Welcome to Sunny Hills Learning Center

Where every child shines.

Preschool child
Years Experience
0 +

About Us

Play-based and child-focused preschool

Sunny Hills Learning Center is here for your child.

Our child care is as personal and individualized as possible to enhance your child’s growth and sense of well-being.  Each child is treated with respect and love, and is offered a positive learning environment.

We offer a multi-cultural, non-biased curriculum.

Play-based Curriculum

Play and socialization are critical to the healthy growth and development of children.

Teaching Philosophy

We believe children learn best through a flexible, structured schedule with a play-based curriculum. We're founded on the philosophy that children, their families, and society benefit from high-quality child care programs that promote and nurture an early childhood environment where children are encouraged to become confident, independent, and life-long learners.

Licensed Preschool

Sunny Hills Learning Center is a small, home-based preschool located in the heart of the Twin Ports of Northern MN. We offer a unique year-round, full-day preschool experience that is play-based and child-focused. Our small class allows for more individualized attention. We are licensed through the Minnesota Department of Human Services. 

For children ages two to five

Family-Focused and Community-Building

All families enrolled at SHLC are invited to participate in our many family-inclusive events and parties. 

Families are also encouraged and invited to share their unique talents, gifts, and traditions with the children and other families. 

Preschool activities

Our Services

Services included at Sunny Hills

Teacher

Outdoor Gear

Each child enrolled at SHLC is provided with the following outdoor gear to use at the center. All gear remains property of SHLC.

Spring/Fall

  • Rainsuit
  • Puddle boots
  • Rain mittens

Summer

  • Beach towel
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen

Winter

  • Snow suit
  • Snow boots
  • Hat
  • Mittens
  • Wool Socks
Reading

Field Trips

At SHLC, we believe field trips are an integral part of extending the classroom learning experience. We participate in many field trips around our area during the year and parents are invited to attend as well.

Meet Pauline

Nice to meet you!

I’m so pleased you’re interested in my preschool for your child. 

My philosophy for preschool is simple: I believe children learn best through a flexible, structured schedule with a play-based curriculum. Children, their families, and society benefit from high-quality preschool programs that promote and nurture an early childhood environment. SHLC children are encouraged to become confident, independent, and life-long learners.  

Pauline Zifko - Owner of Sunny Hills Learning Center Preschool

Pauline

Owner

Our Services

Programming
ABC blocks

Sunny Hills Learning Center

is a home-based preschool designed for children ages 2-5.

Reading

Curriculum

is in a play-based format as play and socialization are critical to the healthy growth and development of children. As children play, they learn to solve problems and to get along with others, and they develop the fine and gross motor skills needed to grow and learn.

Light

Monthly Themes

are used to introduce children to new concepts and beginning skills through the following centers: Discovery (math, science, STEM), Library (language, writing, literacy), Pretend (dramatic play), Blocks (STEM), and Art (open-ended project and material exploration).

number block

Our Preschool

It's important to us that children develop an appreciation and respect for nature and their natural surroundings so a portion of our day is devoted to being outside, whether on our playground or in our neighborhood.

SHLC participates in a USDA-approved meal program and offers meals and snacks to all of our attending children. We use the freshest of ingredients and strive to broaden our children's palettes.

Testimonials

Creating a great preschool experience

"Miss Pauline has provided pre-school education to our son for the past two and a half years. Even before meeting her we had heard so many wonderful things about her style of teaching and the thought she puts into the education and experiences for her kiddos. She and our son bonded quickly and we are so very fortunate for their relationship and her care towards him. His learning impressed me nearly every day, and he came home so excited about the art and projects he was able to create with freedom. If your son or daughter has the opportunity to join Sunny Hills Learning Center, don't wait. You will soon realize the many benefits of miss Paulines heart and the care she puts towards the growth and development of her kids."

- Lydia
Preschool Room
Our blocks center is where imagination can soar free and children can learn all about STEM while creating masterpieces.
Preschool Classroom for Kids
Our Morning Meeting area where we gather to talk about what we'll be doing for the day, count on the calendar, learn about the weather, the alphabet, and more.
Preschool Learning Classroom
Our science table holds materials we're currently learning about based on our themes. Now it is our introduction to being scientists and learning how to use the various materials in our explorations.
our mission

The mission of Sunny Hills Learning Center is to provide a unique preschool experience for children and families of Duluth and its surrounding communities in an environment that is safe and developmentally and age-appropriate. 

Get In Touch

Address

421 N 41st Avenue W, Duluth, MN 55804

Hours

Mon-Fri | 7am-5pm
Open year-round