A preschool is not just a building with classrooms and toys. It is a child’s first step into the big world, where they learn to make friends, explore, dream, and believe in themselves. Sunshine State Academy in Hollywood is a prime example of how an educational institution can become a second family for young children.

Here, there is an atmosphere of warmth and care, and teachers give children more than just knowledge. They help little ones learn to think independently, build self-confidence, and explore the world from an early age through English and modern teaching methods.

Sunshine State Academy is not just a place where children spend their time. It is a place where creative abilities are intentionally nurtured, intellectual development is encouraged, and children are taught to interact and adapt within the preschool community.

• Development of emotional intelligence;
• Learning through play;
• Stress-free preparation for school;
• Cozy and safe environment;
• Experienced and caring teachers;
• Lessons conducted in English;
• Varied creative and sports programs;
• Individual approach to each child;
• Saturday school and extracurricular activities;
• Homemade-style meals.

Play is the main tool for learning. Through role-playing, creativity, and collaborative activities, children naturally acquire new skills rather than seeing learning as an obligation.

Age Groups: Step-by-Step Development

At Sunshine State Academy, the assignment of children to groups is approached with great care. Age is not just a number — it reflects a child’s developmental level, abilities, and needs. For a child to grow harmoniously, their environment must be perfectly suited to them.

1. 01. Younger Groups (3 months – 5 years)

• Infants (3 months – 1 year)
  The youngest members of the academy require special care. Safe conditions are provided: spacious play areas, comfortable cribs, and attentive, caring teachers. The main goal at this stage is to create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort so that the child feels secure even without parents.
• Group 1–2 years
  At this age, children actively explore the world: taking first steps, learning to speak, and trying simple games. The academy teaches basic social skills: sharing toys, listening to adults, and repeating simple words. All learning is done through play — songs, dances, and stories.
• Group 2–5 years
  This period allows children to focus longer, engage in creative activities, learn to count, and recognize colors, shapes, and letters. Early development methods, including Montessori and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics), are actively applied.
  Children also take their first steps in team play, learning to interact, develop imagination, and emotional intelligence.

1. 02. Senior Group (4–5 years)
   This is the preparatory stage for school. Children learn the basics of discipline: sitting at desks, completing tasks, and listening to the teacher. However, the format remains playful to maintain interest. The program includes:

• Speech development and vocabulary expansion;
• Introduction to writing and reading;
• Logical tasks and math through play;
• Project work — e.g., creating drawings, crafts, and mini-scenes.
  Children at this age begin to think more structurally, so teachers help them express opinions and work collaboratively.

1. 03. Kindergarten (5–6 years)
   This is the key transitional stage as children prepare to start school. Sunshine State Academy’s kindergarten follows the American system, helping children transition smoothly to elementary school. Main objectives:

• Learning to read and write;
• Developing math skills (counting, simple problems, geometric shapes);
• Introduction to the world — nature, professions, countries;
• Fostering critical thinking and curiosity.
  Kindergarten also emphasizes soft skills — negotiating, cooperating, and resolving conflicts. These qualities help children succeed both academically and in life.

1. 04. Elementary School (5–10 years)
   A distinctive feature of Sunshine State Academy is that children can continue into elementary education. For many parents, this is a major advantage — children continue learning in a familiar environment without the stress of changing peers or surroundings. The program includes:

• Core school subjects (math, reading, writing, natural sciences);
• Advanced English language study;
• Creative subjects: music, art, theater;
• Sports and physical activities;
• Development of leadership skills and responsibility.
  Elementary teachers do more than teach facts — they help children learn consciously: planning their day, completing tasks, and presenting in front of the class.

Each age group at Sunshine State Academy is not just a formal division by years, but a carefully structured system for child development. Children progress step by step from their first games and words to independent learning and self-confidence.

Nutrition: Homemade Taste and Health Care

Sunshine State Academy pays special attention to children’s nutrition. Food directly affects not only health, but also mood, energy levels, and the ability to learn and absorb new information.

