Embracing change, creativity & connection

🍂 Sunshine & Rainbows Nature School of Wonder

October Newsletter – Embracing Change, Creativity & Connection

🌾 Fall Reflections from Sunshine & Rainbows: Fall has a way of teaching us what words often can’t. The leaves let go, the air cools, the light softens — and yet, everything keeps moving in rhythm. For children, these natural shifts are powerful lessons in resilience. They learn, simply by being in nature, that change is not something to fear; it’s something to follow.

The trees show us that letting go is part of growing. The shorter days remind us to rest. The pumpkins, the wind, and the mysterious evenings of October — all of it helps children practice adapting with curiosity instead of worry, excitement instead of fear. Even as the world darkens earlier each night, nature gently reminds us that darkness has its place — that warmth, light, and comfort still live within and around us.

Nature models what we most want for our children: flexibility, wonder, and the courage to trust that light always returns.

To honor this season of change, we invite the children to bring “signs of Autumn” — acorns, colorful leaves, pinecones, small pumpkins, or other treasures — to add to our Magic Table (Nature Table). Together, we’ll create a display that celebrates the beauty of fall and reminds us that every ending carries the promise of new beginnings.

This year, we’re also introducing a new Autumn tradition: our Remembrance Tree. As the season invites reflection, our tree will bloom with paper hearts, crafts, and drawings made by the children to honor people, pets, and memories that bring warmth to their lives. Families are welcome to send small notes or symbols of love to add to the tree as well. It’s a gentle, age-appropriate way for children to explore memory, love, and continuity — a reminder that what we love never really disappears; it simply changes form, just like the seasons.

🎃 Enchanted Garden Halloween Celebration

Please join us for our Enchanted Garden Family Party on Friday, October 31 at 4:00 PM! We’ll open magical activity stations (Fairy Garden Workshop, Kindness Stone Painting, Gnome Village Play, and more) along with a whimsical snack table.

A sign-up list will be posted for families who’d like to bring upcycled fairy-garden bases (old plates, pie tins, bird feeders), natural treasures (moss, stones, pinecones), or party snacks. Costumes are welcome — think fairies, gnomes, butterflies, friendly ghosts, and forest friends! 🌟

⭐ QRIS & Accreditation Update I began the accreditation process required to maintain our top rating. I submitted the documentation of our acceptance and was told our account would be updated. Recently, I was informed an additional extension request should have been filed because accreditation typically takes six months and we began in June.

Rather than wait on a prolonged timeline, I chose to temporarily forfeit one star so that we can reapply immediately once accreditation is complete. This avoids a longer penalty period, though it does briefly lower our subsidy rate. I know this is frustrating — I believe Oklahoma needs a more streamlined and child-focused system — and I’ll keep advocating for changes that truly serve kids and providers.

What won’t change: our commitment to quality, nurturing care. Behind the scenes, I’ve been strengthening curriculum, documentation, and communication so our daily practice reflects the excellence your children already experience here.

🌞 Brightwheel & Classroom Updates

We’re re-centering Brightwheel as our daily hub.

• ✅ Please sign in/out each day in Brightwheel (or use the door sheet if needed).

• 📅 We’ll begin posting weekly lesson plans so you can follow our themes and activities.

• 🖼️ Watch for photos and notes that capture your child’s day.

🍁 Thank YouThis season is full of motion — falling leaves, swirling wind, shifting light — and yet it’s deeply grounding. Thank you for trusting us with your little ones and for helping us build a community rooted in warmth, creativity, and wonder.

With love and gratitude,

Kristen, Heath, and David

Sunshine & Rainbows Nature School of Wonder ✨