Welcome to Sunshine
Looking for an English-speaking daycare for your child? Apply for a place at Sunshine, and we will guide you through the next steps. We have daycare centres in Espoo and Tampere.
Welcome to Sunshine
Looking for an English-speaking daycare for your child? Apply for a place at Sunshine, and we will guide you through the next steps.
Why families choose Sunshine Early Learning Centre
A safe and joyful start to lifelong learning
Families choose Sunshine because children are supported as individuals from the very first day. Our teachers create a calm, caring, and encouraging environment where children can make friends, practise English, and grow through meaningful everyday experiences.
English throughout the day
Children hear and use English naturally in play, daily routines, songs, stories, and conversations.
Warm and caring adults
Our teachers support each child’s confidence, friendships and social skills every day.
Learning through play
Children learn by playing, moving, creating, exploring and asking questions.
International community
Families, children and staff from different backgrounds create a welcoming multicultural environment.
Thank you to our customer families for your trust
Locations
Find your nearest Sunshine Early Learning Centre
Early Education and Care at Sunshine
Learn more about early childhood education and care at Sunshine: play-based learning, everyday English, daily routines, starting daycare, applications, and fees. Here you’ll find information about everyday life at Sunshine and how to take the next step for your child.
How children learn through play
Children learn best by playing, exploring, and interacting with others. At Sunshine, our curriculum is based on the Finnish National Core Curriculum and brought to life through play-based activities and real-life experiences. This helps children develop not only knowledge, but also confidence, curiosity, and problem-solving skills. Read more about our curriculum
Everyday English in a natural way
English is part of daily life at Sunshine, from playtime and meals to songs, stories and conversations. Children learn through interaction, repetition and meaningful everyday situations, while both English and Finnish language development are supported. Learn more about language learning
Structured and balanced daycare day
Each day follows a clear and predictable routine that helps children feel safe and supported. The day includes play, small group activities, outdoor time, meals, and rest. This balance supports children’s wellbeing, learning, and social development. See a typical day at Sunshine
Smooth and supported start at daycare
Starting daycare is a big step, and we support both children and families throughout the process. We offer flexible ways to start, helping each child settle in at their own pace. Our goal is to ensure a calm, confident, and positive transition. Read about starting daycare
Easy and guided application process
You can apply to Sunshine year-round. In this section, families can find the practical steps from sending an application to confirming the place and preparing for the first days. How to apply for daycare
Clear pricing and service voucher system
Sunshine is a service voucher daycare, meaning fees are subsidized by the city. The final cost depends on your family’s income and chosen location. We are happy to help you understand the pricing and available options. View daycare fees and pricing
Applying is simple
How to apply for early childhood education and care
You can apply to Sunshine daycare centres all year round. Please note that most places are filled in the spring for a start the following August.
Frequently asked questions about starting daycare
Find quick answers about starting daycare at Sunshine, language learning, daycare fees, visits, applications and opening times. If you need more information, please contact us – we are happy to help.
Does my child need to know English before starting?
No, your child does not need to know any English before starting at Sunshine. Children naturally learn English through play, daily routines, songs, and conversations.
Most of our staff also speak Finnish, so your child will feel supported and understood from day one. Children typically acquire the language quickly and soon begin to use familiar words, songs, and phrases in everyday situations.
What are the daycare’s opening hours?
Sunshine Early Learning Centres are typically open from 7:00 to 17:00. In exceptional cases, opening hours can be extended between 6:00 and 18:00 due to both guardians’ work commitments.
How do you accommodate food allergies and special diets?
We accommodate food allergies and a variety of special diets, including meat-free and vegetarian diets. When your child starts at Sunshine, we will ask for information about their dietary needs to ensure suitable meals are available from their first day.
If your child’s dietary requirements change, please let us know so we can update the arrangements together.
How much does daycare cost?
Sunshine Early Learning Centre is a service voucher daycare centre, which means that daycare fees are subsidised by the city.
The monthly fee consists of the service voucher value and a small customer fee charged by Sunshine. The final cost depends on your family’s income. Learn more about customer fees and service vouchers
Can we visit the daycare before applying?
Yes, you are warmly welcome to visit our daycare centres before applying.
Please contact the daycare manager to book a visit. We also organise open evenings at least once per semester, where families can explore the daycare, meet our teachers, and learn more about daily life and early childhood education at Sunshine.
When can my child start daycare?
Most children start daycare in August at the beginning of the new early education year.
Our daycare centres are popular, so we recommend applying in spring for an August start. You can also apply for a place during the year, and we will contact you as soon as a suitable place becomes available.
How do I apply for daycare?
You can apply to Sunshine daycare centres all year round.
Fill in the application form, and we will contact you as soon as possible, usually on the next working day. We will guide you through the next steps and help you find a suitable option for your child.
Apply for daycare at Sunshine
Looking for an English-speaking daycare for your child? Send us an application, and we’ll be in touch to discuss your family’s needs, arrange a visit, and help you get to know everyday life at Sunshine.