508 E. Ninth Street
Bloomington, IN 47401
812-855-0178

Formed in 1968, Sunflower Plant Cooperative Day Care is a family-centered, parent-operated child care program. Children ages one year to six years are eligible with a maximum enrollment of 12 children. All program decisions are made by parents at required monthly meetings. Sunflower is located on campus in a newly renovated facility.

Sunflower is open 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, closing for national holidays and IUB recesses. Saturday night care is available for parents on a voluntary basis.

The philosophy at Sunflower is family oriented and child centered and promotes the needs of individual children and their families. Through a combination of child initiated and teacher directed activities, children develop positive social skills and self-image, enhanced creativity, expanded language skills and cognitive abilities, physical growth, and an appreciation for diversity.

Sunflower is staffed by parents who are required to work two 4.5 hour (9 hour total) shifts per week in the center. Shifts are from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm and 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. Parent staffing is supplemented by part-time work-study employees.

Children at Sunflower work in a multi-aged group with several rooms available to explore. Staffing is provided by parents and part time work study employees. A staff to child ratio of 1 to 4 is maintained at all times.

Morning and afternoon snacks are provided by Sunflower. Children bring sack lunches from home.

The program at Sunflower is based on parent involvement and participation. All program decisions are made at required monthly parent meetings and the center is primarily staffed by parents with a minimum of 9 hours per week of parent participation. Semi annual work-parties are also required for parents with children enrolled at Sunflower.

Enrollment is open to children of IUB students, staff and faculty, ages 1 year to six years, with a maximum enrollment of 12 children. Current fees are $150.00 per month for one child with parents being required to work 8 hours per week in the center. Families with 2 children pay $275.00 per month with 16 hours of parent work required. Parents requesting enrollment are required to complete an application form and be interviewed by a current Sunflower parent.

For more information, contact Sunflower at 812-855-0178 or send email to sflower@indiana.edu.