1. 01. Four meals a day
   Children are fed four times a day — an optimal schedule for preschoolers:

• Breakfast — a light and healthy start to the day. The menu includes porridge, omelets, fruits, and yogurt.
• Second breakfast (morning snack) — a nutritious snack: vegetables, dairy products, casseroles, or homemade baked goods.
• Lunch — a full meal including soup, a main course, side dish, and fresh salad.
• Afternoon snack — after games and activities, children are offered fruits, cookies, cottage cheese, or smoothies.
  This schedule helps maintain stable energy levels so children stay active and cheerful throughout the day.

1. 02. Balance and natural ingredients
   The menu is designed according to pediatric and nutritionist standards. It is balanced in proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and ingredients are sourced from trusted suppliers. Fresh vegetables and fruits, meat and fish, dairy products, cereals, and whole-grain bread are always included.
   Fast food, carbonated drinks, and products high in sugar or preservatives are excluded. Children develop a taste for healthy food and learn to eat properly.
2. 03. Individual considerations
   Sunshine State Academy takes each child’s needs into account. If a child has food allergies or requires a special diet (e.g., gluten-free or vegetarian), the menu is adjusted. Parents discuss this in advance with teachers, ensuring the child receives safe and tasty meals.
3. 04. Food culture
   Children are taught not only to eat healthily but also politely and properly. At the table, they learn to use utensils, behave calmly and respectfully, help each other, and try new dishes without fuss. In this way, meals become part of the educational process.

Meals are served in a way that gives parents peace of mind: their child receives everything needed for health, growth, and a positive mood.

Language of Instruction: English from the First Steps

Sunshine State Academy is not just a preschool where children play and socialize. It is a space where a child is immersed in an English-speaking environment from their very first steps. This approach allows them to acquire the language naturally and without stress — just like native speakers.

1. 01. How the bilingual environment works

• The academy has Russian-speaking teachers who help children adapt. This is especially important during the first months, when a child is getting used to the new environment. The child does not feel lost, as there is always an adult nearby who can understand and comfort them.
• However, the key principle of the school is that lessons and daily communication take place in English. This applies to games, lessons, and group activities.
• This method is called natural immersion (immersion): the child hears English constantly — during lessons, outdoor activities, and meals. Over time, they begin to use it themselves, without even realizing how they learned it.

1. 02. Why it works
   Psychologists and educators note that children up to 6–7 years old have a unique ability to acquire languages. Their brains work like a “sponge” — they easily absorb sounds, repeat words, and form sentences without grammar rules or rote memorization.
   Therefore, a child learning at Sunshine State Academy gains an invaluable advantage: English becomes not a foreign language, but a natural part of their life.
2. 03. Benefits of early English

• Faster adaptation in American schools. Children who started learning English in preschool handle elementary school programs more easily.
• No language barrier. The child communicates freely with classmates, teachers, and friends.
• Improved memory and thinking skills. Bilingual children show higher performance in logic and creativity.
• Self-confidence. Mastery of the language makes the child open and active in communication.

1. 04. How lessons are conducted

• Play-based activities — songs, rhymes, board games, and role-playing in English.
• Reading and storytelling — teachers read books to children and discuss them in English.
• Creative activities — drawing, theater, and dance, where children hear and repeat new words.
• Speaking practice — teachers encourage children to respond in English, even if they start a phrase in Russian.

Ultimately, parents gain the most important benefit: their child not only learns English but lives it every day. This provides a huge advantage for the future — from academic success in school to admission to university.

Saturday School: Learning Beyond the Classroom

Sunshine State Academy in Hollywood is not just active from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, it offers a special program that many parents compare to a “mini children’s university.”

This is not just “extra classes,” but a full-fledged system combining play, learning, and creativity. Saturday School is designed for various age groups — from preschoolers to children already attending elementary school.

