This is Avery!

Our Story: The Rise and Shine Journey

Founded as Rich Family Day Care Home in October 1990, our organization has been proudly serving families in Sonoma County for over three decades. In 1992, we expanded under the name Paideia Educational Heritage, growing into a large family day care home with a full preschool program and a K–12 homeschool initiative—deepening our roots in the community through a commitment to education and care.

In 2017, a devastating county-wide firestorm destroyed our original family day care home. With resilience and determination, we continued services under a six-month waiver at another licensed provider’s home. As that waiver came to an end, we embraced the opportunity to rebuild—and reimagine—our program.

On April 2, 2018, we reopened as Santa Rosa Rise and Shine Child Care Center, focusing on care for infants and toddlers aged 2–24 months. Our new name symbolized both a fresh start and the strength of the community that helped us rise from adversity.

In the spring of 2018, we received a facility grant to support the creation of a new permanent home. After two years of planning and dedication, we opened our facility in 2020, located on the campus of Santa Rosa Nazarene Church and Happy Time Preschool—during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, our doors opened to families needing safe, stable care.

Our journey of growth continued in October 2022, when we opened a second location in Santa Rosa’s Junior College District. That same year, we also began offering financial assistance to income-eligible families, reaffirming our belief that high-quality care should be accessible to all.

In early 2023, we embraced our broader mission by officially becoming Rise and Shine Child Care Centers & Family Services Agency. This rebrand reflects our expanded focus—not only on exceptional childcare but also on supporting families through essential resources and advocacy.

In 2024, we enhanced our family support efforts even further by providing CACFP meals, along with free diapers and wipes for all enrolled families—removing additional barriers for parents and caregivers.

In 2025, we were honored to be nominated by our community for the Press Democrat Reader’s Choice “Best of the Best” award, a reflection of the trust families' places in our care.

And now, in October 2025, we are proud to announce that all three Rise and Shine facilities have been awarded a First 5 Sonoma County Grant.

This incredible milestone recognizes our long-standing commitment to high-quality early care and education. The grant will help us expand developmental resources, strengthen family engagement, and invest in specialized infant and toddler equipment—including climbing structures, sensory tables, play kitchens, building blocks, and more—to enrich every child’s daily experience.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue growing with the opening of our third facility in Rohnert Park, bringing our mission to even more families across Sonoma County.

For 35 years, Rise and Shine has been steadfast in its mission: to provide a nurturing environment where infants and toddlers can thrive through stability, structure, and loving care. Our high standards ensure every child is safe, supported, and set up for future success.

We remain deeply committed to our community, working closely with local partners to uplift families and meet their evolving needs. We are proud to serve children aged 2–24 months—and with the support of First 5 Sonoma County, we look forward to building even brighter beginnings for generations to come.