New Lakewood Center Offers Sensory-Friendly Childcare

Parents of children ages 6 weeks to 12 years now have a special-education-informed option in Lakewood.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Child Care

New Lakewood Center Offers Sensory-Friendly Childcare

Sunshine Enrichment Academy has opened a childcare and early education center in Lakewood, located on the lower level of Grace Presbyterian Church at 1659 Rosewood Avenue. The academy is enrolling children ages 6 weeks through 12 years old, giving Lakewood families another option for early learning and after-care needs.

Why it matters

Families looking for childcare that accommodates different developmental needs now have a new local option to consider. The center was founded by a special education professional, which may matter to parents of children who learn differently or need sensory-friendly environments.

The information comes from the center's own description of its program, staff credentials, and enrollment range rather than from an independent review. Details such as tuition, capacity, and current openings were not reported.

The players

Sunshine Enrichment Academy

A Lakewood childcare and early education center offering play-based learning, sensory-friendly spaces, and gross motor development for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years.

Jerina Smith

A licensed Intervention Specialist with nearly 25 years of combined childcare and special education experience, holding a master's degree in autism spectrum disorders.

The details

The program combines play-based learning with early academic experiences, sensory-friendly spaces, and both indoor and outdoor gross motor development opportunities. The approach is designed to recognize different learning styles and help children build confidence, independence, and creativity. Founder Jerina Smith is a licensed Intervention Specialist who holds a bachelor's degree in special education and a master's degree in autism spectrum disorders. Families are encouraged to schedule a tour, meet with staff, and talk through their child's individual needs and goals.

Jerina Smith began working in childcare shortly after high school, years before opening the center.
Sunshine Enrichment Academy opened and began enrolling children on November 4, 2026.

Health Landscape

Early childhood development programs that integrate sensory-friendly environments and individualized learning goals reflect a broader shift toward recognizing neurodiverse learning needs in young children. Centers founded by special education professionals add a clinical perspective to everyday early-years care.

Parents of young children with sensory preferences or developmental questions may want to schedule a tour and talk through their child's needs with staff. Families considering any childcare setting can ask about daily structure, outdoor time, and how staff support different learning styles, and discuss any developmental concerns with the child's pediatrician.

The takeaway

A childcare setting that recognizes different learning styles can be a useful fit for children who need extra sensory or developmental support. Before enrolling, ask about staff credentials, daily schedules, and how the program adapts to individual needs, and bring any developmental questions to your child's doctor.