Annual Report 2015 – 2016
Sunflower Creative Arts
Annual Report
2015 – 2016
Sunflower Creative Arts
Jump right in! Scroll down the page to find the Sunflower Easter eggs (extra videos, expanded interviews and other goodies) sprinkled throughout this online version of our Annual Report. Thanks for all you do to help Sunflower empower children to be confident, creative and compassionate through Play, Nature and the Arts.
THANK YOU
Last year was Sunflower’s first in our new Delray home.
Sunflower officially opened for classes in Delray on Aug. 24, 2015, after a whirlwind of months filled with construction and inspections, setbacks and surprises, unbelievable help coming our way from all directions, and encouragement and delight from our longtime friends both far and near.
With our new home came a stronger voice advocating for Learning Through Experience and for Play + Nature + Art for all children, as well as the opportunity to directly impact the lives of so many more families.
Looking back, I’m not sure any of us understood the work and risks we were taking on when we first started this journey– or could imagine how truly fulfilling and joyful our first year would turn out to be. That very first day last August– in fact, all of last year– felt like a dream coming true. Even today, parents see the space and cry, or smile with delight. Kids take off running up and down our hills and along our paths. We feel beyond blessed.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much for all you’ve done to make this magical space– Sunflower’s home– a reality.
From Jennifer Ligeti, President, Sunflower Creative Arts Board of Directors
Kids take off running…
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“We’ve been waiting for you to come to this place…”
This house was meant to be.
When it was time for the McMurrain family, former owners of 227 N Dixie Blvd., to sell their beloved family home, they waited. They could have sold it to others, and likely for more money. But their mother loved children, and when Sunflower came along– they chose us.
It was meant to be.
There’s a story, that when Susan arrived on the very first morning of the very first day of Seedlings in Sunflower’s new home, she was greeted by a hummingbird outside the front door. A little vibrating sliver of play and joy and promise that exactly matched the excitement in her own heart that day.
It was meant to be.
And then you arrived… and the real magic started to happen. Because the truth is, this house, lovely as it is, would not be a home without you. Your generous donations of money and time (given on the scale of thousands of volunteer hours– as parent helpers, event organizers and in countless other ways) make everything Sunflower does possible.
You dressed Sunflower’s playscape in greenery and the children in superhero capes. Last year your support made a difference in the lives of 194 families in Sunflower programs, plus hundreds more through free community events like Gather in the Garden monthly potlucks, Let’s G.O.! (Get Outside!) family nature exploration, BYOPicnic to the Beach, and the annual Ice Castle Festival & Play Day.
Play
Nature
Art
You set the stage and gave Sunflower the resources to empower children to be confident, creative and compassionate through Play, Nature and the Arts.
So, as the song says,
“Wherever you’re from, we’re glad that you’ve come.”
It wouldn’t be home without you.
So, as the song says,
“Wherever you’re from, we’re glad that you’ve come.”
It wouldn’t be home without you.
Home is…
a safe place.
“At Sunflower, children are completely accepted and loved, and the whole child is embraced. That’s why they love it so much, and that’s why it was so important for me to give them that, as children: a childhood.”
–Erika Villalobos, scholarship recipient, Sunflower mom
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Home is…
a safe place.
“At Sunflower, children are completely accepted and loved, and the whole child is embraced. That’s why they love it so much, and that’s why it was so important for me to give them that, as children: a childhood.”
–Erika Villalobos, scholarship recipient, Sunflower mom
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Home is…
a launching pad.
“Sunflower is such an amazing place for children. All college students need to observe the children and see what type of learning, and how much learning, is taking place through play. It is truly a one-of-a-kind environment that all children should have the opportunity to be part of.”
–Kelly A. Burlison, Ed.D, Elementary Education Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Lynn University/Ross College of Education
Lynn University Students Observe Play-Based Learning at Sunflower
As told to Sunflower by Kelly A. Burlison, Ed.D, Elementary Education Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Lynn University/Ross College of Education
Describe the typical learning environment where your students do observations.
Lynn University students observe in K-6 classrooms in public schools. They also observe at early childhood preschool, learning centers, and day care classrooms. They observe all content subject areas with a variety of learners. The teacher covers curriculum based on state standards and provides lessons and activities that align to it. [In a typical learning environment] there is not much choice for children, and many children struggle for a variety of reasons. The teachers try to meet children’s needs; however, the creativity and engagement within the learning environment can be low.
How does Sunflower’s program/philosophy differ from others you’ve observed?
Sunflower’s program allows students to play and the curriculum is child-based. The children use their imagination while inventing and creating projects at the learning stations/environments. The children express themselves and explore in a variety of areas utilizing their problem-solving skills. The facilitators allow the children to freely explore and play with no direct command or instruction that is forced or told.
What was your overall impression of Sunflower’s philosophy and how it plays out in the classroom? I was extremely impressed with the facilities, staff, and environment at Sunflower. Children were playing inside and outside with a variety of manipulatives using nature and art. Hands-on learning is definitely introduced and carried out among the staff and leaders. It is understood that children have a voice, learn with their peers and respect each other. The environment at Sunflower allows students to become empowered and believe they have created or solved “something.” This provides ownership and increased confidence.
Did anything surprise you during the observations?
I was surprised that some of my students were not used to children playing while learning because of the traditional classroom environments they see. They were not used to the free play environment and voluntary food and naptime with no rules and all choice.
Why is being able to observe a learning environment like Sunflower’s valuable to your students? All children learn differently, and at Lynn we welcome all styles of learning. Therefore, we want our pre-service teachers to see all types of learning and environments, especially for children, who need to focus on that type of structured play all day that supports human development and growth.
What might your students learn here that they wouldn’t learn elsewhere? At Sunflower the parents were a part of the learning experience, which is so critical because it reinforces [the children’s] learning and gains respect for both the child and the parent relationship.
