The SUNSHINE Project

In each year since 2006, 99% of children that have received support from the SUNSHINE Project have been able to stay in their childcare center that they were at risk of ask to leave because of their behaviors. 100% of the centers that the SUNSHINE Project has worked in have increased or maintained their STAR ratings.

The SUNSHINE Project provides consulting services for children with developmental delays and challenging social/emotional behaviors, by implementing appropriate plans and/or providing age-appropriate interventions. Technical assistance may include: training for childcare providers on child-specific needs and classroom strategies, specific diagnoses and disability issues, and consultation on an individual child’s needs for successful classroom inclusion in Buncombe County. The SUNSHINE Project is the only program in Buncombe County that uses the team approach to support children by involving the parents and childcare center staff to improve outcomes for preschool children.

THE SUNSHINE STAFF

  • Provides support, education and technical assistance to childcare providers and caregivers regarding children’s individual needs.
  • Assists families of children with disabilities in accessing high-quality childcare and other needed services in the community.
  • FIRST Sunshine Project guide caregivers and childcare providers through the special education identification, evaluation and eligibility process.

RESOURCES & FURTHER INFORMATION

  • The SUNSHINE Project Referral Form – Download
  • Spanish Referral Form – Download
  • COVID-19 Information – Download
  • NC Division of Child Development: Childcare and other information – Visit Site
  • American Academy of Pediatrics – An organization of 60,000 pediatricians committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults
  • Buncombe County Resources and Information for finding Childcare – Visit Site

EARLY INTERVENTION SPECIALISTS

Emily Aderman, ITFS  emily@firstwnc.org

Brooks Davis, MA, ITFS  brooks@firstwnc.org

Davina Weirich, Early Intervention Director  davina@firstwnc.org

The SUNSHINE Project is a Preschool Intervention/Inclusion program funded by Buncombe Partnership for Children.

For information or to send referrals, email info@firstwc.org
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