Sunshine Early Learning Center — Parent Newsletter

Sunshine Early Learning Center

Weekly Family Newsletter

Week of April 14 – 18, 2026

Children engaged in a fun spring learning activity in a bright, airy classroom

Hello, Sunshine Families! What a wonderful week it has been. The children have been absolutely beaming with curiosity and creativity as we explored our Spring and Growing Things theme together. We are so grateful for each and every one of your little ones — they make every single day here a true joy. Read on for a full recap of the week, our meal menu, upcoming celebrations, and a few important reminders.

Section 1

What We Learned This Week

Theme: Spring and Growing Things

Art Projects

This week the children created beautiful handprint flower gardens using washable tempera paints in cheerful spring colors. Each child planted their handprint "blooms" on a large shared canvas that is now proudly displayed in our front hallway — come take a look when you pick up! We also made tissue paper butterflies and decorated paper pots that will go home with your child on Friday.

Gardening Activity

We headed out to our outdoor garden beds on Tuesday and Wednesday for our very first planting of the season. Each child scooped soil, learned about seeds and roots, and planted their very own marigold seed in a small biodegradable pot. The children were fascinated by the idea that something so tiny could grow into a big, colorful flower. We will be tracking our seedlings together each week — so exciting!

Story Time Books Featured

Our story time this week was full of wonder and imagination. Here are the books we read together:

Monday / Tuesday

"The Tiny Seed"

by Eric Carle

Wednesday

"Planting a Rainbow"

by Lois Ehlert

Thursday

"Up in the Garden, Down in the Dirt"

by Kate Messner

Friday

"Flower Garden"

by Eve Bunting

Section 2

Meals This Week

All meals are prepared fresh in our kitchen and meet USDA Child Care Nutrition Program guidelines. Please notify us of any changes to your child's dietary needs or allergies.

Colorful, nutritious meal bowls with fresh vegetables and wholesome ingredients

Monday, Apr 14

Lunch

Turkey and cheese wrap, baby carrots with hummus, apple slices, milk

Snack

Whole grain crackers and string cheese

Tuesday, Apr 15

Lunch

Chicken noodle soup, whole wheat dinner roll, sliced pears, milk

Snack

Banana and sunflower butter

Wednesday, Apr 16

Lunch

Pasta with marinara sauce and ground turkey, steamed broccoli, milk

Snack

Yogurt with blueberries

Thursday, Apr 17

Lunch

Bean and cheese quesadilla, corn, fresh watermelon, milk

Snack

Rice cakes with cream cheese

Friday, Apr 18

Lunch

Grilled cheese on whole wheat, tomato soup, mandarin oranges, milk

Snack

Graham crackers and sliced strawberries

Menu is subject to change based on availability. All tree-nut and peanut products are excluded from our menu. Please speak with Ms. Rivera if your child has specific dietary restrictions.

Section 3

Upcoming Celebrations

We love celebrating our little ones. Here are the April birthdays coming up in our class — let's shower these friends with love!

Lily Chen

Turning 4!

April 21, 2026

Marcus Thompson

Turning 4!

April 28, 2026

Want to celebrate? If you would like to bring a special treat to share on your child's birthday, please reach out to Ms. Rivera at least 3 days in advance so we can plan accordingly and ensure all dietary needs are accommodated. Store-bought, individually packaged items are preferred.

Section 4

Reminders

Spring Photo Day — April 22, 2026

Our annual spring portrait session is coming up on Wednesday, April 22! A professional photographer will be visiting the center from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Please dress your child in their favorite spring outfit. Individual and group photos will be available for purchase — order forms will be sent home this Friday. No prior registration is required; all enrolled children will be photographed.

Extra Weather-Appropriate Clothing Needed

Spring weather in April can be wonderfully unpredictable! We are spending more time outdoors now, and temperatures can shift throughout the day. Please send your child with a light jacket or sweater, as well as a spare set of play clothes — including socks and bottoms — in their cubby bag. Our garden activities can get wonderfully muddy, and we want everyone to stay comfortable and ready for adventure.

Sunscreen for Outdoor Play

As the days get longer and sunnier, we want to make sure our little ones are protected during outdoor play time. Please apply sunscreen to your child before drop-off each morning. If you would like us to reapply sunscreen during the day, please send a labeled bottle of SPF 30 or higher sunscreen in your child's bag and complete a sunscreen authorization form at the front desk (if you have not already done so this season). Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe in the sunshine!

Section 5

A Note from Our Director

Sandra Okafor

Director, Sunshine Early Learning Center

Dear Sunshine Families,

What a beautiful season to be learning together. Watching the children discover the magic of seeds, soil, and new growth this week has been one of the most heartwarming experiences of the year so far. Their curiosity is truly contagious, and our incredible teaching team — Ms. Rivera, Mr. Daniels, and Ms. Park — has done a remarkable job bringing the Spring and Growing Things theme to life in such meaningful ways.

As we head into the second half of April, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for the trust you place in us every single day. Dropping off your child and knowing they are in caring, capable hands is something we never take lightly. Your partnership — whether it is labeling belongings, returning forms promptly, or simply sharing a smile at pick-up — makes Sunshine a truly special community.

If you ever have questions, concerns, or just want to pop in for a chat, my door is always open. We are here for you and your family every step of the way.

With warmth and gratitude,

Sandra Okafor

Director, Sunshine Early Learning Center

We Are Always Here for You

Do not hesitate to reach out — we love hearing from our families.

Main Office

(512) 555-0192

Mon – Fri, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Emergency Contact

(512) 555-0247

Available 24 hours, 7 days

You can also email us anytime at hello@sunshineearlylearning.com

Sunshine Early Learning Center

4820 Meadowlark Drive, Austin, TX 78701

Licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

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