The SUNSHINE Project provides services to children with developmental delays and challenging social/emotional behaviors by implementing appropriate plans and/or providing age-appropriate interventions until such a plan can be developed. Technical assistance may include: training for childcare providers on child-specific needs and classroom strategies, specific diagnoses and disability issues, and consultation on individual child needs for successful classroom inclusion.

• Provide direct services to preschoolers with or at risk of disabilities and offer education and technical assistance to childcare providers and caregivers regarding children's individual needs.
• Assist families of children with disabilities in accessing high-quality childcare and other needed services in the community.
• Guide caregivers and childcare providers through the special education identification, evaluation and eligibility process.

Resources & Further Information

• Sunshine Project Referral Form
• Sunshine Project Brochure
• Preschool Checklist
• NC Division of Child Development: Childcare and other information
• 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.
• Contacts for the Sunshine Project
  • Emily Aderman Bell: sunshine@firstwnc.org
  • Brooks Davis: sunshine@firstwnc.org
  • Teresa Roberts: sunshine@firstwnc.org

The Sunshine Project is funded by SmartStart of Buncombe County