Playful learning promotes happy, successful, lifelong learners!
Accepting Applications for 2024-2025 School Year
At Sunshine at Happy Hearts Learning Center, we believe that art is an essential part of a child's education. Our program provides children ages 2 through 5 with opportunities to explore their creativity through various forms of art, including painting, drawing, and sculpting. Our teachers encourage children to express themselves through their art and use it as a tool for learning.
The Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards 2023
Our curriculum is guided by the Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards 2023. These standards articulate shared expectations for what young children should know and be able to do. The standards have been derived from the latest research in early childhood development. They include nine domains of learning as referenced above. For more information, please visit their website
The Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards
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Educators
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Our teachers play a crucial role in shaping minds of young children. They create a safe and nurturing environment where children can learn and grow. With their patience, creativity, and dedication, our teachers help lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning.
Director
Mrs. Kim Maine
Mrs. Maine is our passionate and experienced Director. She has over 34 years of experience in early childhood education. She has a Bachelor Degree in early childhood education as well as a Master of Education degree in Early Childhood Leadership and Administration. She is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for all of our children.
Green Room
Lead Teacher
Mrs. Bethany Fain
Mrs. Fain is a valued member of our team. She has been working in our program since 2015. She has a bachelor degree in elementary education. She also has the best experienc of all as she is the mother of three. Mrs. Fain is the lead teacher of the Green room. She is kind and caring towards all the children and families. Her classroom is always ready and prepared for children to learn, play and have fun!
Lead Teacher
Red Room
Mrs. Paula Walsh
Mrs. Walsh is a highly skilled and dedicated Head Teacher. She has a Bachelor degree in early childhood education as well as being Rhode Island certified teacher of early childhood education. She has been working with young children over 25 years. She creates an inclusive and stimulating classroom environment that fosters children's growth and development.
Green Room
Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Nicole Chen
Mrs. Chen has experience not only as an assistant teacher but as a former parent of Happy Hearts. She loved the experience her children had and was asked tp substitute occasionally. This led to a position in our toddler group initially then with our three year old group in the Green Room. Mrs. Chen is welcoming to all children and assists each child in reaching their learning goals.
Assistant Teacher
Red Room
Mrs. Julie Vitucci
Mrs. Virtucci is warm and caring. She has attended several professional development trainings in early childhood education and is dedicated to supporting children's social emotional, and cogitive development.She has a great sense of human and loves to make the children laugh.
Blue Room
Co-Teacher
Ms. Tammy Brouillard
Ms Brouillard became co-lead teacher when her teaching partner unexpectedly took a leave of absence. She is passionate and dedicated to creating a learning environment that meets the needs of all children. Her enthusiasm bubbles whenever she is working with the children. She is extremely valued as a member of our team.
Blue Room
Co-Teacher
Mrs. Karolyn Lebreque
Mrs. Lebreque is the co-teacher in the Blue Room. She is a retired reading/literacy specialist and teacher. She shares her passion of books and reading with the children every day. She enjoys developing her ideas into meaningful learning experiences for the children.
Lead Teacher
Toddler Room
Mrs. Michele Barlow
Mrs.Barlow is a seasoned teacher and has been with our program for seven years. She has her Masters Degree in Special Education specializing in language disabilities. Her bright smile lights up the room as she sings, reads, and creates many learning experiences for our youngest group. She is always one step ahead of her busy toddlers and never stops moving. She is very much appreciated and valued in our program.
Cottage
Lead Teacher
Mrs. Jen Stern
Mrs. Jen Stern has a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education. She is a certified early childhood educator in Rhode Island. Mrs. Stern has a passion for science introducing science activities and experiments with her three year old classroom. She is always smiling and moving throughout the classroom while promoting play and learning throughout the day.
Assistant Teacher
Toddler Room
Ms. Carly Lynch
Ms Carly Lynch is the assistant teacher in the Toddler group. She has her Associates degree specializing in early childhood education. She has been with our program for four years. She is kind and caring. She approaches the children at their eye-level, speaking softly responding to their needs.
Assistant Teacher
Cottage
Mrs Joelle Nichopor
Mrs. Joelle Nichopor is the newest member of our teaching team. She has experience in the field of elementary education. She is very kind and compassionate with the children ensuring they feel safe and loved.
Assistant Teacher
Toddler Room
Mrs. Nancy Gaston
Mrs. Nancy Gaston is another new member of our team. Mrs. Gaston has been a stay-at-home mom and joined our team as a substitute and float staff. She has now joined the Toddler group as Assistant Teacher. Mrs. Gaston loves reading stories with the children and making connections with them. She is kind, caring and smiling all morning long!