Did the observation experience change any of your students’ thoughts about learning environments/interactions/approaches for preschoolers? I think many of them saw a whole new type of learning that does address the whole child. They saw support throughout the entire visit, stimulation constantly occurring, problem-solving skills, and honoring the choices of children.
Anything else you’d like to add? Sunflower is such an amazing place for children. All college students need to observe the children and see what type of learning, and how much learning, is taking place through play. It is truly a one-of-a-kind environment that all children should have the opportunity to be part of.
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Home is…
a launching pad.
“Sunflower is such an amazing place for children. All college students need to observe the children and see what type of learning, and how much learning, is taking place through play. It is truly a one-of-a-kind environment that all children should have the opportunity to be part of.”
–Kelly A. Burlison, Ed.D, Elementary Education Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Lynn University/Ross College of Education
Lynn University Students Observe Play-Based Learning at Sunflower
As told to Sunflower by Kelly A. Burlison, Ed.D, Elementary Education Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Lynn University/Ross College of Education
Describe the typical learning environment where your students do observations.
Lynn University students observe in K-6 classrooms in public schools. They also observe at early childhood preschool, learning centers, and day care classrooms. They observe all content subject areas with a variety of learners. The teacher covers curriculum based on state standards and provides lessons and activities that align to it. [In a typical learning environment] there is not much choice for children, and many children struggle for a variety of reasons. The teachers try to meet children’s needs; however, the creativity and engagement within the learning environment can be low.
How does Sunflower’s program/philosophy differ from others you’ve observed?
Sunflower’s program allows students to play and the curriculum is child-based. The children use their imagination while inventing and creating projects at the learning stations/environments. The children express themselves and explore in a variety of areas utilizing their problem-solving skills. The facilitators allow the children to freely explore and play with no direct command or instruction that is forced or told.
What was your overall impression of Sunflower’s philosophy and how it plays out in the classroom? I was extremely impressed with the facilities, staff, and environment at Sunflower. Children were playing inside and outside with a variety of manipulatives using nature and art. Hands-on learning is definitely introduced and carried out among the staff and leaders. It is understood that children have a voice, learn with their peers and respect each other. The environment at Sunflower allows students to become empowered and believe they have created or solved “something.” This provides ownership and increased confidence.
Did anything surprise you during the observations?
I was surprised that some of my students were not used to children playing while learning because of the traditional classroom environments they see. They were not used to the free play environment and voluntary food and naptime with no rules and all choice.
Why is being able to observe a learning environment like Sunflower’s valuable to your students? All children learn differently, and at Lynn we welcome all styles of learning. Therefore, we want our pre-service teachers to see all types of learning and environments, especially for children, who need to focus on that type of structured play all day that supports human development and growth.
What might your students learn here that they wouldn’t learn elsewhere? At Sunflower the parents were a part of the learning experience, which is so critical because it reinforces [the children’s] learning and gains respect for both the child and the parent relationship.
Did the observation experience change any of your students’ thoughts about learning environments/interactions/approaches for preschoolers? I think many of them saw a whole new type of learning that does address the whole child. They saw support throughout the entire visit, stimulation constantly occurring, problem-solving skills, and honoring the choices of children.
Anything else you’d like to add? Sunflower is such an amazing place for children. All college students need to observe the children and see what type of learning, and how much learning, is taking place through play. It is truly a one-of-a-kind environment that all children should have the opportunity to be part of.
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SPOTLIGHT: YOU
In 2015/16
YOU brought Sunflower programs to more children and families. Because of your support, Sunflower directly impacted an unprecedented number of children and families. That means double the opportunities for children ages two to six to experience Sunflower programs, including Seedlings Preschool, Little Seedlings and the brand new Seedlings Summer Camp, as well as expanded offerings, like Play + Nature + Art Summer Camp, for “big kids,” ages six to nine.
YOU helped spread the Sunflower model to local educators. Your support helped Sunflower spread the play = learning message to student observers from Lynn University College of Education, exposing future teachers to an alternative and proven education model. You also made possible Sunflower’s workshop at Learn Green ’15, Florida’s Green School Conference, last November, showing public and private K-12 teachers how to integrate Play + Nature + Art into their classes.
YOU gave Sunflower a new home – and our whole community greater access to Sunflower.
This home enables Sunflower to impact and serve more families now, and provides a stable base that can act as a launching pad for the future.
Financials, July 2015 – June 2016
The leap forward Sunflower’s new home enabled is reflected in our financial data. Over the past two years, Sunflower’s operating budget nearly doubled as we expanded programs to serve a growing number of families. Seedlings enrollment increased from 25 children to 40 children in 2014/15 to 70 children last year. During that same time, our new transitional program, Little Seedlings, allowed Sunflower to bring Play + Nature + Art to an additional 36 families with two- to three-year-olds, and we began a Summer Camp program that served an additional 90 children in June 2016 alone.
Operating Income
Program: $306,752
Donations & Fundraising: $89,958
Total Operating Income: $396,710
Operating Expenses
Program: $ 308,251
Administrative: $ 41,492
Fundraising: $ 29,429
Total Operating Expenses: $ 379,173
Operating Income
Program: $306,752
Donations & Fundraising: $89,958
Total Operating Income: $396,710
Operating Expenses
Program: $ 308,251
Administrative: $ 41,492
Fundraising: $ 29,429
Total Operating Expenses: $ 379,173
Reviewed statement and all financial documents are available at www.guidestar.org.
Home is…
a celebration.
“I love Sunflower because it celebrates the child’s innate ability to learn through creativity and play, because it respects, honors and empowers each young soul that passes through its doors and because it teaches parents and their children how to find solutions to the problems of the world.”
–Shelly Zacks, Founder & Director, Delray Beach Children’s Garden and former Seedlings teacher
Sunflower and Delray Beach Children’s Garden: Growing a love for nature
As told to Sunflower by Shelly Zacks, Founder & Director, Delray Beach Children’s Garden and former Seedlings teacher
What is your history working with Sunflower Creative Arts?
