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Unity Sunshine Program

Unity Sunshine provides early intervention and pre-school developmental services in speech/language, physical and occupational therapy, psychological consultation and general skills. These services are delivered to children from birth to five in three settings: a traditional preschool and toddler group center-based program (which includes integrated classes), other preschool/daycare programs, and homes.

Unity Sunshine Programs

 

Child Care (6 weeks to 5 years)

Unity Sunshine provides affordable child care in a stimulating, safe and nuturing environment and is available year-round from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Preschool hours are also available for 3-5 year olds with 2-1/2 and 4 hour programs. There is open admission and enrollment anytime. Families may inquire as to the availability of limited scholarships. Unity Sunshine offers child care in three locations in Troy and one in Albany:

  • 435 Fourth Street, Troy
  • 2247 Thirteenth Street, Troy
  • 21 First Street, Troy
  • 50 Phillip Street, Albany

Children enrolled in the Unity Sunshine Child Care Program have the benefit of:

  • Loving staff.
  • Play-based learning.
  • Developmental activities.
  • Daily communication.
  • Smaller classes with a low child-teacher ratio.
  • Multi-activity outdoor play area.
  • Nutritious meals and snacks.
  • Interacting with children with special needs.

For more information or to arrange a visit, please call Unity Sunshine at 518.271.6777.

Early Intervention Program (EIP)

The Early Intervention Program (EIP) is a public program for infants and toddlers with special needs. Children with diagnosed conditions that lead to development delays such as Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, etc. are eligible for the EIP. Children with no diagnosis who have delays in development may be eligible for the EIP if delays are serious enough.

If you have concerns about your child's development, you can call your local Early Intervention Program using the following contact information:

  • Albany County: 518.447.4820

  • Rensselaer County: 518.270.2665

  • Saratoga County: 518.884.4180

  • Schenectady County: 518.386.2815

  • Washington County: 518.746.2400

Early Intervention Services are authorized by your county and provided at no cost to you.  The county will arrange for the services to be provided and will choose the provider based on the needs of your child and family. Your child's health insurance may be used to cover some of the costs. All other cost for EI services are paid for by your county and New York State.

Early Intervention Services are provided where it's best for the child - in places such as your home, day care or other community settings. The EIP covers the cost of early intervention services only. The EIP does not pay for day care or other fees charged by community settings.

The Unity Sunshine Program is approved by New York State and has contract with Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady and Washington counties to provide the following early intervention services:

  • Evaluations
  • Service Coordination
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Special Instruction
  • Social Work
  • Family Training

Special Needs

 

Birth to 3 years of age

The Unity Sunshine Program for children with special needs ages birth to 3 offers family-centered early intervention services for infants and toddlers. Parents are included as members of the team to enhance the child's development. Special needs services are provided in the child's home, community day care settings, and at one of our four Unity Sunshine Centers. Through the Special Needs Program ages birth to 3, children will have the benefit of:

  • Developmental screening and evaluation
  • Hearing screening
  • Variety of specialists to consult with parents
  • Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP)
  • Developmental education
  • Speech and language therapy
  • Physical and occupational therapy
  • Play therapy
  • Teacher of the Visually Impaired
  • Counseling services
  • Nursing services
  • Psychologists
  • Home visits
  • Parent education
  • Family advocacy
  • Breakfast and lunch
  • Transportation

For more information or to arrange a visit, please call Unity Sunshine at 518.271.6777.

3 to 5 years of age

The Unity Sunshine Program for children with special needs ages 3 to 5 focuses on the development of the whole child. Classroom placements are based on the needs of each child. Services are provided within community care settings, preschool or at one of our four Unity Sunshine Centers. Through the Special Needs Program ages 3 to 5, children will have the benefit of:

  • Developmental screening and evaluation
  • Hearing screening
  • Comprehensive educational evaluation
  • Variety of specialists to consult with parents
  • Individualized Educational Plans (IEP)
  • Developmental education
  • Speech and language therapy
  • Physical and occupational therapy
  • Play therapy
  • Teacher of the Visually Impaired
  • Counseling services
  • Nursing services
  • Psychologists
  • Home visits
  • Parent education
  • Family advocacy
  • Breakfast and lunch
  • Transportation

For more information or to arrange a visit, please call Unity Sunshine at 518.271.6777.

Traveling Summer Camp (Children ages 5 to 12)

During three 2-week sessions every summer, the Unity House Traveling Summer Camp provides inner-city kids with a unique opportunity to experience summer as it should be: taking part in arts & craft programs, nature walks, trips to State parks, museums, and more. The camp is free for low-income children ages 5 to 12 and includes two meals a day for each child.

The Unity House Traveling Summer Camp is funded exclusively through private donations, and in 2009 we were able to provide 140 children with a summer camp experience they will never forget.

For more information on the Unity House Summer Camp Program, please call Unity Sunshine at 518.271.6777.

Universal Pre-Kindergarten

Unity Sunshine is an approved provider of Univerisal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK). UPK is a 2-1/2 hour program for children who reside in the Troy School District who will be four years old by December 1st of the current school year.

Unity Sunshine teaches the New York State standards for UPK. Children will be involved in readiness activities for greater success in kindergarten. The goals of Universal Pre-Kindergarten are to:

  • Provide an educationally based program
  • Meet social, cognitive, linguistic, emotional, cultural and physical needs of children
  • Meet needs of parents of eligible children
  • Promote English literacy
  • Provide appropriate language development programs for children who come from homes where languages other than English are spoken
  • Integrate preschool programs for children with disabilities
  • Provide continuity with early elementary grades
  • Coordinate support services
  • Establish learning centers
  • Provide support services

For more information or to arrange a visit, please call Unity Sunshine at 518.271.6777.