Sunburst Childcare Center has been named the November 2026 Business of the Month by the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce, according to an October 27, 2026, announcement. The center has provided childcare services to the local community for nearly 30 years.
The organization began as First Impressions Preschool, which was operated by Karl and Andrea Fleming. The Flemings transitioned to Sunburst Childcare Center in 1997 to address a growing community need for full-day childcare options. In 2006, their daughter, Shawnie Mayes, joined the team to continue the family's commitment to early childhood education. Following the retirement of Karl and Andrea Fleming in 2017, Mayes assumed the role of Director.
Sunburst is currently licensed to care for up to 128 children. The facility underwent a major expansion in 2014, which added four new classrooms to accommodate growing demand. The center's staff includes a team of assistants, teachers, and staff members who support the children's development.
The center is recognized for its involvement in various community traditions and organizations. Sunburst supports several local initiatives, including Hotel Vernal Haunt, Trick or Treat Street, Holly Days, the Jensen Pumpkin Festival, and the Uintah Basin Orchestra and Chorus. The organization's mission focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment for early learning.
Sunburst Childcare Center's history is rooted in a family legacy of service in the Uintah Basin. By investing in the community's youngest members, the center aims to provide working parents with peace of mind while fostering an environment where children can discover the world around them.
