|
|
|
Our History (Written in 1994; Updated in 2008)
|
We've all said, "I'd better write that down before I forget it." Now that Sunshine School is beginning its 10th
year, I should remember our history and share it with you.
Necessity is the mother of invention, it's been said, and in 1982 or so, I was needy. I had recently
completed university work so that I could be certified to teach in the state of Arizona. Then, I
had a minor car accident; I would need 6 weeks to recover - obliterating the "season" when candidates
interviewed for upcoming teaching positions. My dentist, a family friend, was repairing a broken
tooth. "What will you do for a job?" he asked. I replied that I raised children: mine and those
in the neighborhood (including his.) Maybe I should do that on a larger scale, as an educator
who loved young children.
As luck would have it, the dentist owned four acres in the center of Oro Valley. He was thinking of
enlarging his plaza to accommodate more than his dental practice. He made an offer I couldn't refuse: I was
to investigate the costs and legalities of opening the first childcare center in Oro Valley. He'd look over
the proposal and decide if he could/would fund the project. We would pay him rent; he would not interfere
with our program.
Seems like it took forever to gather the details! I spoke with an attorney, an architect, the State, the Town,
friends in childcare, and an associate in early childhood education. I attended meetings, went to classes,
read volumes, and finally concluded we could do this wonderful thing. BUT IT WOULDN'T BE EASY. I was
determined to be a 501 (c) 3 (non-profit) preschool. I wanted everyone to know that Sunshine School would be
an educational endeavor, not day-care. My intent was to hire qualified teachers who would love and educate
children ages 3, 4, and 5. And nothing says "passion with a purpose" better than the non-profit sequitur.
The doctor agreed to fund the building, built as I wished: a large, open-space "home." We were to be a family
of teachers and children. The doctor's family, my family, friends, and paid workers all built Sunshine, from pouring
concrete to hauling play yard sand. I scrounged for toys, books, resting pads. Sunshine was furnished by friends
and garage sales.
And just two things remained: who would work? Who would attend? With all my optimism and education, I was not
qualified (by State standards) to direct the new Sunshine School. An Early Childhood Education friend had
begun an after-school care program for children of parents who work outside the home. I knew she was ready
for a change, so I asked if she would consider joining me for at least two years (after that time, I would
have enough experience to become Director.) She agreed, and that's how we began: two teacher-moms with
a dream, a school, some leftovers, and not much business sense, but ready to begin an adventure.
We opened in August, 1984, with 12 students. One of us worked from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; another worked 8 a.m.
- 5 p.m.; and a third employee worked from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The first two years were rough but so rewarding!
We devised a curriculum, added an art teacher, changed what didn't work, and paid bills with our credit cards.
After two years, I became Director. I taught a class of 4-year olds; hired more teachers; and our program and
reputation grew. I discovered that, while originally parents enrolled their children for the great preschool
work we offered, our goals became more focused on helping children and families survive in a crazy world.
Yes, we do teach kids "things," but helping them become responsible, empathetic, and positive young people
is really what we're all about.
I'm fortunate and thankful to have survived for 10 years. I take my job seriously, as do all the fine and dedicated
people who work at Sunshine. We continue to make a very real and positive contribution to our children, their
families, and the northwest Tucson community.
**************************************************************************
Now, it's 2008. I'm reading the above story about Sunshine's birth. In another year, school will be 25 years
old and yes, I do think of Sunshine as a growing child. Can I remember our milestones since 1984? Not
necessarily, but what I can do is tell you that at this point in time -
- Sunshine has grown to average 100 enrolled families per year;
- Our staff numbers 27 (and I'm proud to say that we're a very experienced group of educators.
Please refer to the "Staff" section of the site for details);
- We care for & educate a wide variety of families and children: special-needs students;
highly allergic children; emotionally fragile children; bilingual and trilingual children;
children with physical disabilities; families separated by divorce; families wherein the grandparents have
legal custody and are raising the children; and the list goes on...
- We intend to continue.
Preschools DO care for all the world's children, and no matter where the school exists, the children and
families all have the same needs. It's my job, Sunshine's job, a parent's job to love and educate young
children so that they become empathetic; capable; able to think creatively; willing to help others who
are in need; and bold enough to leave all of us and embrace life on their own.
Let's see what the next 25 years brings our way.
|
|
|
|
