From a desire to provide a high-quality pre-school experience, Gerry Evans and Nina Betonte opened, Little Sunshine House CDC at 1814 E 7th Street, in 2007. Nina Betonte is currently the program coordinator for Reggio Inspired Programs and can be found most days onsite at the Los Alamitos location. Gerry Evans is happily retired and lives locally with her furry companion.
As a young adult Nina started her career working at Patagonia's after school program in Ventura. In her moves throughout California Nina continued to work in several NAEYC accredited programs including implementing a RIE infant program in the PERS building.The opportunity to open Little Sunshine House followed a move from Northern California to Long Beach and a brief break in which she completed and earned a M.A.in Early Childhood Education, as well as, started a family.
In the last 14 years Nina Betonte has explored the philosophy and teaching that is known as Reggio Emilia through workshops, continuing education and through her role as a mentor teacher through Cerritos College.
Current Staff
Little Sunshine House is composed of professionals trained in Early Childhood Education. Employees demonstrate a willingness to learn from the children and parents in the program. All employees attend workshops throughout the year on topics related to Reggio and Best Practices in the Child Development field. All Teachers and Teacher Aides meet or exceed qualifications as required by California Licensing.
Currently both sites work with Long Beach State and Cerritos College students by acting as Mentors to both interns and practicum students. Being awarded the role of Mentor Teacher means that Little Sunshine House, it's environment, as well as, the quality of the program has been reviewed by the State of California and has met high quality standards.
