Preschool, daycare earns honor for investment in local children

The Imperial Chamber of Commerce’s selection for February Business of the Month is Little Sunshine Preschool & Daycare LLC.
Little Sunshine Preschool & Daycare is located at Zion Lutheran Church at 1305 Broadway.
After working at LS for two years previously as a teacher and assistant director, Josie Bell became the new owner and director of LS in August 2020.
Bell began her college education with a focus on elementary education then changed majors to finish with a business degree.
“Having experience in both education and business has really helped me as owner of LS,” Bell said.
Currently, the daycare and preschool has children whose ages range from 18 months to five years.
“We have after-school kids ages six years to nine years old who also attend,” she added.
LS’s days of operation are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
“We are not closed when Chase County Schools close. We have our own schedule we follow, but it is very similar to CCS,” she said.
LS preschool covers a variety of social, academic and emotional lessons on a weekly basis, said Bell.
For example, they teach the children about the calendar and seasons, days of the week and months of the year; colors and coloring; drawing shapes; weather and writing letters and numbers—areas that help the students prepare for kindergarten, she said.
Bell has a staff of 10 at LS.
Fabiola Castillo is a teacher and assistant director.
Other teachers are Estefania Franco, Kristen Meyer and Sophie Spady.
Teacher aids are Alyssa Peyton, Madison Elliott, Yalexa Saenz, Lili Marquez and Addie Leibrandt.
Blanca Chavira is the “lunch lady,” said Bell.
Bell is originally from Thornton, Colorado. She is married to Brian Bell of Imperial and is the daughter-in-law of Jan and Rick Elliott.
More information can be obtained on the Little Sunshine Preschool & Daycare Facebook page, or Bell can be contacted at Little Sunshine at 308-883-0880.