A safe start, even without previous English skills
A child does not need to know English before starting at Sunshine. Educators support each child through gestures, repetition, visual cues, routines and warm interaction. This helps children understand what is happening around them, feel secure in the group and gradually begin to use English themselves.
Our language learning is built on the Finnish National Core Curriculum for Early Childhood Education and Care, where play, care, education and teaching form one pedagogical whole.
At Sunshine, this means that English grows out of meaningful everyday situations: children learn words, expressions and confidence because they need the language to take part, ask questions, solve small problems and share ideas.
What makes Sunshine different
Families choose Sunshine not only for English, but for a learning environment where children are supported by educators who bring both English and Finnish language expertise into everyday pedagogy.
English is used naturally throughout the day, not only during short language sessions.
Children are guided by qualified early childhood education professionals, including both native English-speaking and native Finnish-speaking educators.
The learning environment is international, inclusive and familiar for multilingual families.
Finnish language development is also supported, which helps children connect with their local environment.
Close cooperation with families helps educators understand each child’s language background, strengths and needs.
English, Finnish and the child’s first language all matter
English is the main language of instruction at Sunshine, but language development is supported as a whole. Finnish-speaking children continue strengthening their mother tongue, children with other home languages are gradually introduced to Finnish, and every child’s first language is valued as part of their identity, relationships and learning.
For parents, this creates a practical advantage: your child can build English skills in an international daycare setting while also developing the language foundation needed for life in Finland. Our staff can also communicate with families in Finnish when needed, making cooperation clear and smooth.
Supporting language development at home
A strong first language supports the child’s overall thinking, emotional expression and ability to learn other languages. Speaking, reading, singing and telling stories in the home language are valuable ways to support your child’s language development at home.
Together, daycare and home give the child a strong language foundation: English for learning in an international environment, Finnish for everyday life in Finland and the child’s first language for identity, relationships and deeper expression.
English daycare in Tampere and Espoo
Sunshine Early Learning Centre welcome families who are looking for a safe, warm and pedagogically strong English daycare in Finland, with everyday support for children’s growth, learning and multilingual development.