36 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 2-8, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com FACE TO FACE “Hello little stars” is the phrase that Miss Sarah Sunshine uses to welcome viewers to her YouTube channel, where she sings and plays while teaching toddlers about colors, sign language, phonics and more. Miss Sarah Sunshine’s world features colorful backgrounds. In the foreground, she wears a yellow shirt and a pink dress with a sun. And she sports a fun side ponytail. Sarah McDaniel brings Miss Sarah Sunshine to life. A former preschool teacher, she was born and raised in Monterey and is a graduate of CSU Monterey Bay. She has been in the edutainment industry for four years. She cohosts It’s Circle Time, a nursery rhyme and toddler education channel. Last month, she launched her solo show, Miss Sarah Sunshine on the same platform, making videos at home while her toddler is taking a nap. When McDaniel isn’t creating new videos, she’s at MY Museum every Friday hosting interactive story time and music. Her next step is collaborating with other organizations, including Tatum’s Garden Foundation (behind inclusive playgrounds in Salinas and Carmel Valley) and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Weekly: What’s it like creating your own channel? McDaniel: Starting from scratch is a scary concept. And not only that, there are so many people who are wanting to do the same thing, so the market is saturated for children’s learning. The way that I feel like I can make a difference is I’m making it educational for the kids. I’m adding American Sign Language. I’m making the music. How do you set yourself apart? You want to show people that you’re not just trying to piggyback off of someone else, you’re not trying to copy how they do things. I’m doing it differently than all the other creators out there. But it’s hard to get parents to see that because the market is so saturated. Did you ever see yourself in this line of work? Honestly, no. I always pictured myself being a teacher, and growing up, I always loved music. I’ve been writing songs since I was I don’t know how old. I’ve always just felt so called to teach. But did I ever expect to start a YouTube channel by myself? No. Did I ever think I would have a show every Friday at the place where I used to go growing up, MY Museum? No. I’ve met so many incredible people who have really encouraged and helped me along the way. What motivates you to keep going? My own toddler, my own son. When I’m writing these songs, I’m thinking of him first. When I’m thinking about him, I’m thinking: If I’m helping him, imagine all the other kids who might not have these resources. I could help them. That’s my biggest motivation. You mentioned sign language. I grew up learning American Sign Language specifically for babies and toddlers. They cannot communicate with us [verbally], so signing is something that I implemented with my son, so that he can talk to me without speaking. I thought, “How cool would it be for parents to have something, a tool like this in their own home? Why not have them learn that if they can’t say it, they can sign it?” I believe fully that American Sign Language helps lessen tantrums. At MY Museum, you have a live audience. Is that different than your YouTube experience? Doing it at home, I can redo it as many times as I really need to. When I first started doing the shows, of course I was a little nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. But I’ve done this before. I’ve been a preschool teacher, I’ve taught in front of kids, so I feel really comfortable. The kids are incredible. Why Miss Sarah Sunshine? I love being outside. I’m a very beachy person. When I was working at preschool, everyone called me Miss Sarah, but everyone’s like, “Oh, you’re always just happy.” So Sarah Sunshine kind of just worked. Do kids recognize you? I’ll get kids waving to me. Kids who will point at me and my toddler at the library. Did you watch shows growing up? Oh my gosh, I loved The Wiggles. The Yellow Wiggle was my favorite. Why? I don’t know. He really just always seemed happy. What are you currently working on? I want to do a phonics song on my channel. I remember learning how to read at a really young age, and I feel like everything’s getting harder for kids so a phonics song would be ideal. Sun Power Former preschool teacher Sarah McDaniel has taken the classroom to YouTube. By Celia Jiménez “I’m always trying to think of new songs,” Sarah McDaniel says. Her YouTube persona, Miss Sarah Sunshine, helps toddlers learn and gives parents new activity ideas. DANIEL DREIFUSS Golden Oldies Cat Rescue www.gocatrescue.org 831•200•9232 Learn more about Priscilla on our website. Adopt•Volunteer•Foster Older Cats New Beginnings Priscilla: an affectionate 8-year-old with a big personality. Won’t you take the time to get to know her? Big Eyes Big Girl Big Love ―― Furby Want to meet Furby? 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