Susan Caruso, Sunflower’s Founder/Director, and I met when her older son was not even two years old and I had a one and four year old. I was so taken by Susan’s sweet and conscious mothering style. When years later she embarked on her second year of Seedlings, she invited me to join her as a teacher. Being a Seedlings teacher under the tutelage of Susan for nine years changed my life and planted me on the path of my life’s passion and mission.
What do Delray Beach Children’s Garden and Sunflower have in common?
We are both passionate about helping children develop their voice; giving children the opportunity to develop their brains through movement, exploration and manipulation of their environment; believing that young children can be problem-solvers, and trusting children to develop intellectually, emotionally and socially through unstructured play, especially in nature.
What is the partnership between Sunflower Roots & Shoots and Delray Beach Children’s Garden? Three Wednesday afternoons a month during the school year, Jeannie Fernsworth (DBCG horticulturist and programming director) and I look forward to the arrival of the Sunflower Roots and Shoots crowd (ages 5-12). It has been a beautiful thing watching the children slowly, but surely, feel ownership of the space, find their niche and feel at home in the garden. With our goal being nurturing eco-consciousness in children and the goal of Roots & Shoots being to make positive change happen for people, animals and the world we all share, we are a perfect match. Delray Beach Children’s Garden is grateful for every seed planted, every load of mulch spread, every paver moved, every indicator sign painted …the list goes on and on.
Why is time in nature so important for children and families?
There are endless reasons why all of us need time in nature. The trend away from nature has consequences that hurt all life on the planet, from the smallest one-celled animals and plants to human beings and the age-old sequoias.
For two generations now, we have moved indoors. Air conditioning, electronics and screens, the disappearance of green space and the prevalent fear of parents to allow their children time to explore outdoors on their own have contributed to “Nature Deficit Disorder,” a term coined by Richard Louv in his book Last Child in the Woods. Obesity, diabetes and a lack of the understanding of the interconnectedness of life are all symptomatic of little time spent in the great outdoors.
For me, however, the most important reason why children and families need time in nature is that it is good for the soul. Especially in today’s frenetic, busy pace, nature provides serenity and awe and wonder. These are the sensory things that win children over to the side of nature, and we are hopeful that it will motivate them to become future stewards of the earth.
Why do you love Sunflower?
I love Sunflower because it celebrates the child’s innate ability to learn through creativity and play, because it respects, honors and empowers each young soul that passes through its doors and because it teaches parents and their children how to find solutions to the problems of the world.
Anything you’d like to say about Sunflower’s first year in our new home?
In those blissful days when Susan and I were the Seedlings teachers, we dreamed and spoke of one day Sunflower having a place of its own. It took a long time, a lot of faith and a tremendous amount of hard work, but Sunflower has arrived!!! Looking forward to watching it grow.
P.S. (About Susan)
As a friend and a colleague I have so much love and respect for the years and years of hard work that it took Susan to get Sunflower where it is today. I recently had a conversation in the garden with a Seedlings parent. She said, “I know this might sound strange, but I consider Susan a master!” I cannot think of a better word to describe this wise, loving, talented, passionate woman who works magic with children and their parents.
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Home is…
a celebration.
“I love Sunflower because it celebrates the child’s innate ability to learn through creativity and play, because it respects, honors and empowers each young soul that passes through its doors and because it teaches parents and their children how to find solutions to the problems of the world.”
–Shelly Zacks, Founder & Director, Delray Beach Children’s Garden and former Seedlings teacher
Sunflower and Delray Beach Children’s Garden: Growing a love for nature
As told to Sunflower by Shelly Zacks, Founder & Director, Delray Beach Children’s Garden and former Seedlings teacher
What is your history working with Sunflower Creative Arts?
Susan Caruso, Sunflower’s Founder/Director, and I met when her older son was not even two years old and I had a one and four year old. I was so taken by Susan’s sweet and conscious mothering style. When years later she embarked on her second year of Seedlings, she invited me to join her as a teacher. Being a Seedlings teacher under the tutelage of Susan for nine years changed my life and planted me on the path of my life’s passion and mission.
What do Delray Beach Children’s Garden and Sunflower have in common?
We are both passionate about helping children develop their voice; giving children the opportunity to develop their brains through movement, exploration and manipulation of their environment; believing that young children can be problem-solvers, and trusting children to develop intellectually, emotionally and socially through unstructured play, especially in nature.
What is the partnership between Sunflower Roots & Shoots and Delray Beach Children’s Garden? Three Wednesday afternoons a month during the school year, Jeannie Fernsworth (DBCG horticulturist and programming director) and I look forward to the arrival of the Sunflower Roots and Shoots crowd (ages 5-12). It has been a beautiful thing watching the children slowly, but surely, feel ownership of the space, find their niche and feel at home in the garden. With our goal being nurturing eco-consciousness in children and the goal of Roots & Shoots being to make positive change happen for people, animals and the world we all share, we are a perfect match. Delray Beach Children’s Garden is grateful for every seed planted, every load of mulch spread, every paver moved, every indicator sign painted …the list goes on and on.
Why is time in nature so important for children and families?
There are endless reasons why all of us need time in nature. The trend away from nature has consequences that hurt all life on the planet, from the smallest one-celled animals and plants to human beings and the age-old sequoias.
For two generations now, we have moved indoors. Air conditioning, electronics and screens, the disappearance of green space and the prevalent fear of parents to allow their children time to explore outdoors on their own have contributed to “Nature Deficit Disorder,” a term coined by Richard Louv in his book Last Child in the Woods. Obesity, diabetes and a lack of the understanding of the interconnectedness of life are all symptomatic of little time spent in the great outdoors.
For me, however, the most important reason why children and families need time in nature is that it is good for the soul. Especially in today’s frenetic, busy pace, nature provides serenity and awe and wonder. These are the sensory things that win children over to the side of nature, and we are hopeful that it will motivate them to become future stewards of the earth.
