Sunshine House: A Legacy of Excellence in Early Childhood Education Over 50 Years
Since its establishment in 1975 in Greenwood, South Carolina, Sunshine House has evolved from a single family initiative into a cornerstone of early childhood education, nurturing more than 300,000 young lives. This remarkable journey began when founders Dennis and Roseann Drew sought quality care for their own daughter, leading them to create an environment that balances academic growth, social-emotional support, and a home-like atmosphere.
The organization now spans across six states with over 90 centers, including specialized locations like the Foundations Early Learning Center focusing on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) and Quest Zone after-school programs. In the Upstate South Carolina region, there are 14 Sunshine House centers proudly continuing the tradition of high-quality childcare and education.
Core Values and Educational Philosophy Driving Sunshine House’s Success
- High-Quality Care: Every child receives individualized attention in a nurturing environment where safety and trust are paramount.
- Play-Based Learning: Curriculum centered on hands-on, creative experiences that foster fine motor skills, communication, and cognitive development.
- Community and Family Partnership: Parents are encouraged to participate in their child’s daily activities through regular communication and multimedia updates.
- Educator Development: Sunshine House invests in its educators through programs like TEACH scholarships, promoting internal growth and leadership opportunities.
These principles ensure that each school day is not just childcare but a vital step in children’s educational journeys, making Sunshine House a trusted name alongside institutions such as LeapFrog, Bright Horizons, and Montessori.
Creating a Home-Like Atmosphere in Early Learning Environments
One distinctive feature that sets Sunshine House apart is its commitment to creating environments where children feel truly at home. As April Sullivan, Director at the Mauldin center, emphasizes, trust and comfort are key to a child’s growth. This ethos resonates through the welcoming design and daily routines designed to imitate the warmth of a family home.
Inside each center:
- Children engage with materials freely under close supervision, promoting autonomy and safety.
- Technology is deliberately limited to foster real-world, hands-on learning over passive screen time.
- Educators physically sit with children at eye-level to foster meaningful interactions and observe developmental milestones closely.
Moreover, parents are integrated into the caregiving circle via frequent photo and video updates, making Sunshine House a pioneering example of transparency and partnership in childcare.
How Sunshine House Supports Holistic Childhood Development
- Social-Emotional Growth: Programs nurture belonging and secure attachment through consistent relationships with caregivers.
- Physical Development: Active play and therapies, such as the physical therapist who helped a child take their first steps, are integral.
- Cognitive Skills: Engaging in music, arts, and movement activities that stimulate brain development and problem-solving skills.
- Language and Communication: Respectful, eye-to-eye interactions foster language acquisition and confidence.
This comprehensive approach enables children to meet milestones meaningfully while parents can confidently support their child’s growth even when physical presence is limited.
Sunshine House and the Broader Landscape of Early Childhood Education
Sunshine House’s sustained success is part of a wider trend emphasizing active community engagement, developmental education, and family partnership in childcare. Educational companies like KinderCare, Primrose Schools, The Goddard School, Crayola, Scholastic, and Learning Care Group also contribute to this evolving landscape by offering enriched curricula and programs.
These organizations share similar goals:
- Supporting children’s readiness for school and lifelong learning through evidence-based practices.
- Providing professional growth opportunities for educators to enhance instruction quality.
- Incorporating STEM and arts education early to foster innovation and creativity.
- Encouraging inclusion, diversity, and positive mental health development.
The rise of such centers highlights how early education in 2025 is increasingly holistic, accessible, and thoughtfully designed to empower young learners and their families.