Young minds. Bright futures.

Child centered daycare and preschool serving Upper East Side, Manhattan

The Upper East Side is Manhattan's most affluent residential neighborhood, stretching from East 59th to East 96th Street and from Fifth Avenue to the East River. This is a neighborhood of grand avenues lined with luxury apartment buildings, world-...

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Trusted Daycare and Early Learning Center Serving Upper East Side Families

The Upper East Side is Manhattan's most affluent residential neighborhood, stretching from East 59th to East 96th Street and from Fifth Avenue to the East River. This is a neighborhood of grand avenues lined with luxury apartment buildings, world-class museums, and elegant townhouses. Fifth Avenue anchors the neighborhood with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, and the Guggenheim Museum. Parents here are professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs balancing demanding careers with raising children in one of the city's most prestigious neighborhoods.

Madison Avenue serves as the neighborhood's shopping and dining destination. The Lexington Avenue line provides express service through the heart of the neighborhood. Multiple subway stops at 59th, 68th, 77th, 86th, and 96th Streets on Lexington and Fifth Avenues make the Upper East Side highly connected. Central Park provides extensive recreational space where families gather on weekends.

Our Sunshine Learning Center at 316 East 91st Street is perfectly positioned to serve Upper East Side families. Located between Second and Third Avenues, our center is one block from the 4, 5, and 6 train stop at East 86th Street, and a short walk from additional Lexington Line stations. Families can walk to our location from anywhere on the eastern side of the Upper East Side, or access us via subway in minutes from western portions of the neighborhood.

Upper East Side families seek early childhood education that matches the excellence they expect in every area of their children's lives. They want expert teachers, curriculum grounded in child development research, and daily communication about their child's progress. That is precisely what we deliver.

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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 aspect of our program is designed to develop the whole child, not just test scores.

Programs for Every Age and Stage

Infants (6 weeks - 12 months)

Our infant program provides the highest standard of care. Consistent caregivers, personal cribs, and a clean shoe-free environment create security and trust. We engage babies with sensory play, music, responsive language interaction, and abundant physical affection, supporting early brain development and secure attachment.

Toddlers (1-2 years)

Toddlers are natural explorers and our classrooms are designed to support investigation in a safe environment. We offer structured learning experiences alongside opportunities for independent play. Sensory activities, early academic concepts, and language development are woven throughout each day.

Early Preschool (2-4 years)

Early preschool is where children begin to flourish socially and academically. Our classrooms are organized around learning centers that invite exploration in literacy, math, science, art, and dramatic play. Children develop independence, collaborative skills, and early academic foundations in a supportive peer community.

Preschool and Pre-K (4-6years)

Our pre-K program is designed to ensure kindergarten readiness. We integrate phonics, writing, math, science, and critical thinking into meaningful, play-based activities. Art, music, movement, and outdoor time ensure balanced development across all domains.

What Sets Sunshine Learning Center Apart

NYC Department of Health Licensed

Observation windows in every classroom, security cameras throughout, and electronic access controls provide the highest level of security and transparency.

State-of-the-Art Security

Observation windows in every classroom, security cameras throughout, and electronic access controls provide the highest level of security and transparency.

Open Door Policy

Parents are always welcome to observe, drop in, and be part of the classroom community. We believe in complete transparency and family involvement.

Tadpoles Communication App

Real-time photo and video updates, meal logs, activity summaries, and direct teacher messaging keep you informed throughout your child's day.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Regular formal conferences provide detailed developmental assessments and collaborative planning around your child's progress and growth.

Weekly Links Newsletter

Every week, receive a detailed summary of classroom learning, upcoming curriculum, and ways to support your child at home.

Trusted Daycare and Early Learning Center Serving Upper East Side Families

The Upper East Side is Manhattan's most affluent residential neighborhood, stretching from East 59th to East 96th Street and from Fifth Avenue to the East River. This is a neighborhood of grand avenues lined with luxury apartment buildings, world-class museums, and elegant townhouses. Fifth Avenue anchors the neighborhood with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, and the Guggenheim Museum. Parents here are professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs balancing demanding careers with raising children in one of the city's most prestigious neighborhoods.

Madison Avenue serves as the neighborhood's shopping and dining destination. The Lexington Avenue line provides express service through the heart of the neighborhood. Multiple subway stops at 59th, 68th, 77th, 86th, and 96th Streets on Lexington and Fifth Avenues make the Upper East Side highly connected. Central Park provides extensive recreational space where families gather on weekends.

Why Upper East Side Families Choose Sunshine Learning Center

Upper East Side families are discerning about their children's education. They seek programs with expert teachers, rigorous curriculum, and proven results. They want their children to develop confidence, curiosity, and strong academic foundations. They value communication, transparency, and partnership with their children's educators.

Our 91st Street center delivers on all of those fronts. Our teaching staff is highly trained in child development. Our curriculum is research-based and intentional. Parents receive daily updates and have regular conferences with teachers. The physical environment is clean, bright, and thoughtfully designed to support learning. Upper East Side families choose Sunshine because we maintain the standards of excellence they expect and deserve.

Schedule a Tour of Our 91st Street Center

Visit our center on East 91st Street and discover why Upper East Side families trust Sunshine Learning Center with their children. Tour the classrooms, meet our teaching team, and experience our commitment to early childhood excellence. Your child's bright future starts here.

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