Parents seeking a loving, welcoming space where their children can learn and thrive don’t need to look any further than Lil Sunshine Early Learning Center, located at 4713 Avenue J. A fixture in the East Flatbush community for decades, Lil Sunshine, as it’s affectionately called, has been a trusted home away from home for generations of children and families.
The director, Judith Providence, told the Canarsie Courier that teaching and caring for young children have always been her passion. As a child, she watched her Mom pour love and affection into the children whose parents, neighbors, family and friends dropped them off daily at the Learning Center. Providence said that even at that tender age, she “helped” — unwittingly acquiring the knowledge and skills she needed when she took over operations in 2006.
As the mother of two grown children, one of them a teenage, special-needs son, Providence said she is even more patient and committed to providing a high quality of understanding and care for children. “Being the mother of a special-needs son, I respect that every child has their own special individuality, unique personality and learn and develop at their own pace,” she stated.
“Where Little Minds Shine Every Day,” is one of the mottos of Lil Sunshine. On a typical day, children are guided through a number of fun activities that allow them to explore and express themselves, while learning. Bubbly, 4-year-old Ariel, with the help of her younger friend Savannah, was able to pick out her (play) vegetables and prepare a healthy salad for the Canarsie Courier without being prompted. Ariel also recited some of their daily affirmations, which include “With Jesus: I am brave, I am kind, I am thankful.”
“When the children age out of my program, they are more than just kindergarten ready,” the director stated. “They are confident, valued, have high self-esteem and are ready to conquer the world,” she stated proudly.
Providence said that creating young scholars and successful adults also requires instilling in the children good morals, love and respect for themselves and others. The walls of her brightly-colored classroom were covered with learning aids – numbers, alphabet, shapes, colors, affirmations. There were also toys and a spacious outdoor play area, complete with colorful slides, rides and other attractions for the children.
Strong Beginnings, Bright Futures” is another core belief of Lil Sunshine. It caters to children ages 1-5, offering high-quality education and care and accepts vouchers from a wide range of agencies, including ACC, HRA, ACS, NYS and NYC. Lunch and two snacks are provided daily. Enrollment is ongoing. Once enrolled, “we become family,” Providence stressed as she embraced a toddler.
She shared she feels especially proud when she learns that “her children” get accepted into a gifted or talented program later on or that they graduated high school or college and move on to successful careers. “I feel such joy in my heart,” she said.
Lil Sunshine also offers after-school help with homework and other enrichment activities. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 718-252-0703 or refer to their advertisement on page 10.
