☆ Shining Star Preschool and Childcare ☆ Serving families in Petaluma and the surrounding communities since 1996. Shining Star Preschool and Child Care has easy 101 Freeway access for Santa Rosa (Sonoma Co.) and Novato (Marin Co.) families. Call 707 773-4850 for more information. Shining Star offers an early childhood program for children from 18 months to 5 years old. As a licensed Family Day Care provider operating from home, I have set up an environment that is nurturing, as well as educational. I am licensed for 12 children and have a full time assistant working with me. The hours are from 6 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday. Nutritious meals and snacks are provided. When a child enters the program we assess their developmental skills. We will plan activities that will focus on their social and emotional growth, thinking skills and physical development. We want to build upon their strengths and reinforce positive self esteem. It is my goal to facilitate learning in a rich and rewarding, loving and caring atmosphere. It is my philosophy to provide a healthy and safe environment which the children can explore at their own pace. There are stimulating and challenging materials to meet the developmental needs of the children. These materials are organized into learning areas that include: manipulative materials (puzzles, games, etc.), books and language materials, music (instruments, singing, records), dramatic play, science, math, art and building materials. The children will also explore the world around us: local field trips and special excursions to the library, parks, community services, and other nearby educational opportunities.