Looking for a good, quality daycare for your children? Then look no further. Sonshine Daycare in McLean is a ministry of the McLean United Methodist Church community which exists to provide quality child care in a Christian environment for children in McLean and the surrounding communities. Sonshine was established in July 1993 at the Methodist church, but then as it grew, expanded and now housed in the Mt. Hope-Funks Grove Park District (old grade school) building since June 2006. The Olympia school district provides bus transportation to and from the daycare for all children attending Olympia South. The hours of operation are 7 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday.

The licensed daycare has qualified and dedicated staff caring for children ages 6 weeks through age 12 and is recognized as a recipient of the bronze circle of quality through Excelerate Illinois. Excelerate Illinois is a statewide quality recognition program establishing standards for helping infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children develop intellectually, physically, socially, and emotionally. 

Sonshine’s current enrollment is maxed at 78 children and employs 13 staff. Consistent staff allows for strong relationships to form with the children. All staff are trained in infant, child, and adult CPR as well as First-Aid. Its mission statement is teaching children Godly ways through words and play. The overall curriculum is designed to meet the growth and developmental needs of each child enrolled. Art, music, literature, math, science, dramatic play, communication skills, and physical development are all provided. Children also participate in activities that develop Christian, mental, social, physical, and emotional growth. 

The daycare encourages parents to become involved in their child’s development. Parents are invited to visit the classrooms and participate in class activities whenever possible. They are also encouraged to drop in and join students and staff for lunch. Nutritious meals and snacks are prepared in-house and served fresh daily. All meals and snacks meet the nutritional guidelines of the Child Care Food Program. 

For more information about Sonshine Daycare, including rates, registration fees, and available openings, call Janelle Gunterman, director, at 309-874-2522 or email at sonshine98@frontier.com.