Our Story

Strong roots.
Bright beginnings.

A place where childhood is valued, and every child has room to grow at their own pace.

Our story began in 2022 with a vision for Sunny Days Learning Center. Behind that vision was our founder’s experience working with children in Europe and the United States: toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary school students, including English-speaking and bilingual children, and teaching Russian and Ukrainian.

We wanted to bring together the approaches that helped children discover curiosity, independence, and the joy of learning.

Every child brings a little sunshine.

2022
An idea takes root
Our journey to create a caring early learning community begins.
2023
Our doors open
We welcome families to Sunny Days Child Care.
2025
A new chapter
We receive our license to operate as Sunny Days Learning Center.

The sunshine

Why Sunny Days?

Here in Vancouver, Washington, rainy days are familiar. We wanted children to have a place filled with warmth, whatever the weather.

Our little rays of sunshine are the children themselves. Each arrives with their own personality, feelings, experiences, and abilities. Some join us at one year old, others at three. From that first day, each begins their own story in our community.

The roots

Why a tree?

Before a tree grows strong branches and a full canopy, it develops roots, an essential part of its growth that we cannot see.

Early childhood is like those roots. Through play, movement, conversation, and exploration, children develop language, attention, coordination, independence, and relationships. This foundation helps them meet new challenges and build new knowledge.

Growing at their own pace

The learning you cannot always see

We do not rush childhood or turn preschool into school. Letters, numbers, and new discoveries are introduced through children’s interests and readiness. Our teachers observe carefully, notice strengths and challenges, and offer support or new opportunities when each child is ready.

Not every achievement comes home as a drawing or a craft. Sometimes the day’s biggest step is asking for help, working things out with a friend, waiting for a turn, or trying again after something does not go as planned.

These small steps nurture confidence, persistence, and a desire to learn. At Sunny Days Learning Center, we care for those roots with warmth, attention, and respect for every child.

For our families

Sunny Days Current Information

Our programs, daily routines, and a gentle start for your child. Read the complete information below or keep a PDF copy.

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Our program

We welcome children from 12 months to 6 years old in a safe, caring, and engaging environment. Our program combines purposeful learning, creative exploration, movement, outdoor play, and dependable daily routines so children can grow with confidence.

WHAT FAMILIES CAN EXPECT

English, Russian, and Ukrainian language environment; small groups organized by age; educated teachers with professional childcare training; individual attention and developmental support; full-time and part-time schedule options.

Consistent routines for learning, play, rest, and outdoor time; hands-on art, music, sensory, science, and baking activities. Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) subsidy accepted.

12-24 MONTHS · Secure beginnings

We support early communication, movement, coordination, sensory awareness, independence, and first self-help skills. Children learn through music, books, simple art, sensory play, movement, and carefully supervised exploration.

2-3 YEARS · Growing independence

Children build language, learn to follow simple directions, express emotions, interact with peers, and strengthen fine and gross motor skills. We also support toilet learning and self-help routines in partnership with each family.

A BALANCED DAILY RHYTHM

Each day includes welcoming play, meals and snacks, circle time, age-appropriate small-group learning, creative and sensory activities, outdoor play, rest, and afternoon enrichment. The predictable routine helps children feel secure while keeping the day active and engaging.

Learning & daily life

3-4 YEARS · Building skills through play

Children strengthen communication, attention, confidence, cooperation, and classroom routines. Through hands-on learning, they explore letters, numbers, colors, shapes, patterns, early writing, problem-solving, creative expression, and group participation.

4-6 YEARS · Kindergarten preparation

Our preschool program develops letter and sound recognition, early reading and writing, number sense, beginning math, pencil control, memory, attention, and problem-solving. Children also practice independence, responsibility, listening, cooperation, and confidence in a group setting.

MORE THAN ACADEMICS

Across all age groups, children have opportunities for art, music, sensory experiences, science exploration, baking projects, imaginative play, physical movement, and outdoor activities. Our goal is to nurture the whole child - socially, emotionally, physically, and academically.

MEALS AND SNACKS AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE

Food served during the childcare day, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, is provided at no additional charge to both private-pay and WCCC families. If a family prefers another option, food may be brought from home after discussion with the director and completion of a written food agreement. Please discuss allergies and individual dietary needs with the director before attendance begins.

HOURS AND ENROLLMENT

Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Main educational program: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Full-time and part-time enrollment options are available based on current openings.

Come meet Sunny Days Learning Center
Tours are available by appointment. Contact us for availability, tuition, and schedule options.

2305 SE Blairmont Drive, Vancouver, WA 98683
Office: (360) 773-3671
office@sunnydayslearningcenter.org
sunnydayslearningcenter.org

Settling in & family communication

YOUR CHILD'S ADAPTATION PLAN

Parents choose the regular enrollment plan they need. The initial adaptation schedule is two hours per day for two weeks. Each two-hour adaptation visit costs $25; the full fee for the selected regular plan is not charged during the adaptation period. If your child needs more time to settle in, the adaptation period can be extended in discussion with the center.

MOVING TOWARD THE CHOSEN SCHEDULE

We look for signs that your child is becoming comfortable: playing, interacting with teachers and other children, enjoying outdoor time, and eating. In agreement with parents, we may increase the length of visits and move toward the full day or the schedule your family selected. Progress is individual; these signs guide our discussion rather than set a fixed deadline.

COMFORT AND CONTACT DURING ADAPTATION

Teachers support and comfort children who are upset. If a child settles within a few minutes and joins activities, we do not normally send a separate immediate message about that brief episode.

If crying persists without improvement despite comfort, distress increases, or we are concerned about the child's well-being, we contact parents promptly to discuss next steps, including earlier pickup when needed. We do not wait for a set crying time when there is a health or safety concern.

OFFICE TEXTS, CALLS, AND PHOTO UPDATES

During adaptation, parents may text the office at (360) 773-3671. The designated staff member responds using the office phone, and the center may call if earlier pickup is needed. Replies may not be immediate; please call the office for urgent matters.

During adaptation, we share photos with parents who have provided the relevant written permission. Without permission, we do not send photos or videos of the child. Permission is optional and does not affect care or adaptation support.

After adaptation, our usual communication is through the parent information board and in-person conversations. Parents can view the schedule on the board, share information with teachers at drop-off, and ask about their child at pickup. We do not routinely send individual daily written reports or photo updates after adaptation. Important care or well-being concerns can also be directed to the office. General center photos and videos may appear on Instagram only where parental permission covers public social-media use.

Preview the printable PDF

Strong roots.Bright beginnings.

An idea takes root

Our doors open

A new chapter