives preference to (in order):

1. Children of minority status and siblings of students currently enrolled at Sunnyside.
2. Children of Smith College faculty, staff, and students.
3. Former Sunnyside families.
4. Children of Smith College Alums/Children enrolled in Smith College operated Early Childhood programs.
5. Children from the community at large.

Added consideration is given to those seeking full-time care. Once enrolled, a child's place is assured, regardless of list status before admission. We seek to create diverse and balanced groupings of children. Sunnyside's admission policy and programs do not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, national or ethnic origin, cultural heritage, political beliefs, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation. The Summer Program is administered separately; enrollment in the summer program does not guarantee enrollment for the academic year.

We are happy to provide cost illustrations to prospective families. We bill monthly, a month in advance. Sunnyside accepts Massachusetts Child Care Vouchers and participates in the Northampton Community Partnerships Subsidy Program.

We hope to see you soon at Sunnyside. If you have any questions or need more information, please call us or visit us 8:30 to 3:30 weekdays.