1. 01. Purpose of Saturday School

• Variety — children gain new experiences and break away from the usual routine.
• Talent development — they can explore sports, arts, or languages.
• Socialization — children of different ages interact, learn to negotiate, and make friends.
• Parental support — parents gain confidence that their child spends the weekend productively, not just on gadgets.

1. 02. Activities and Clubs
   In Saturday School, children can choose activities they enjoy. Many are organized as “mini-courses,” where they complete a block of classes and achieve results. Some of the options include:

• Visual arts and modeling — developing fine motor skills, imagination, and working with different materials.
• Music and dance — performances, rhythm exercises, first musical instruments, and vocal practice.
• Sports — gymnastics, team games, children’s fitness. These activities develop endurance, strength, and body confidence.
• Language practice — additional English lessons or exposure to new languages.
• Project studios — making crafts, theater productions, small research projects, group work.

1. 03. How Saturday Classes Are Conducted
   The main principle is play and engagement. Even the most serious subjects are taught in a fun, accessible way:

• Children are not seated at desks but move, experiment, and try new things;
• Teachers act as mentors and partners, not strict instructors;
• Each child can shine in what interests them, without pressure or comparison.
  The result of this approach is that children remain energized and do not see Saturday as “extra school,” but look forward to the activities.

1. 04. Sample Saturday Schedule

• 10:00 – Dance class “Fun Dance”
• 11:00 – Creative workshop: watercolor painting or clay modeling
• 12:00 – Lunch and free play
• 13:00 – Outdoor sports activities (relay races, mini-soccer)
• 14:00 – Project studio: preparing a performance or a science experiment
• 15:00 – Music class and group performance

Sunshine State Academy provides this opportunity — turning Saturday into a day of discovery and joy. Ultimately, Saturday School is not just about clubs; it is a chance for children to explore new aspects of their personality and spend the weekend in an atmosphere of creativity and friendship.

Individual Approach: Attention to Every Child

Every child is a unique universe with their own personality, interests, and pace of development. At Sunshine State Academy, this is understood, and the educational process is designed so that no child gets lost in the group.

1. 01. Understanding the child’s personality
   From the very first days, teachers carefully observe the children:

• Who quickly joins in games and who is initially cautious;
• Who enjoys drawing and who is drawn to sports;
• Who loves reading stories and who prefers building blocks.
  Based on these observations, teachers create an individual development trajectory so that each child can thrive in what truly interests them.

1. 02. Interaction with parents
   Sunshine State Academy does not separate parents from the educational process. On the contrary, there is active collaboration in the “school — child — family” format:

• Teachers regularly communicate with parents, sharing the child’s successes and challenges;
• Open lessons and creative events are held, where families are invited;
• Parents can share their observations and, together with teachers, adjust the development program.
  This approach creates a unified educational environment: the child receives support both at home and at school.

1. 03. Modern teaching methods
   To unlock the potential of even the shyest or most reserved child, teachers use various methods:

• Montessori — the child chooses materials and learns through hands-on practice.
• STEAM approach (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) — developing logic, curiosity, and creative thinking.
• Play-based methods — learning through stories, role-playing, and performances.
• Social practices — children learn to negotiate, assign roles, and help each other.
  Each method is adapted to the individual child, rather than forcing them to “be like everyone else.”

1. 04. Supporting talents and interests
   If a child shows a particular interest in music, art, or sports, teachers help them develop it further. The academy offers additional clubs, studios, and sections.
   If a child, on the other hand, faces challenges in a certain area, teachers gently bring them up to speed so they do not feel behind their peers.

American Butler — your guide to education in the USA

Sunshine State Academy in Hollywood is a place where children grow up happy, confident, and curious. It is a space where a child takes their first steps into the world of knowledge, friendship, and creativity.

If you are looking for a preschool in the USA where your little one will feel comfortable and have room to develop their talents, Sunshine State Academy is the right choice.

American Butler will help you navigate the selection of a preschool, manage documentation, and support your child’s adaptation. Trust the professionals — and give your child the best possible start in life!