These polices are evolving as were work with Idaho Stars and participate in Steps to Quality. This ensures we are implementing the best practices to create a high-quality early childhood education program.
Welcome & Philosophy
Welcome to Sunny Days Learning Academy! We are delighted to welcome your family into our vibrant, nurturing, and child-centered learning community. Our early childhood education program is thoughtfully designed to promote each child's emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development through a blend of structured experiences and play-based and Montessori style learning opportunities.
At Sunny Days, we believe that young children thrive in environments that foster curiosity, creativity, respect, and a strong sense of community. We are committed to nurturing the whole child—instilling a love of learning, encouraging independence, and helping children become kind, confident, and capable individuals.
General Information
Children attending Sunny Days will enter through the main preschool entrance. Upon arrival, each child should place their personal items in their designated cubby or hook. Parents should ensure children use the restroom, if applicable, and/or wash their hands to prevent the spread of germs.
We ask that all children arrive between 7:45 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Arrivals after 9:30 a.m. may not be accommodated unless previously arranged, as this disrupts the morning classroom flow. Dismissal begins at 2:45 p.m and ends promptly at 5:00 p.m. To ensure our staff can maintain their schedules and responsibilities, late pick-ups (after 5:00 p.m.) will incur a $15 fee per occurrence after one courtesy warning.
Arrival & Departure Procedures
Each child must be signed in and out daily by an authorized adult. This ensures both accountability and safety. For drop-off, please accompany your child to their classroom and ensure that the teacher is aware of their arrival.
At pick-up time, we will only release your child to individuals listed on your approved pick-up list. If there is ever a change, please notify us in writing or through Brightwheel in advance. Children will often be outside on the playground at the end of the day. Please use the doorbell for the backyard to alert us that you are present.
Birthdays & Clothing
Birthdays: Celebrating your child's birthday at school is a wonderful way to build community. We encourage a small treat or token to share during the school day. Please coordinate with your child’s teacher ahead of time, as we do have children with allergies. Additionally, you are welcome to invite classmates to an offsite birthday party.
Clothing: Dress your child in weather-appropriate clothing, including layers in cooler months. Children go outside daily, even in winter, unless the weather is severe. Please label all coats, hats, gloves, and boots. Each child should also have a full extra set of clothing stored in a gallon-sized bag in their backpack.
Communication with Parents
We place a high value on strong, transparent communication with our families. We use the Brightwheel app for all communication, including real-time updates, messaging, billing, photos, and newsletters. Families will receive an invitation to join Brightwheel at the time of enrollment.
You are encouraged to reach out to your child’s teacher with any classroom questions or concerns. For program-wide matters or if you would like to schedule a conference, please email our Director at angie@sunnydaysboise.com.
What to Bring
Each day, please send your child with:
- A nutritious cold lunch (no sweets or desserts)
- An afternoon snack
- A change of clothes, including socks and underwear
- A small pillow or soft comfort item (for naptime, if staying all day)
- Diapers or pull-ups, if applicable
Sunny Days provides:
- Refillable water bottles
- Baby wipes
- Sleep mats, sheets, and pillows (washed weekly)
- Extra snacks for students who may an additional snack
School Closures & Emergency Procedures
Sunny Days follows the Boise School District regarding closures for inclement weather or emergencies. We will also notify families via Brightwheel if the center needs to close unexpectedly.
We conduct regular emergency drills including fire, lockdown, and earthquake procedures. Evacuation plans are clearly posted in every classroom and staff members are trained to follow safety protocols.
Financial Policies
Tuition (billed via Brightwheel):
Toddler-2 and 3 Year Old Program
- Tuesday & Thursday Half-Day 8:30am-12:30pm $330/mo
- Tuesday & Thursday Full-Day 7:45am-5 pm $465/mo
- Monday, Wednesday & Friday Half-Day 8:30am-12:30pm $500/mo
- Monday, Wednesday & Friday Full-Day 7:45am-5pm $660/mo
- Monday thru Friday Half-Day 8:30am-12:30pm $715/mo
- Monday thru Friday Full-Day 7:45am-5pm $1045/mo
Preschool-3, 4, and 5 Year Old Program
- Tuesday & Thursday Full-Day 7:45am-5 pm $450/mo
- Monday, Wednesday & Friday Full-Day 7:45am-5pm $630/mo
- Monday thru Friday Half-Day 9am-1pm $750/mo
- Monday thru Friday Full-Day 7:45am-5pm $950/mo
REGISTRATION FEE: $100 (non-refundable)
RENEWAL REGISTRATION FEE: $50 (non-refundable)
LATE FEES: Tuition is due on the 1st of the month. A $10 per day fee will be applied if not paid on time.
