Early Learning Centre Archives - Sunshine Early Learning Centre

Touhula Seaside and Star Academy become part of Sunshine Early Learning Centre

Anni Karppanen — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:02:29 +0000

Touhula Seaside in Espoo and Touhula Star Academy in Tampere will operate under Sunshine Early Learning Centre brand starting on 1 August 2026. Touhula and Sunshine are both part of AcadeMedia, the largest education group in Northern Europe.

Founded in 2014, Sunshine Early Learning Centre is an early childhood education provider known in Tampere for its international atmosphere and high-quality English-language early education.

“By bringing Touhula’s English-language daycare centres under Sunshine Early Learning Centre, we are combining the long-standing expertise of both brands in English-language early education. This enables us to support our international families and employees with the best possible practices,” says Kaisa Ilola, Managing Director of Touhula and Sunshine Early Learning Centre.

Sunshine Early Learning Centre has systematically developed children’s language learning. The daycares have a strongly international community and an environment where children learn English naturally.

“At Sunshine our goal is to help children develop strong language skills and good social abilities. We welcome families from different cultures with warmth and professionalism,” says Jenni Lenihan, Business Director and Founder of Sunshine Early Learning Centre.

The transition of the daycare centres to the Sunshine brand will take place gradually during autumn 2026. Sunshine’s pedagogical materials and operating models will be introduced at Touhula Seaside and Star Academy. These support children’s language learning and a multicultural learning environment.

Touhula Seaside International

Touhula Seaside International is an English-speaking daycare centre in Keilaniemi, Espoo, where children grow and learn in a safe, joyful, and internationally minded environment. English is a natural part of everyday life through play, songs, conversations, and collaborative projects. Our experienced international educators ensure clear and open communication with families while following the high standards of Finnish early childhood education and care, which are recognised and respected worldwide.

Daycare Manager: Sirpa Lassila, tel. 010 325 8626 / sirpa.lassila@touhula.fi

Touhula Star Academy

Touhula Star Academy Tampere is an international, English-speaking daycare centre ideally located in Amuri, near the Pyynikki area. At Touhula Star Academy, children are encouraged to be children: to play, explore, and interact with one another in both English and Finnish. We also offer a wide range of fun, engaging, and diverse learning opportunities that support each child’s growth and development.

Daycare Manager: Tiina Holma, tel. 010 325 8780 / tiina.holma@touhula.fi

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New early education centre to Hervantajärvi in 2026!

Jenni Lenihan — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 10:00:42 +0000

Sunshine will open a new early education unit to Hervantajärvi!

In August 2026 we will welcome new children to a brand-new Sunshine early education unit in Hervantajärvi.

The building will be constructed of log wood, a material which in addition to creating a warm and cozy look has proven to offer good air quality inside the building.

The new unit will offer places for children aged 9 months to 6 years. The building has been designed to offer each group their own classrooms while there will also be rooms available for different small group activities and a gym for physical education and play. On the outside there will be our own well-equipped playground.

Hervantajärvi is a growing area on the south side of Hervanta. Nature and forests around the early education centre will offer wonderful opportunities for exploring and learning.

Families interested in applying for a place can contact us by filling in the application form on our website www.sunshineearlylearning.fi/applications/.

Sunshine Hervantajärvi will be a service voucher unit where fees are subsidized by the City of Tampere. For voucher applications, please visit eVaka online service: The eVaka Tampere online service | www.tampere.fi

Sunshine Hervantajärvi
Hantanraitti 1
33720 Tampere

For more information, please contact:

Barbara Brodnicka-Taskinen
tel. +358 50 339 1990
barbara.brodnicka-taskinen@selc.fi

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Sunshine ELC becomes part of AcadeMedia

Anni Karppanen — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 08:02:36 +0000

Swedish education company AcadeMedia acquires Sunshine Early Learning Centre starting from February 1st, 2026. The change in ownership will not affect the daily life at Sunshine Early Learning Centre. Sunshine will continue to operate under the same name, with the same teaching staff and management.

AcadeMedia is Europe’s largest education company operating in seven countries: Sweden, Norway, Finland, Germany, The Netherlands, Poland and the UK. Through this acquisition SELC will benefit from AcadeMedia’s international network and expertise.

“Becoming part of a large international education company brings us stability and expertise in all areas of early childhood education. I am delighted to have access to a wider network and the support it provides,” says Jenni Lenihan, the Managing Director and owner of Sunshine Early Learning Centre.

AcadeMedia entered the Finnish early education field in 2024 by acquiring Touhula-päiväkodit, which operates 113 early education units across the country.

Structurally, SELC will be part of Touhula-päiväkodit corporation, but both brands will continue to operate under their own names. Close collaboration will take place in back-office functions such as finance, IT, and HR.

“There is a strong and growing demand for high-quality English early education in Finland. I am excited to welcome Sunshine as a sister brand and explore how we can build on each other’s strengths in the months and years ahead,” says Kaisa Ilola, the Managing Director of Touhula-päiväkodit.

The everyday life and early childhood education at SELC will continue as normal: SELC will continue operating under its own brand, and the employees will remain with the same employer. As part of the acquisition, Jenni Lenihan is joining Touhula’s management team as the Business Director of Sunshine Early Learning Centre.

For more information, please contact:

Sunshine Early Learning Centre
Jenni Lenihan, Managing Director and owner, jenni.lenihan@selc.fi, +358 50 352 7196

Touhula-päiväkodit
Kaisa Ilola, Managing Director, kaisa.ilola@touhula.fi, +358 40 5288811

AcadeMedia
Kristofer Hammar, Director of International Operations, kristofer.hammar@academedia.se, +46 701 052 208

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