FAQs

Philosophy, Curriculum & Learning Approach

We want this to be a positive experience for you and your child and give equal opportunity to all families regardless of race, creed, sex, religion, national origin, economic standing, or physical condition. 

We at Sunny Days Learning Academy believe in developmentally appropriate curriculum and strive to enhance social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth in young children. Our program is a combination of play-based and Montessori that inspires curiosity and creativity through a variety of group activities and free-play in themed centers

During the school year, we use Experience Curriculum with our play-based program for the 2- and 3-year-old class, and the 3/4/5 class is led by a Montessori-certified teacher, with much of that training integrated into the classroom.

In both of our classes, we work on creating a safe space for children to express themselves as they learn to interact with their peers. We recognize that some aspects of social-emotional development will be guided by age-appropriate strategies.

We balance child-led discovery with predictable routines, so children feel secure as they explore and learn.

At our school, we offer free-choice activities with educational toys, early literacy development, art projects, outdoor activities, and music and movement. We also offer extracurricular activities, including mobile gymnastics and soccer programs. 

Yes, we have a large outdoor playground. In the winter months, we have opportunities for gross motor soft play, dance parties, and yoga. 

Our 2 and 3-year-old classes do not use screens in the classroom. The 3/4/5 class uses videos and slide shows during circle time to support educational goals. 

Yes. Our Montessori-inspired curriculum builds confidence, independence, and foundational skills that make the transition to kindergarten smoother. 

Yes. Art, movement, and hands-on enrichment are part of the regular school experience, not add-ons. Children benefit from creative outlets and physical play as part of a balanced day.

In addition to daily classroom activities, Sunny Days also offers in-school field trips, where educational experiences come directly to the preschool. These opportunities allow children to explore new ideas and skills in a familiar, comfortable environment.

We also partner with trusted enrichment providers such as Handstands (mobile gymnastics), Soccer Shots, and Tippi Toes, giving children opportunities to explore movement, coordination, and creative expression as part of their school day. You can find more information about these program opportunities here. 

Ages, Class Structure & Daily Experience

During the school year, we serve students aged 2-5 years old. We have a class for our 2 and 3-year-olds and two that are 3, 4 and 5-year-olds.

Our child-to-teacher ratio is 5:1, which allows teachers to provide close supervision and individual attention. Sunny Days Learning Academy is fully licensed by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW), and our ratios meet or exceed state licensing requirements. We focus on quality, consistency, and strong relationships rather than maximizing class size.

Sunny Days Learning Academy is licensed by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to serve up to 32 children at one time. Licensed capacity helps ensure a safe, well-supported learning environment for every child.

Small class sizes let teachers observe each child’s needs and progress — and communicate with you regularly.

 

Both classes have slightly different schedules, but a typical day would include free-choice activities until all the students arrive by 9:30 am. The morning would have a circle time and outdoor activities. Classes have lunch around 11:30 am, with the younger class going down for a nap around 12:30 pm. The older students have time in the art room and an afternoon circle time or extracurricular activities. Weather permitting, students will spend time outside in the afternoon.

Transitions are done with songs and timers. 

We give opportunities for parents to make the transition into preschool a smooth one by coming up with a plan that will help their child best by being flexible with the schedule. 

Schedule, Hours & Calendar

Our facility is open from 7:45 am to 5:00 pm. 

We provide consistent daily hours so families can plan with confidence — details are on our Enrollment page.

We offer programs that are TuTh, MWF, and M-F. In our 2- and 3-year-old classrooms, we also offer half-day options.

Because class sizes are limited, availability can vary based on schedule mix. Full-day and full-week schedules tend to fill more quickly, and part-time options may be limited depending on current enrollment.

 

We roughly follow the Boise School District Calendar for days off. We are closed Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day (3-Days), Winter Break (5 days around Christmas), New Year’s Day, MLK Jr. Day, President’s Day, Spring Break (5 days in March). Our last day of the school year program is the Thursday before Memorial Day. During the summer program, we will be off for the 4th of July.

Nap time is offered to children in our toddler programs (ages 2-3) as part of their daily routine. We provide nap mats and bed rolls, and children are welcome to bring a small blanket or comfort item from home. Nap time is supervised and typically takes place from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, followed by an afternoon snack once children wake up.

Our classes eat lunch around 11:30 am, and a snack is given in the afternoon between 2:30 pm and 3:00 pm.

Health, Safety & Well-Being

To ensure your child’s safety and security, we have taken several measures to provide peace of mind for families. Our building is equipped with security and fire alarm systems connected to first responders when needed. Entry is monitored via a doorbell system, allowing staff to identify parents and visitors before granting access. Our playground is fully fenced, and emergency procedures and fire drills are reviewed regularly and aligned with Idaho licensing and IdahoSTARS standards. 

Sunny Days Learning Academy is fully licensed by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and follows all state childcare regulations. We maintain small group sizes, clear supervision standards, intentional routines, and trained staff to keep children safe, supported, and cared for throughout the day.

 

We have a plan for localized and neighborhood emergencies that has been reviewed with all staff members during our building orientation. Parents will be called for illnesses, and minor scrapes or bumps will be documented in Brightwheel as incident reports. 