LATE PICK-UP FEE: A late fee of $15 will be assessed for students that are not picked up by 5:00pm per incident after one warning.
RETURNED CHECKS: A $20 fee applies to bounced checks, in addition to any late tuition fees if payment is delayed beyond the 5th.
Security & Safety Procedures
Your child’s safety is our top priority. The building remains locked at all times. If you are waiting to enter, only open the door for staff or parents you personally recognize. Unfamiliar visitors must be let in by staff only. Please do not prop open the door while children present.
Health & Illness Policy
To protect the health of all children and staff, we ask that families follow this illness policy closely. If your child is sick, please notify us promptly via Brightwheel and keep them home. If a child becomes ill during the day, we will contact you to pick them up.
When to Keep Your Child Home or Expect a Call to Pick Them Up:
Fever: A temperature of 100°F or higher is considered a fever. Children must be fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication before returning to school.
Diarrhea: More than one episode of loose or watery stool may require the child to go home.
Vomiting: If a child vomits at school, they must be picked up. Please do not send a child who has vomited within the past 24 hours, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.
COVID-19: We follow Boise School District guidance on masking, testing, and quarantines.
Influenza: Children with fever, cough, congestion, chills, or muscle aches should remain home.
Sore Throat / Nasal Discharge: Children with sore throats or excessive yellow/green nasal discharge should stay home unless cleared by a doctor.
Rashes: Any unidentified or worsening rash requires a doctor’s evaluation before returning.
Lice: Sunny Days maintains a nit-free policy. Children may return only after initial treatment and complete removal of lice and nits.
We encourage families to consult a physician whenever symptoms arise. Please be considerate of other children and staff by keeping your child home until they are fully well.
Immunization Code
We require proof of immunizations or a valid exemption form, in accordance with Idaho Code 39-1118. Exempt children may be temporarily excluded from school during an outbreak of a preventable disease.
Idaho Code, Chapter 11, Section 39-1118: 39-1118. IMMUNIZATION REQUIRED. (1) Within fourteen (14) days of a child’s initial attendance at any licensed day care facility, the parent or guardian shall provide a statement to the operator of the day care facility, regarding the child’s immunity to certain childhood diseases. This statement shall provide a certificate signed by a physician or a representative of a health district, that the child has received, or is in the process of receiving immunizations as specified by the Board of Health and Welfare; or can effectively demonstrate, through verification in a form approved by the
Department of Health and Welfare, immunity gained through prior contraction of the disease. Immunizations required and the manner and frequency of their administration shall be as prescribed by the State Board of Health and Welfare and shall conform to recognized standard medical practices in the state. The State Board of Health and Welfare shall promulgate appropriate rules and regulation for the enforcement of the required immunization program and specify reporting requirements of the day care center, pursuant to the provision of Chapter 52, Title 67, Idaho code. (2) Any minor child whose parent or guardian has submitted to officials of a licensed day care facility a certificate signed by a physician licensed by the State Board of Medicine stating the physical condition of the child is such that all or any of the required immunizations would endanger the life or health of the child shall be exempt from provision of this section. Any minor child whose parent or guardian has submitted a signed statement to officials of the day care facility stating their objections on religious or other grounds shall be exempt from the provisions of this section.
Classroom Structure & Curriculum
Our classroom structure is designed to foster curiosity, collaboration, and developmental growth.
- Free Play: Children explore materials independently and build social skills.
- Circle Time: Includes stories, music, games, and group sharing.
- Center Time: Rotating educational toys with student choice..
- Snack and Lunch Time: Parents provide healthy food items and eat as a class.
- Outdoor Time: At least 15 minutes daily for physical play.
Discipline Policy
At Sunny Days Learning Academy, discipline is viewed as a tool for teaching, not punishment. Our goal is to nurture emotionally secure, responsible, and resilient children. We use a holistic approach rooted in:
- Positive Discipline (Dr. Jane Nelsen)
- Dr. Siggie’s emotional regulation methods
- Conscious Discipline (Dr. Becky Bailey)
- Montessori principles of independence, respect, and responsibility
💛 Why Positive Discipline?