Why do you love Sunflower?
I love Sunflower because it celebrates the child’s innate ability to learn through creativity and play, because it respects, honors and empowers each young soul that passes through its doors and because it teaches parents and their children how to find solutions to the problems of the world.
Anything you’d like to say about Sunflower’s first year in our new home?
In those blissful days when Susan and I were the Seedlings teachers, we dreamed and spoke of one day Sunflower having a place of its own. It took a long time, a lot of faith and a tremendous amount of hard work, but Sunflower has arrived!!! Looking forward to watching it grow.
P.S. (About Susan)
As a friend and a colleague I have so much love and respect for the years and years of hard work that it took Susan to get Sunflower where it is today. I recently had a conversation in the garden with a Seedlings parent. She said, “I know this might sound strange, but I consider Susan a master!” I cannot think of a better word to describe this wise, loving, talented, passionate woman who works magic with children and their parents.
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Home is…
a community.
“I love Sunflower for the dedicated teachers, the learning environment that it offers for both parents and children, and for its principal philosophy. When you experience Sunflower and all that it represents and offers, like my family has, you will always be a Sunflower family. Even when your children have grown up, it will always be a part of you”
–Jesse England, Sunflower dad and Chair, Capital Campaign Committee
“My wife and I are very grateful for the opportunity that Sunflower has offered our son to grow in so many ways, and for opening the door for all children to learn in an environment that enables each one to develop on their own individual path. It has been important for us to support Sunflower in any capacity possible so that this great legacy always continues.”
- Jesse England, Sunflower dad and Chair, Capital Campaign Committee
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Home is…
a community.
“I love Sunflower for the dedicated teachers, the learning environment that it offers for both parents and children, and for its principal philosophy. When you experience Sunflower and all that it represents and offers, like my family has, you will always be a Sunflower family. Even when your children have grown up, it will always be a part of you”
–Jesse England, Sunflower dad and Chair, Capital Campaign Committee
“My wife and I are very grateful for the opportunity that Sunflower has offered our son to grow in so many ways, and for opening the door for all children to learn in an environment that enables each one to develop on their own individual path. It has been important for us to support Sunflower in any capacity possible so that this great legacy always continues.”
- Jesse England, Sunflower dad and Chair, Capital Campaign Committee
.
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Superheroes for Play: Sunflower Scholarship Fund
Your generous donations to the Sunflower Scholarship Fund ensure our programs remain affordable and available to more members of the community. Last year you helped raise $16,141 for need-based scholarships. Your gifts directly impact the next generation of Sunflower families. Thank you!
Click to Watch video: Everyday Superheroes
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Home is…
a place where you can be yourself.
“At Sunflower, my daughter was given as much time and space as she needed. No one hurried her, judged her, persuaded her or made her participate. She did this on her own when she was ready, when she chose to, and that made all the difference to her.”
–Jennifer Zoole, Sunflower mom to Audrey, age 4
From August to May: One family’s story of a year in Seedlings
As told to Sunflower by Jennifer Zoole, Sunflower mom to Audrey, age 4
How did you first discover Sunflower?
A friend attended Circle of Song and texted me the info. I tracked down the website and discovered what Sunflower’s philosophy was and that it was a preschool. I was so excited, I read everything on the website twice that night! It was just what I had been searching for but not been able to find.
Why did you choose Sunflower?
There was no other choice! I had been looking at preschools for months and, discouraged, had finally given up my search. What I saw at preschools were children sitting inside, adults directing play and lists of academic curriculum for three-year-olds.
We live in a small townhouse, and we don’t have a yard. What I wanted for Audrey was interaction with children, outdoor time and free play. Audrey is naturally drawn to books and creating. She was learning so much on her own by observing, considering, asking questions and experimenting, because she wanted to. We didn’t want this self-taught learning, her natural curiosity and initiative, to be disrupted so early in her childhood.
What was your impression of the physical space at Sunflower?
It was comfortable, inviting, exciting. Though it was a new space last year, it wasn’t in the least awkward or cold, as a brand-new place often feels
What surprised you about Sunflower?
When I attended the introduction meeting and Susan explained that the children could choose to be inside or outside, to spend the entire time painting or reading or playing with water, I was really excited. I had never heard of or even considered the possibility of a preschool that gives children so many choices! For Audrey to have three hours to do whatever she wanted, to make her own choices, to have guidance with choices if she needed it… that was amazing.
Audrey and Jennifer in the beginning
Describe Audrey’s first month at Seedlings.
Audrey’s first month was tough for me. I was so sure that she would love everything that Sunflower offered, but mostly I saw a very anxious child standing as far away from everyone as possible! Audrey would watch and listen, observing everyone and everything. In hindsight, I realized she may not have been playing much, but she was learning a lot.
This actually went well beyond the first month. Audrey continued to observe, at first with me nearby, and later sticking close to a teacher and occasionally becoming interested in an activity and wandering off by herself to check it out.
She learned that if she had problems finding her voice (such as wanting personal space), a teacher or adult could help her. What Audrey needed most of all was time. At Sunflower, she was given as much time and space as she needed. No one hurried her, judged her, persuaded her or made her participate. She did this on her own when she was ready, when she chose to, and that made all the difference to her.
What changes did you see by the end of the year?
Audrey became a child who genuinely enjoys the company of other children! Playing and conversing with kids has become fun, energizing and interesting as opposed to scary, confusing and worrisome.
I had my assigned parent helper afternoons in Seedlings, but I was also there for several months while Audrey still wanted me. I always left Sunflower feeling energized, inspired and better equipped as a parent.
Why do you love Sunflower?
I love that it is always evolving. Everyone was always considering: what is working? what could be better? let’s move this over here. let’s try this. what do you think? I wonder what the Seedlings will do with this? To me, this shows how tirelessly committed everyone at Sunflower is to giving children the most enriching experience possible.