Please tell the teacher when your child is ill. You can contact us via Brightwheel prior to school and send a message to the teacher. Please use good judgment, and the following guidelines will be used in determining when to send a sick child home:

  • FEVER: Usually, fever is a sign that the body is fighting off an infection or a contagious disease. Fever is defined as an elevation of 1.5 degrees above the normal temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (by mouth). A child with a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will be asked to remain home, or a parent/guardian will be called to come and pick up the child. A child should be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to preschool.
  • DIARRHEA: In the event that a child has more than one instance of loose, watery stools. Their parent/guardian will be called to come and pick up the child.
  • VOMITING: If a child vomits at school, a parent or guardian will be called to come and pick up the child. We ask that you not send a child who has been vomiting with other symptoms to school.
  • COVID-19: Sunny Days follows guidance from the Boise School District for COVID-19 procedures related to masking, isolation, and quarantine when applicable. This helps ensure our practices stay consistent with current local school guidance and public health recommendations.
  • INFLUENZA: A child with a fever, persistent coughing, congestion, chills or muscle aches in any combination should be kept home or asked to go home.
  • SORE THROAT: A child with a sore throat who has not seen a doctor should be kept home or asked to go home. Also, if they have excessive nasal discharge, especially if yellow or greenish, we ask that they stay home.
  • RASHES: A child with an unidentified rash that is spreading and/or getting worse over time will be sent home.
  • LICE: Sunny Days has a “NIT-FREE” policy; students will have to be kept at home until initial treatment has been completed.

In all of these cases, the Sunny Days Learning Academy recommends that a physician be consulted. If your child is ill or possibly ill, please be thoughtful of other parents and children and keep him/her home until he/she is well.

All staff must be fully licensed early childhood educators through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. This includes current CPR and First Aid certification, background checks, fingerprinting, and required ongoing training. Staff also participate in continued professional development through IdahoSTARS. 

Teachers clean and sanitize classrooms multiple times a day, and there is a cleaning rotation for all the toys. Children and staff wash their hands at the start of the day, and each time they use the restroom or before they eat. A commercial cleaner comes in twice a month to deep clean the building. 

Students with health conditions are admitted. We make sure to educate our staff on their condition and work with the parents to create a safe environment. 

Yes.

Discipline, Behavior & Emotional Support

We use positive discipline and guidance strategies that focus on teaching skills rather than punishment. Teachers use empathy, redirection, and consistent routines to support emotional regulation and social development. When challenges arise, we work closely with families and use graduated, age-appropriate interventions when needed.

We use positive guidance techniques that teach children emotional regulation and social skills in every classroom moment. 

 

Nutrition, Meals & Snacks

We do not provide meals at our facility. Students bring a cold lunch prepared by their family to school to accommodate various dietary needs. We do offer a group snack in the afternoon with our 3/4/5 class. The snack fee of $50 every 4 months covers this cost. Students bring their own snack if there are special circumstances.

Teachers, Staff & Professional Standards

Our teaching team includes fully licensed early childhood educators with a range of experience and training. Two members of our staff hold Montessori certifications, and all staff participate in ongoing professional development through IdahoSTARS to stay current with best practices in early childhood education.

 

Ongoing staff development is important to us. All teachers participate in continued professional development through IdahoSTARS and required state training to maintain licensing and support high-quality care.

Communication & Family Involvement

Our facility uses the Brightwheel app for messaging, photos, daily activities, and billing. 

 

We have opportunities for parents and families to come to events. 

 

Not at this time. 

 

Enrollment, Tuition & Financial Information

2 and 3 Year Old Program

  • Tuesday & Thursday Half-Day 8:30 am-12:00 pm $300/mo
  • Tuesday & Thursday Full-Day 7:45 am-5:00 pm $425/mo
  • Monday, Wednesday & Friday Half-Day 8:30 am-12:00 pm $450/mo
  • Monday, Wednesday & Friday Full-Day 7:45 am-5:00 pm $600/mo
  • Monday thru Friday Half-Day 8:30 am-12:00 pm $650/mo
  • Monday thru Friday Full-Day 7:45 am-5:00 pm $950/mo

 

3/4/5 Year Old Program

  • Tuesday & Thursday Full-Day 7:45 am-5:00 pm $425/mo
  • Monday, Wednesday & Friday Full-Day 7:45 am-5:00 pm $585/mo
  • Monday thru Friday Full-Day 7:45 am-5:00 pm $900/mo

Tuition reflects the value of trained teachers, rich curriculum, and consistent staffing — and we explain this clearly before asking for commitment.

 

We accept ICCP for students and families that qualify. 

Enrollment is done online through our online application. An application fee of $100 is required at the time of application.

A waitlist is used once a class reaches capacity or for children who are not yet age-eligible (under 2 years old). Families may join the waitlist and will be contacted as space becomes available based on age, schedule needs, and enrollment availability. 

Start with a tour. Ask questions. We want the decision to feel right for your family. 

We will prorate the first month to begin tuition on your child’s start date. There is no penalty for changing schedules, but there is a 14-day notice requirement for withdrawing from the school. 

Special Services & Additional Considerations

We will try to work with families whose students have medical needs. We are not equipped to deal with developmental delays, but we do have students who work with a Behavioral Interventionist in the classroom.

We do not have any additional support services, but have some great referrals. 

 

Not at this time.

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