How to Apply

To apply for admission, we ask you to submit an application along with a $30 filing fee. Upon receipt of your application, you are placed on a waiting list. In March, we begin enrolling children for the coming fall.

Admission Policy

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):

• Children of minority status and siblings of students currently enrolled at Sunnyside.
• Children of Smith College faculty, staff, and students.
• Former Sunnyside families.
• Children of Smith College Alums/Children enrolled in Smith College operated Early Childhood programs.
• 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.