Young minds. Bright futures.

Child centered daycare and preschool serving Central Harlem, Manhattan
Central Harlem, the historic and cultural heart of Black America, stretches from West 110th Street to West 155th Street and from Fifth Avenue to the Hudson River. This is the neighborhood of the Harlem Renaissance, of musical legends, of the Apoll...

Trusted Daycare and Early Learning Center Serving Central Harlem Families

Central Harlem, the historic and cultural heart of Black America, stretches from West 110th Street to West 155th Street and from Fifth Avenue to the Hudson River. This is the neighborhood of the Harlem Renaissance, of musical legends, of the Apollo Theater, and of deep roots and thriving culture. Central Harlem is where families have built legacies, where churches and community institutions serve as anchors for neighborhood life, and where children grow up surrounded by history and possibility.
Fifth Avenue runs through the eastern edge of Central Harlem, passing Marcus Garvey Park, one of the neighborhood's green spaces where families gather year-round. West 125th Street is the neighborhood's main commercial corridor, filled with restaurants, shops, and services that serve the local community. For parents commuting across the city, the A, B, C, and D trains provide express service from West 125th Street to Midtown and Downtown Manhattan. The 2 and 3 trains at West 125th Street offer additional options for getting across town.
Our Sunshine Learning Center at 1330 5th Ave is located at the gateway to Central Harlem, in a prime location that makes drop-off and pick-up convenient for working families. The center sits at East 110th Street on Fifth Avenue, with direct access to the 4, 5, and 6 train lines. For Central Harlem families living west of Fifth Avenue, the M2 and M3 buses run along Fifth Avenue, providing reliable transit to our location. Central Harlem parents commuting to jobs in Midtown or Downtown will find that our location supports an easy morning drop-off and evening pick-up routine.
We serve children from 6 weeks through 6 years with programs grounded in the Creative Curriculum, a nationally recognized framework that prepares children for success in school and life. Central Harlem families choose Sunshine because we deliver quality education in a warm, safe environment where their children are seen, known, and celebrated every day.
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A Curriculum Built Around How Children Actually Learn

At Sunshine Learning Center, we follow the Creative Curriculum, a research-backed, nationally recognized early childhood framework that puts hands-on, play-based learning at the center of everything we do. Unlike rigid, one-size-fits-all programs, Creative Curriculum is designed to meet each child exactly where they are developmentally and help them grow at their own pace.
Our teachers use this framework to create structured yet flexible lesson plans that integrate four core developmental areas:
Problem-solving, critical thinking, and early math and science concepts introduced through exploration and discovery
Building vocabulary, early literacy skills, and the confidence to express ideas through stories, songs, and conversation
Fine and gross motor skills developed through active play, art, sensory activities, and outdoor experiences
Learning to share, collaborate, build friendships, and manage emotions in a supportive classroom community
Every lesson is intentional and strategic, aligned with developmental goals for each age group. We track progress and communicate regularly with parents so you always know where your child stands.

Programs for Every Age and Stage

Infants (6 weeks - 12 months)
Our infant program prioritizes responsive, loving care. Each baby has a primary caregiver who learns their unique needs, rhythms, and personality. Personal cribs, sanitized spaces, and separate diaper and feeding areas keep things clean and safe. Sensory exploration, music, responsive play, and secure attachment are the foundation of our infant program.
Toddlers (1-2 years)
Toddlers are beginning to assert their independence and express themselves. Our classrooms provide a carefully prepared environment where toddlers can explore safely, test boundaries, and build confidence. We introduce early academic concepts through play, offer sensory activities that develop motor skills, and support emerging language development.
Early Preschool (2-4 years)
Early preschool is where children begin working collaboratively with peers and engaging in more structured learning activities. Our classrooms are organized into learning centers that invite investigation and creativity. Children develop early literacy, numeracy, and social skills while maintaining the joy and spontaneity of play.
Preschool and Pre-K (4-6years)
Our pre-K program ensures children are ready for kindergarten, both academically and socially. We engage in phonics, writing, math, science, and critical thinking activities. Art, music, movement, and outdoor play remain essential parts of each day, helping children develop the full range of skills and confidence they need.

What Sets Sunshine Learning Center Apart

NYC Department of Health Licensed

Observation windows in every classroom, security cameras throughout, and electronic access controls protect your child every moment of the day.

State-of-the-Art Security

Observation windows in every classroom, security cameras throughout, and electronic access controls protect your child every moment of the day.

Open Door Policy

We welcome parents to visit anytime. You should feel comfortable checking in on your child, meeting with teachers, and being part of the classroom community.

Tadpoles Communication App

Daily photos and activity updates keep you connected to your child's experience. You can message teachers directly and view upcoming lesson plans.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Regular conferences provide detailed feedback on your child's progress and development, with concrete ideas for supporting growth at home.

Weekly Links Newsletter

Every week, receive a summary of classroom learning, upcoming themes, and ways to extend learning in your family.

Trusted Daycare and Early Learning Center Serving Central Harlem Families

Central Harlem, the historic and cultural heart of Black America, stretches from West 110th Street to West 155th Street and from Fifth Avenue to the Hudson River. This is the neighborhood of the Harlem Renaissance, of musical legends, of the Apollo Theater, and of deep roots and thriving culture. Central Harlem is where families have built legacies, where churches and community institutions serve as anchors for neighborhood life, and where children grow up surrounded by history and possibility.
Fifth Avenue runs through the eastern edge of Central Harlem, passing Marcus Garvey Park, one of the neighborhood's green spaces where families gather year-round. West 125th Street is the neighborhood's main commercial corridor, filled with restaurants, shops, and services that serve the local community. For parents commuting across the city, the A, B, C, and D trains provide express service from West 125th Street to Midtown and Downtown Manhattan. The 2 and 3 trains at West 125th Street offer additional options for getting across town.

Why Central Harlem Families Choose Sunshine Learning Center

Central Harlem families understand the importance of education. They want their children to have access to quality early learning that will prepare them for competitive elementary schools and successful futures. They want their children's teachers to know them by name, remember their preferences, and celebrate their growth.
At our Fifth Avenue center, that is exactly what we provide. Our teachers stay with children year after year, creating continuity and trust. Parents receive daily updates and can visit anytime. The curriculum is rigorous but joyful, balancing academic skills with creative play. Central Harlem families choose Sunshine because we understand the neighborhoods we serve and we are committed to excellence.

Schedule a Tour of Our Fifth Avenue Center

Visit our center on Fifth Avenue and discover why Central Harlem families trust Sunshine Learning Center. Tour the classrooms, meet the teachers, and see our commitment to your child's early development. Your child's bright future starts here.
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