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Home is…
a place where you can be yourself.
“At Sunflower, my daughter was given as much time and space as she needed. No one hurried her, judged her, persuaded her or made her participate. She did this on her own when she was ready, when she chose to, and that made all the difference to her.”
–Jennifer Zoole, Sunflower mom to Audrey, age 4
From August to May: One family’s story of a year in Seedlings
As told to Sunflower by Jennifer Zoole, Sunflower mom to Audrey, age 4
How did you first discover Sunflower?
A friend attended Circle of Song and texted me the info. I tracked down the website and discovered what Sunflower’s philosophy was and that it was a preschool. I was so excited, I read everything on the website twice that night! It was just what I had been searching for but not been able to find.
Why did you choose Sunflower?
There was no other choice! I had been looking at preschools for months and, discouraged, had finally given up my search. What I saw at preschools were children sitting inside, adults directing play and lists of academic curriculum for three-year-olds.
We live in a small townhouse, and we don’t have a yard. What I wanted for Audrey was interaction with children, outdoor time and free play. Audrey is naturally drawn to books and creating. She was learning so much on her own by observing, considering, asking questions and experimenting, because she wanted to. We didn’t want this self-taught learning, her natural curiosity and initiative, to be disrupted so early in her childhood.
What was your impression of the physical space at Sunflower?
It was comfortable, inviting, exciting. Though it was a new space last year, it wasn’t in the least awkward or cold, as a brand-new place often feels
What surprised you about Sunflower?
When I attended the introduction meeting and Susan explained that the children could choose to be inside or outside, to spend the entire time painting or reading or playing with water, I was really excited. I had never heard of or even considered the possibility of a preschool that gives children so many choices! For Audrey to have three hours to do whatever she wanted, to make her own choices, to have guidance with choices if she needed it… that was amazing.
Audrey and Jennifer in the beginning
Describe Audrey’s first month at Seedlings.
Audrey’s first month was tough for me. I was so sure that she would love everything that Sunflower offered, but mostly I saw a very anxious child standing as far away from everyone as possible! Audrey would watch and listen, observing everyone and everything. In hindsight, I realized she may not have been playing much, but she was learning a lot.
This actually went well beyond the first month. Audrey continued to observe, at first with me nearby, and later sticking close to a teacher and occasionally becoming interested in an activity and wandering off by herself to check it out.
She learned that if she had problems finding her voice (such as wanting personal space), a teacher or adult could help her. What Audrey needed most of all was time. At Sunflower, she was given as much time and space as she needed. No one hurried her, judged her, persuaded her or made her participate. She did this on her own when she was ready, when she chose to, and that made all the difference to her.
What changes did you see by the end of the year?
Audrey became a child who genuinely enjoys the company of other children! Playing and conversing with kids has become fun, energizing and interesting as opposed to scary, confusing and worrisome.
I had my assigned parent helper afternoons in Seedlings, but I was also there for several months while Audrey still wanted me. I always left Sunflower feeling energized, inspired and better equipped as a parent.
Why do you love Sunflower?
I love that it is always evolving. Everyone was always considering: what is working? what could be better? let’s move this over here. let’s try this. what do you think? I wonder what the Seedlings will do with this? To me, this shows how tirelessly committed everyone at Sunflower is to giving children the most enriching experience possible.
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#RememberPlay
#RememberPlay
Hop, Skip & a Jump-A-Thon. In March, nearly 300 donors combined to raise $17,275 in support of Sunflower’s Play + Nature + Art programs, and over 60 families – 240 people – took part in the playful walkathon at Rutherford Park in Boca Raton. This outpouring of support for Play + Nature + Art education is truly inspiring!
Members of Roots & Shoots, Sunflower’s free after-school club, continued their partnership with the Delray Beach Children’s Garden, helping to nurture the garden with a yearlong service project.
Thanks to a generous donor, Sunflower’s baby and toddler nature playscape has been named The Shire. So magical!
Home is…
where the ♡ is.
“The world needs more Sunflower.”
–Brooke Lavelle, Scholarship Fund donor, Sunflower mom
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A HOME FOR SUNFLOWER – Capital Campaign
Last year, the Home for Sunflower Capital Campaign welcomed new committee members, raised funds to match a $60,000 challenge grant and excited donors with the idea of whimsical and personal naming opportunities. Capital gifts allow us to become an even more impactful and valuable community resource. Thank you to all who have supported this important goal so far!
