Platte Woods Church is proud to be the home of Sunbeams Preschool. Parents Day Out and Sunbeams have always been under one roof, and now they are under one name. Our early childhood education programs have been serving the Northland for over 55 years! We offer different opportunities for children from 6 weeks old through pre-k. Children are nurtured in loving environments, allowing them to experience full life in Jesus Christ.
“Choosing a preschool for our family was a really big decision and I am so glad we chose Sunbeams.”
Lydia - Sunbeams Parent
At a Glance
Main Operation Hours 9 am - 3 pm
Extended 8 am - 9 am & 3 pm - 4:30 pm
Age range 6 weeks - Pre-K
Sunbeams follows the Park Hill School District Calendar
Sunbeams is a state-certified preschool.
"He has made memories on his own but then as a family we've made a lot of memories together, because we are invited to so many things."
Alyssa - Sunbeams Parent
Hear from Sunbeams families!
Program information
Nursery
We want your child’s first experience away from home to feel like home. Our nursery is a safe place full of warmth, designed specifically for children aged 6 weeks to 12 months. We provide a classroom for both our younger babies and a classroom for our older babies as they become more mobile. We provide a low child-to-teacher ratio. Our experienced teachers prioritize emotional security and social-emotional milestones in a safe atmosphere. Parents will receive daily updates including photos of their child.
2’s
Two is a year of "I can do it myself!" Our 2-year-old classroom is designed to channel that budding independence into meaningful growth. In this room, we move beyond simple play to introduce gentle routines that help children master self-help skills—from cleaning up their own toys to successful potty training when they are ready. Our teachers act as patient guides, helping your child navigate big emotions while celebrating every small win. We have two classrooms for our 2-year old students. One room for our younger 2’s and not yet potty training and another room for our older 2’s and those that are ready to potty train.
1’s
Our 1-year-old classroom is designed for the "toddler" on the move. In this high-energy stage, children are transitioning from infancy to toddlerhood, and our environment reflects that growth. We provide a safe, open floor plan that encourages gross motor milestones—like walking, climbing, and pushing carts on firm, supportive surfaces. Our classrooms include areas for quiet reading, block building and climbing. Our low shelving allows our toddlers to choose their own toys. We have two 1-year-old classrooms.
3’s
Our 3-year-old classroom is where "play with a purpose" takes center stage. At this age, children are ready for more complex challenges, and our environment is designed to meet them there. We introduce foundational concepts through hands-on discovery. The children learn to transition from one activity to another. They learn to share, negotiate with peers, and develop empathy for others.
Pre-K (3’s, 4’s, 5’s):
(Must have turned 3 before August 1, 2026.)
Our Pre-K offers a wide variety of learning activities for children with a small child-teacher ratio. Our program gives students the opportunity to explore and play while learning the skills they need to transition to kindergarten. See FAQs for more details.
A Christ-Centered Environment
Here, your child will learn to love others because Christ first loved them. Especially during your child’s impressionable years, this kind of surrounding means so much. At Sunbeams Preschool, children are encouraged to develop their God-given talents in a secure atmosphere of love and acceptance.
- Sue Arensberg, Director of Sunbeams Preschool
FAQs
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We use Brightwheel to safely and securely communicate with parents. We keep you updated with the latests information about our program, share special moments, and have all of your payment records in one place.
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These programs will be closed when the Park Hill School District calls for a snow day or an AMI day, including delayed starts or early dismissals.
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The preschool program fits the needs of children of various ages. From our nursery care through pre-K, you can be assured that your child will receive care in a professional, clean environment. As your child grows, their educational opportunities increase.
During the mornings, teachers share in crafts, reading and other fun learning exercises with their students. Afternoons are spent in free play, allowing children to have fun and develop their social skills.
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Sunbeams will begin each day with an arrival activity. This occurs at the table and usually involves some small motor activity, such as cutting, tracing, or working with play dough. Following arrival, students move to the circle time area.
During circle time, the Pledge of Allegiance is said, counting and number recognition is practiced during calendar time and songs are sung. In addition, themes are introduced and discussed, as well as the letter of the week. When introducing letters, we teach the Jolly Phonics system, which pairs each letter with a sound and an action.
Following Circle Time, students break into pairs and rotate to different centers. There are five centers each day that children can explore. These centers include writing, math (counting, patterning, sorting), blocks and puzzles, and dramatic play. One of the centers each day will be table time, where the teacher will work individually with students on specific skills. Centers are child-led, giving children the opportunity to learn to work together. The teacher acts as a guide and a helper during centers. The majority of the preschool day is Center Time.
When center rotations are complete, students clean up and gather at the table for a snack. Snacks are provided by the parents throughout the year. During snack time, a prayer is sung before eating. The teacher will share a Bible Story with the students while they eat their snack.
The last portion of the day in the classroom is the Second Circle. During this time, the teacher will discuss the Bible Story that was read and tie up any loose ends from the day. Backpacks are loaded, and children line up for free play, the last 20 or 30 minutes of the day, which takes place either outside on our playground or in our gym.
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All children ages 3 and up must be potty-trained within one month of their third birthday.
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Yes! Sunbeams offers professional childcare in a comfortable, age-appropriate environment and is a state-inspected facility.
Sunbeams Preschool Staff
Sue Arensberg
Sunbeams Preschool Director
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