Positive Discipline is deeply respectful and encouraging for children and adults alike. We choose this method because:
- It teaches children to become responsible, respectful, and resourceful citizens.
- It builds positive community connections and supports social development.
- It is both kind and firm, offering guidance without being permissive or punitive.
- It is focused on long-term impact, helping children develop problem-solving and communication skills.
- It emphasizes encouragement over praise, promoting intrinsic motivation.
✅ Criteria for Positive Discipline
All discipline at Sunny Days is guided by the following principles:
- Kindness and Firmness at the Same Time-Children are treated with dignity while being held accountable in age-appropriate ways.
- Sense of Belonging and Significance-Children who feel connected to their classroom and teachers are more likely to contribute positively.
- Long-Term Effectiveness-We avoid quick fixes in favor of approaches that build lasting social-emotional skills.
- Life Skills Instruction-We teach children tools for resolving conflict, recognizing emotions, and practicing empathy.
- Empowerment and Capability-Children are given developmentally appropriate choices to help them feel capable and confident.
🧠 The Crucial Cs (Adapted from Alfred Adler)
We recognize that children have four core psychological needs. When these needs aren’t met, misbehavior may arise:
- Connection – Feeling a sense of belonging and love
- Capability – Knowing they can succeed and make a difference
- Counting – Feeling valuable and that they matter
- Courage – Believing they can handle life’s challenges
🚦 Understanding Misbehavior: Dreikurs’ Goals
Misbehavior is often a child’s misguided attempt to meet a need. We teach our staff to recognize and respond appropriately:
- Attention – “Notice me!”
- Power – “You’re not the boss of me!”
- Revenge – “You hurt me, I’ll hurt back.”
- Display of Inadequacy – “I can’t do it. I give up.”
Our response is never punitive. Instead, we guide the child to more effective ways of expressing their needs and feelings.
🛠 Tools and Strategies Used
- Connection before Correction – We build relationships first, then guide behavior.
- Emotion Coaching – Children are supported in identifying and managing emotions.
- Peace Corner/Calm Spot – Children may take time to breathe and reset.
- Choice Language – “Would you like to sit on the rug or the cushion for circle time?”
- Grace & Courtesy Lessons – Especially in Montessori classrooms, children are taught respectful social behavior through modeling and roleplay.
- Natural Consequences – Children are guided to understand the impact of their choices in real-life terms.
🚫 What We Don’t Do
To maintain a safe, respectful environment, Sunny Days Learning Academy does not use:
- Time-outs used as punishment
- Yelling, threats, or humiliation
- Physical discipline of any kind
- Withholding meals, naps, or playtime
👨👩👧👦 Family Collaboration & Support
If challenging behavior becomes a recurring concern, we:
- Document patterns and context
- Collaborate with families to identify triggers and solutions
- Create a consistent, supportive guidance plan
- Offer referrals for additional behavioral or developmental support when appropriate
Our approach is always one of partnership, not blame.
Healthy Sleeping Policy
For healthy sleeping, every child sleeps on pads with their own sheet, blanket and pillow. Individual children’s bedding is stored separately - without contact with the floor or bedding of others. Sleeping equipment is stored separately (ex. the floor side of one mat does not touch the sleeping surface of another mat). Bedding is washed at least weekly and as needed. Place children as far apart as possible and/or alternate children head to feet.
Inclusion & Confidentiality
Sunny Days welcomes all children regardless of ability, background, or belief. We follow inclusion practices set by the NAEYC and Division for Early Childhood (DEC), ensuring that all children and families feel a sense of belonging, respect, and support.
Confidentiality is essential. Staff are trained annually to safeguard all student records and personal information. We only share information with parental consent and when there is a legitimate need to know.
Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention
All staff and volunteers are mandated reporters and receive annual training on recognizing and responding to signs of abuse and neglect.
Our prevention approach includes:
- Avoiding one-staff-one-child situations
- Designing classrooms to avoid secluded areas
- Encouraging children to speak openly about concerns
- Teaching body safety and appropriate boundaries
Reports of suspected abuse are made to the Director or to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare directly. All reports are treated with urgency and confidentiality. Our priority is always the safety and well-being of every child.
Thank you for choosing Sunny Days Learning Academy. We are honored to be a part of your child’s early education journey and look forward to a joyful, enriching year together!