Total Project Expenses: $1,371,971
Capital Campaign Goal: $1,000,000
Money Raised To Date: $345,928 (including donations, pledges and grants)
Capital Campaign Committee
Jesse England, Chair
Jennifer and George Ligeti, Honorary Co-Chairs
Victoria Green
Martin Lipschultz
Saskia Meckman
Tom and Michele Peel
Gretchen Perry and Rick Leger
Patricia Werhahn and Richard Viens
Capital Campaign Donors
* 2015-2016 Donors
| Amy and Edgar An * |
| Keith Backer |
| Sharon and Scott Baker |
| Mark and Kim Bauer * |
| Jill and Walter Baum |
| Stacy Brown and Steve Goldner |
| Mike Budd |
| Ileen P. Carter |
| Angelo Caruso |
| Steven Caruso |
| Susan Caruso * |
| Danielle Casale |
| Carlee Cohen and Jeremy Barr |
| Mary L. Cohn |
| Nikki and Daniel Dean * |
| Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency * |
| Kerri and Steve Deitsch |
| Jeanette and Dr. Mark Denker |
| Suzanne Deutch |
| Dockerty Romer & Co |
| Susan and David Dubbin * |
| Stephanie and Aubrey Dunham |
| Wynna and Gary Dunmyer |
| Carmen and John Edelson * |
| Dionne Ekendiz |
| Meredith and Jesse England * |
| Karen and Bill Epstein and family * |
| Ilana Foglia (in memory of her mother, Ginny Moro) |
| Rebecca Follo and J. Thomas Bentley |
| Barbara Fuller Powers |
| Kate and Chris George * |
| Lisa and Michael Glas |
| Glidden Spina and Partners |
| Connie and Barry Gluck |
| Victoria and Vince Green * |
| Margaret and William Greenfield * |
| Kristin Harkness * |
| Astrea Hupfel |
| Angela and Dante Ionata * |
| Sylvia and Michael Jameson * |
| Rosemary Justice |
| Patricia and Paul Kilgallon * |
| Candy and Martin Kopczak |
| Marcia Lazar * |
| Le Petit Prince |
| Luciana and Eran Levy |
| Beth and Steve Licht * |
| Jennifer and George Ligeti * |
| Martin Lipschultz * |
| Little Seedlings Class of 2014-15 |
| Tayler Mariner and Martin Lee |
| Thomas and Denise McMurrain * |
| Lora and Jim McCoy |
| Kirsten McKeen |
| Saskia Meckman and Fares Khalidi * |
| Mendelson Consulting |
| Natalie Mitchell * |
| Katie and John Murphy * |
| Nationwide Interpreter Resource, Inc. |
| Native Choice Nursery * |
| Native Green Cay Nursery |
| Rosario and Ernest Orphanos |
| Michele and Tom Peel * |
| Meade Peers McCoy * |
| Charlotte Pelton & Associates, Inc * |
| Gretchen Perry and Rick Leger * |
| Virginia Perz |
| Evan Phalon |
| Ami Polonsky |
| Helena Redman |
| Emma Risley and Scott Schereschewsky |
| Dany Schaper |
| Ilysia Shattuck and Stephen Charbonneau * |
| Sue and Bob Shattuck * |
| Shauna of the Star |
| Ellen and Marshall Stone |
| Laura and Mark Swauger * |
| Dorota Szladewska and Ernesto Salas |
| Elisabeth and Ken Teelucksingh * |
| Christine Templeton |
| Sharon Rosenthal and Roy Trachtenberg |
| Maria and Manuel Vergara * |
| Patricia Werhahn and Richard Viens * |
2015-2016 Donors
(Operating Fund and Scholarship Fund)
Sunflower Circle…
a monthly giving club
“I support Sunflower with an automatic monthly donation because it’s an easy way for me to help sustain what I believe in. My small monthly donation is valuable to Sunflower because it’s there for them each month. A few extra dollars helps staff buy art supplies or something special for the playscape– and I feel good about being able to make this happen in my own small way.”
–Lora McCoy, Sunflower Board Member and former Seedlings parent
2015-2016 Sunflower Circle Members
| Valerie Bell |
| Jennifer and Lawrence Burke |
| Susan Caruso |
| Simone Chin and Mahesh Neelakanta |
| Shannon and Frank Cid |
| Genevieve and Shawn Cipes |
| Paula and Dennis Cohen |
| Carlee Cohen and Jeremy Barr |
| Meryl Davids and Gary Landau |
| Joyce Doppelt |
| Natalie Ewing |
| Barbara Feehan |
| Vanessa Gimpel |
| Astrea Hupfel |
| Lynn Jones |
| Elisa and Alan Leavitt |
| Martin Lipschultz |
| Tayler Mariner and Martin Lee |
| Lora and Jim McCoy |
| Barbara Miles |
| Lillian Murray |
| Lenore Odendaal |
| Joan and Robert Pleasants |
| Lia Schultz and Tyrone Halfhill |
| Anna Sullivan |
| Tanil and Trey Tidwell |
| Batya Weisskoff |
2015-2016 Donors (Operating Fund and Scholarship Fund)
| Leanne Adair |
| Patricia Adams |
| Judith and Andrew Adelson |
| Danielle Ahles |
| Rob and Carrie Ahles |
| Natasha and Justin Ahles |
| Aaron and Stephanie Alderfer |
| Lisa and Steven Aliperta |
| Cassie Allen |
| Jennifer Alvarez |
| Amazon Smile (Thanks to all who participate!) |
| Ames International Architecture |
| Amy and Edgar An |
| Marion and David Anderson |
| Skye Anderson |
| Angela Andreadis |
| Chris and Vaso Andreadis |
| Dean and Kathy Andreadis |
| Demetri and Christine Andreadis |
| Samara and Peter Andreadis |
| Lauren Andrews |
| Anonymous (9) |
| Vivian M. Araujo |
| Maria and Kourdsh Askari |
| Kelly Austen |
| Jonathan Avidan |
| June B. Backer |
| Katheryn and Bryan Baker |
| Victoria and Ken Barnett |
| Michelle and Patrick Barrett |
| Dana Bathurst |
