Little Seedlings is a first taste of social and experiential learning for two-to three-year-olds and we are thrilled to announce it will be returning this fall after a necessary hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.Â
In this transitional program, which many families enjoy before the full Seedlings preschool experience, both children and parents have opportunities to practice creative problem solving, conflict resolution, communication, empathy and respect for others.
- Beginning in the Fall of 2021, the Little Seedlings program will be held outdoors on our Shire Playscape with health and safety protocols in place. The inside space may also be used for small groups for limited amounts of time.
- We will have a morning class from 9:30 am – 12 pm and an afternoon class from 2-4:30 pm. Each class will meet on Thursdays and Fridays.
- Class size will be limited to a maximum of twelve families per session with two teachers, and two-three parent helpers.
*Changes to the program may occur as health conditions improve.Â
Online Application Period for Fall 2021: April 12 – April 30, 2021.
*Little Seedlings is for ages 2-3. Children must be 2 years old by Sept. 1, 2021.
Step 1: Attend a virtual Introduction to Little Seedlings Meeting. Sign up here.
In this meeting, you’ll learn about Sunflower’s educational philosophy, all about the Little Seedlings program and our current health and safety protocols.
Once you sign up, you will receive the Zoom access information.
Step 2: Prospective Little Seedlings and their parents must attend a tour before applying. This visit is important, as it will determine if the program meets everyone’s needs.
Call 562 501-6615 or email [email protected] to schedule the tour.
Step 3: Complete Application Form and pay Application Fee.
Online application form must be completed between April 12-30, 2021. Apply below.
Application does not ensure enrollment. An Application Fee, which covers the administrative costs of processing your application, is $50 per child and is non-refundable.
Acceptance and Enrollment: Fall 2021
Sunflower will notify families of acceptance, class placement and financial aid (if requested), or wait list status by May 7, 2021. Acceptance into the program is at the discretion of the admission team’s review and is based on space availability. To complete enrollment, families should accept offered placement in 2021/22 Seedlings by returning their signed commitment, along with the payment of $200 per family enrollment fee by May 14, 2021.
Families who apply for need-based financial aid will receive a separate notification about the status of their financial aid application.
Once you select the “submit” button above your application has been submitted. The next step is to pay the Little Seedlings Application Fee which will complete your child’s application. Click HERE to pay online.
Little Seedlings program for 2-3 year oldsÂ
 A transitional program that bridges the gap between parent/child classes and our full Seedlings program. The class encourages more independence in a longer program, two days a week. Parents start the year attending with their child. Each class includes parent participation and ongoing mentoring and support.
Little Seedlings ages 2-3
Parent Cooperative PreschoolÂ
Based on the latest early childhood research, Little Seedlings classes promote the social, emotional and intellectual development of each child. We use the Guidance techniques of child development expert Dan Gartrell and draw inspiration from early childhood educator and author, Bev Bos. Particular attention is given to respecting the individual, nurturing problem-solving skills, and creating a sense of cooperation and belonging. Seedlings is a family-friendly program– both parents and children are given the support and nurturing they need to grow.
Sunflower’s Educational Model The Sunflower Model is a developmentally based philosophy of social, emotional and intellectual learning that involves parents as facilitators in their child’s educational experience. The pillars of the model are Respect for the Individual, Learning Through Experience and Learning Within Community. We teach these concepts through hands-on experiences in Play, Nature, and the Arts. Our goal is to grow children and adults who are reflective thinkers, respectful communicators, confident innovators, creative problem-solvers, empathetic peacemakers, passionate players and lifelong learners.
Sunflower was the first “home” Serena (our daughter) and I felt most comfortable in as we navigated life as new mom and baby out in the Boca Raton/Delray Area. It is a unique environment where I have felt open and safe to grow as a parent and person, a place that I know my daughter loves to come to and explore who she is as a child growing up in this ever-changing world. – Saskia M., Little Seedlings mom
Attending an Intro to Little Seedlings meeting is the first step in the Little Seedlings registration process. In this required meeting, led by a member of the Sunflower Staff, parents learn about Sunflower’s educational philosophy and tour our indoor and outdoor classroom spaces. If you have questions about anything Sunflower-and Little Seedlings-related, this meeting is where you’ll find your answers.
Find an Intro to Little Seedlings meeting
Respect for the Individual
- Children choose their own activities and are encouraged to express feelings and opinions.
- Parents receive resources, mentoring and support to make their own choices about what works best for their family.
Learning Through Experience
Emphasis on hands-on, sensory experiences in Play, Nature and the Arts, including opportunities for process-oriented art, music, science, nature exploration, and dramatic play.
Learning Within Community
- A cooperative program with parents and teachers working together to provide an inspiring, supportive mixed-age learning environment.
- Teachers work with children and parents to develop good communication and conflict resolution skills.