Guide for Your First Day in Childcare

1. What should my child wear?

• Comfortable, seasonally-appropriate clothes that can get dirty.
• For your child’s safety, only tennis shoes or sneakers with a skid resistant sole are allowed.
• Necklaces, hoop or dangling earrings are not permitted, since jewelry can get accidentally pulled or caught during play.

2. What should I bring for my child?

• At least one change of seasonal clothing, labeled with your child’s name.
• A family photo we can display.
• Backpacks are not allowed in all centers, so please check with your director.
• Do not bring food. If your child has medically-necessary dietary restrictions, please contact your director.
• Please do not send money, valuables, or toys with your child.

3. How do I drop off my child?

• Enter the building using the front door code provided by your director.
• Sign-in using the lobby iPad. Your director will provide you with log-in instructions.
• Accompany your child to the classroom, and ensure a teacher is aware of your arrival.
• Your child’s reaction to his/her first day will vary. Some children run right into the classroom while others cry. Both of these reactions – and any in between – are completely normal.

4. What should I know about my child’s classroom?

• Place any belongings or extra clothing in your child’s classroom cubby. This space is also used for letters or progress reports to take home, so please check this space regularly.
• Check your classroom’s communication board for lesson plans, calendars, and other information.

5. What is the process for picking up my child?

• Please pick up your child from the classroom.
• Sign-out using the iPad in our lobby.
• Because of our extended hours, our teachers have varying shifts. For this reason, you may see different teachers in your classroom in the afternoon.

6. How do I manage billing and pay tuition online?

• Download the MySunshineHouse app to view invoices and manage billing. 
• You will receive a detailed invoice each week.
• Invoices will be issued on Wednesdays and will be due by the following Tuesday.
• Parents wishing to pay bi-weekly or monthly must pay in advance.
• Auto payments are also available. Please ask your Center Director for details.

7. How do I download the Sunshine House mobile app?

• You’ll receive a welcome email inviting you to join the MySunshineHouse app. 
• Click on the link to activate your account and set your password.
• Download our app (search “MySunshineHouse” in iTunes or Google Play app store).
• Login with your username and password.
• All updates, daily reports, and school communication will now be through this app.

If you have a question not addressed here, please contact us or your Director. And welcome to The Sunshine House family!