| Danielle and Thomas Baugh |
| Brandi Beane |
| Maureen Becker |
| Mary Ellen Becker and Bruce Hurley |
| Tina Bell |
| Robert Bender |
| Benny’s On The Beach |
| Scott Berge |
| Doris Berge |
| Paula Betancur |
| The Billings Family |
| Jason Boor |
| Callie and Matthew Bosch |
| Dan Bradley |
| Mr. Mervyn Bradley |
| Mrs. Linda Bradley |
| Janet Branch |
| Tracy and Bill Branning |
| Howard Bregman, Marcus and Millichap |
| Teri and Jason Brick |
| Bridges, Marsh and Associates, Inc. |
| Pamela Brown |
| Stacy Brown and Steve Goldner |
| Bruder/Ritter Family |
| Carol Brzozowski |
| Christine Buchan |
| Matt Buchholz |
| Vanessa Buck |
| Danielle Bunker and Robert Rotondo |
| Dilcia Burgos and Joshua Borthwick |
| Jannick Burkhardt |
| Marybeth Busby |
| Diana and Alan Bush |
| Mary and Bob Cadwell |
| California Pizza Kitchen |
| Lisa Camp and Campbell Tellman |
| Susan Campbell |
| Brian Carr and Bruce Creager |
| Carter Boyle Family |
| Ileen Carter |
| Kelly Carter-Smock |
| Eleni and John Chalvadakis |
| David Chapman |
| Dorothy Charbonneau |
| Barbara and Bryan Chester |
| Toni Chin |
| Kim A Chin |
| Selina and Hernando Chong |
| Velvet and Chris Chong |
| Gaetano Cipriano |
| Lori and Nicolas Cleary |
| Ashley Coey |
| Marcela Colina |
| Shayna Collins |
| Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties – Great Give Match |
| Kara Cowley |
| Donald Cramer |
| Doug Creager |
| Corinne Creager |
| Adriana Crisan and Steven Burstein |
| Chris and Teresa Cummings |
| Kaysha S. Cushing |
| Cecilia and Brian Dan |
| Patricia Danias Simonyan |
| Diana Davidson |
| Michelle Daykin |
| Carol Deaktor |
| Linda B. Dean and S. Turner Dean |
| Delivery Dudes |
| Vivian Demille |
| Heidi and Eric Dettinger |
| Michelle Dias |
| Michelle Diaz and Terri Finnigan |
| Maureen Diaz |
| Bob and Marcia DiChristopher |
| Jenna and Adam Dickensheet |
| Shannon and David DiPierro |
| Lynn Dolan |
| Jenny Doyle |
| Andrea Doyle |
| Susan and David Dubbin |
| Brent Dudley |
| Kimberly and Jeremy Dudley |
| Shye Elgart |
| Meredith and Jesse England |
| Bill and Karen Epstein |
| Lenny Evans |
| Scott Ferguson |
| Marie Finn |
| Elaina Fischer |
| Claudia and Jeff Flamm |
| Stephen Foelster and Maryellen Grysewicz |
| Finn and Hunter Force |
| Frank, Weinberg and Black, P.L. |
| Melissa Franklin |
| Joseph R. Gaglianello |
| Mary L. Gaglianello |
| Marilyn Gaglianello |
| Joe Gaglianello and Erin Stockard |
| Milly and Parrish Gamarra |
| Suzy Anand Garfinkle |
| Barkley and Amy Garnsey |
| Allison and Samson Garvin |
| Cecilia and Ron Geraci |
| Deidre Geraci |
| The Gerald Family |
| Annette and Jason Gerlitz Appel |
| William T Gerrard |
| Darcy Gerrard |
| Christa and Mark Gerrard |
| Cole Gerstl |
| Amy Wright Glenn |
| Connie and Barry Gluck |
| Greg Gomes |
| Bryanne Gordon |
| Ursula Gottschalk |
| Sara Grabowski |
| Ileana Grau |
| Victoria and Vince Green |
| Nathan Greenberg |
| Brett, Jaime, Suzie and Sierra Greenberg |
| Marlene and Burton Greene |
| Amy Greene |
| Julia P Haensel |
| Barbara J Haensel |
| Stacey Hallberg |
| Jason and Kristi Hane |
| Colleen Haney |
| Alexis, Lindsay and Brooke Hanlon |
| Kathy Hanlon |
| Dennis Hanlon and Sandra Hogan |
| The Jon Hanlon Family |
| Amy Hanlon |
| Tiffany and Jeremy Hanlon |
| Kristin Harkness |
| Rosie and Josh Harris |
| Rebecca and Mark Harvey |
| Derin Hayes |
| Jessica Helmer |
| HavreDe Hill and Joseph Patton |
| Veronica Hirsch and Bryant Smith |
| Stephanie Holmes |
| Sharon and Richard Holt |
| Duncan Hossack |
| Heather and Michael Houston |
| Xiao Ling Huang |
| Chris and Linda Hugues |
| Chrissy and Jeff Hunt |
| David Huntt |
| Daric Huntt |
| Glenda Hurtado-Vo and Quang Vo |
| Kerry Inaganti |
| Arnold and Shelia James |
| Chantal Jensen |
| Heather Jensen |
| Dana Johnson |
| Patricia Jones |
| Linda and Otis Jones |
| The Kahn Family |
| Roger Kalina |
| Joel and Larae Kattermann |
| Jill Adrian Kay and Stefano Papaleo |
| Crosby Kayne |
| Julie Kelly and Barry Goldman |
| Kenney Girls |
| Ray Kenney and Nancy Zoole Kenney |
| Kristine and Harry Keshishian |
| Robin Klein |
| Allison and Gregory Koslowski |
| Kelsie Kotzur |
| Doug Koval |
| Diana LaCarubba |
| Peter and Susan Lampl |
| John, Bridget and Eric Langford |
| Stephanie Lanpehar |
| Tracy Laux |
| Brooke and Mike Lavelle |
| Le Petit Prince The French School of Boca Raton |
| Katherine LeNeave |
| Beth and Steve Licht |
| Jennifer and George Ligeti |
| Lighthouse Point Fitness |
| Jacque Lima |
| Livingston Family |
| Matthew and Jennifer Lombardi |
| Giuseppe and Rita Lombardo |
| John Lombardo |
| Karen Lopera |
| Jessica Lopera and Michael Foelster |
| Beatriz Lorenz |
| Jennifer Low |
| Pamela and Jeffrey Lucia |
| Crystal and Michael MacLean |
| Daniel Madden |
| Blake Malatesta |
| Jaime Mannino |
| Vicki Marino |
| Leslie Martorano |
| Danielle and Ashley Mastrogiovanni |
