Little Sunbeams Child Development Center

We have had our children at Little Sunbeams for 2 years now and we absolutely love it. My husband and I are both physicians at UNM and our family has had a great experience. The teachers are incredibly caring and nurturing, and the rooms are separated appropriately and tailored to each age group. Additionally, the center provides all meals and snacks including infant formula and food, and the meals are healthy and delicious. The playground is large and the children spend much more time outside playing than they do at all the other centers we looked at, including the popular Montessori centers in the area. The hours are very convenient (6:30 am to 6 pm M-​F) which is great for working families. The proximity to UNM, UNMH, and Presbyterian Hospital (within a half mile of all) is another plus and there is more than ample parking for drop-​off and pick-​up. The center has a new director Linda who is working hard to obtain more certifications for the center and is starting a Wellness Committee among other things that is going to take the center to a new level. We highly recommend this center!

I currently have a daughter in the infant room and very happy with Little Sunbeams. All the doors have limited access, you can only get in if you have a key or let in by the office staff. Food and formula is provided throughout the day and the menu varies for each week. The teachers are caring and attentive. Each morning when I leave her, I know that she is being well taken care of.

We currently have 2 children at Little Sunbeams and have enjoyed it. We have been there for a little over 3 years. There have been some changes since we have started, however, the previous director had let some things slide and we have really been happy with the changes in staffing that have been made. In addition, several business type changes were made for the better. Although transition is always hard these changes, we believe, were very necessary and the right direction to head. Our children enjoy going to school and seeing their friends each day. The classrooms are engaging and strive to educate at the age appropriate levels.
The infant room is set up well for those that are beginning to walk to ensure that the little ones don’t get injured and the pre-​walkers are able to test their skills with a lot of space and safety. The room is divided so children can have their own space as they need it. We are looking forward to another one of our little ones starting in early 2015 to this calm room. The new infant room lead teacher is very calm with the children and ensures she makes time to engage and play with each infant in an age appropriate manner. One of our little ones is in the toddler room and thriving. This can often be a tough age group and the teachers in this room have such a great system and great control over the room that it has been awesome. The teachers in this room are not afraid of getting dirty and provide really fun activities for the children that allow them to really explore and learn while having a lot of fun! When our other child was in this room it was not as in control and we have been very pleased with the change. We are looking forward to moving to the next room in the next few weeks and have seen a lot of fun activities happen in this next room as well.
The 2 older rooms really are focusing on preparing the kids for kindergarten. The 3 – 4 room, which our other child is in, emphasizes learning numbers, letters and shapes while having a lot of fun. Working with sand and other mediums the children are able to have fun while also learning how to write their letters and numbers. They work on listening skills and independence as well in this room. The pre — K room has an amazing curriculum for getting the students ready to embark on their next journey to regular school. The teacher, Ms Mickey, often has her students reading before they leave the daycare!
We also have enjoyed all of the extra activities that the director has brought to the facility. Ms Renee has continued the Kids Love to Dance program and brought Tumblebus to the school. It is so nice for the kids to have the option to be a part of these programs and do something a little different on these days. I like it for the fact that scheduling is easy! I don’t have to worry about how packed the nights and weekends get for activities because they can participate right at school. Ms Renee also has Ms Joy come in once a week for a different perspective. She comes and reads and sings to the children, which mine really enjoy. She also ensures the students are able to put on a Thanksgiving program and brings in Santa during the holidays! We hold spring flings and other little parties to allow parents and children to meet and mingle ensuring a family atmosphere.
We are very happy at Little Sunbeams and know the teachers love our children just as much as we do. They are preparing them to be independent, educated and strong individuals that are ready for anything!