Elias Grant cuts an intimidating figure but dreams of teaching preschool. At Sunny Steps Preschool, his playful, gentle ways are misread as dangerous by others. Director Meredith Brooks soon sees his good heart. Three teens mistake him for an ex-gang leader and seek to follow him, so Elias gives them kitchen work. When a developer tries to shut down the school, Elias, Meredith, the kids and the teens unite to gather proof and defend their community, winning a safe new school.