| John McClaskie |
| Mary Ann and Richard McDaniel |
| Jessica and Brian McDeavitt |
| Hannah McFadden |
| Beth Mcleod |
| Patty R McLeod |
| Ivette and Drew McMullen |
| C McShane |
| Saskia Meckman and Fares Khalidi |
| M. Carmen Meckman |
| Maria Meckman |
| Brenda Medore |
| Nicole Mezoff |
| Inna Mikhaylova and Dmitry Mogilyansky |
| Carolyn Miller |
| The Mirsky family |
| Raquel and Patryk Molczan |
| Natalia Monahan |
| Mike Monahan |
| Sandra Moncayo |
| Mia and James Moore |
| Carmen Morales |
| Ricardo Moreno |
| Mother Earth Diaper Service |
| Michael Mouw |
| Richard and Ellen Mouw |
| Kristi and Chris Moyer |
| Courtney Mullen-Francisco and David Francisco |
| Herb Murata |
| Perambur S. Neelakanta |
| Julie and Jim Nicholas |
| Billy and Charlene Nikolakopoulos |
| Joy and Michael Nissley |
| Minerva Nunez |
| Nicole Oakerson |
| Maxine Ofsowitz |
| Judi and Michael Ohanian |
| John and Joy Olson |
| Debra and Hein Onkenhout |
| Janine and Jared Opper |
| Organic Movements Dance School |
| Laura and Bill Owen |
| Wayne Paglieri |
| Chuck Papp |
| Paradise Bank |
| Colleen and Richard Paul-Hus |
| Keith, Cherrise, Reef, and River Pawlak |
| Mr. and Mrs. Andres Pedroso |
| Meade Peers McCoy |
| Dylan Peers McCoy |
| Liliana Pennington |
| Christine Perretta |
| Gretchen Perry and Rick Leger |
| The Petersen Family |
| Joseph Pettit |
| Casey and Sean Philbrick |
| Victoria and Peter Philip |
| Barbara and Rick Powers |
| Shelly and Peter Preziosi |
| Paula Proetto |
| Debra Pudder |
| Sara Rafferty |
| Diana Randazzo |
| Jim and Linda Ray |
| RedSteel Properties |
| Jennifer Reilly |
| Phillip Rich |
| B Riddick |
| Paul Ringon |
| Nathan Roberson |
| Katia and Jorge Rodrigues |
| Rebecca Rojas |
| Lisa and Craig Romer |
| Courtney Roog |
| Arin and Jeffrey Roos |
| Rosemary Rosas |
| Cali Rose |
| Kay Roseo |
| Jo Ann and John Roseo |
| Audra and Roberto Rovegno |
| Amanda and Ryan Roy |
| Sharon Rudnitsky |
| Dana Rueter |
| Sagely Willow Massage and Bodywork |
| Courtney Salamone and Joseph Snider |
| Wendy Salpeter – Luxury Mortgage |
| TL Saraniti |
| Patricia and Robert Schaaf |
| Dany Schaper |
| The Schereschewsky Family |
| Ann Schneider |
| Tara and Cass Schreiber |
| Elan Schrier |
| Schrier Family Chiropractic |
| Kathy and Spence Seery |
| Tricia and Bill Seery |
| Kelli Seibold and Jeremy Seibold |
| The Seigfreid Family |
| Elizabeth Selya |
| Steve and Karan Seneca |
| Nicole and Michael Seneca |
| Michele Service |
| Mario Shannon |
| Sue and Bob Shattuck |
| Ilysia Shattuck and Stephen Charbonneau |
| Tanya and Jason Shattuck |
| Sasha and Ian Shtulman |
| Shtulman Family Chiropractic |
| Frank and Nicole Shulman |
| Valerie Silidker and Jay Flanzbaum |
| Marilyn L. Simeon |
| Adena Simmons |
| Adam and Andrea Smith |
| Cynthia and David Smith |
| Claranne Smith |
| Denae Smock |
| Cynthia Sossei |
| South Florida Air Conditioning |
| Jenifer Sparrell |
| Cindy and Alan Sperling |
| Jenny and Tom Stancampiano |
| Jarin Stanford |
| Thomas and Kirsten Stanley |
| The Steins |
| Lexi Stern and Hayden Nasir, Evolution Salt |
| Ellen and Marshall Stone |
| Margaret and David Stone |
| Strategic Funding Source |
| Studio Sprout |
| Dorota Szladewska and Ernesto Salas |
| Cheryl Tancer |
| Nick Tatge |
| Tara and Austin Taylor |
| Elisabeth and Ken Teelucksingh |
| Claire Teller |
| The Velvet Lotus |
| Amanda Thomason |
| Randi Tobman |
| Angela Towne and Gus Martinez |
| Luz E Trevino |
| Michael Umlauf |
| Veleanu Family |
| Marjorie and Dick Viens |
| Erika and Victor Villalobos |
| Carol and Michael Vogt |
| Andy Walker |
| Rona Walters |
| Connie and Ted Walters |
| Natasha Watkinson |
| Janice Watson |
| Katrina Weber |
| Amy and Neal Weisman |
| Neal Weisman, MD |
| Daria Wels and Daniel McNalis |
| Patricia Werhahn and Richard Viens |
| Beatrice Werhahn |
| Geraldine Werhahn |
| Lee and Charlie Williams |
| Leanore and Charles Williams |
| Kristie Wilson |
| David Wilusz |
| Gertrude and Theodore Winsberg |
| Tehmina and Erik Wytenus |
| Bettina Young |
| The Zacks Family |
| Sue and Jon Zoole |
| Jennifer and Peter Zoole |
Board of Directors, 2015/16
Jennifer Ligeti, President
Dr. Edgar An, PhD, Vice President
Tayler Mariner, Treasurer
Susan Dubbin, Secretary
Susan Caruso, Executive Director
Gary R. Dunmyer
William L. Epstein
Lora Peers McCoy
Sunflower Executive Staff
Susan Caruso, Founder/Director
Jaime Greenberg, Communications Director
Meade Peers McCoy, Director of Special Projects and Strategic Initiatives
Ilysia Shattuck, Operations and Development Director
Dorota Szladewska, Financial Director
Sunflower Creative Arts, Inc. is a 501c3 organization, which provides its services and benefits to children and families without regard to race, color, nationality, religion, gender or ethnic origin. Childcare License #50-51-1611005