41 Helton Dr, Columbia, SC 29229, USA | Get Directions
Located at Lake Carolina
Hours: M-F: 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Ages: 6 weeks - 12 years
Welcome to the Sunshine House of Columbia at Lake Carolina!
Bright Futures Start Here! At The Sunshine House of Columbia, your child will build a strong educational and social foundation -- with all the fun of childhood mixed in. Our award-winning childcare programs are designed to support school readiness, emotional growth, and intellectual development -- all while ensuring your child feels safe, nurtured, and valued.
For the past 50 years, bright futures have started here. Schedule your tour online today to learn more!
Our Programs
Our school currently offers the childcare & early education programs listed below.
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Columbia School Advantages
5-Star rating on Google!
Classroom cameras
Daily photo & video app updates
Award-winning curriculum
School readiness, Spanish & literacy programs
Healthy meals & snacks included in tuition
Curriculum & Accolades
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What Our Families Are Saying
Hear from parents who trust us to provide a safe, enriching experience for their children.
School Leadership Team
Learn about the dedicated leaders at the heart of our center.
Meet Our Director, Curt Nicklin
Hi, Iām Curt Nicklin, Director of the Sunshine House at Lake Carolina. Iām dedicated to creating a nurturing, engaging, and supportive learning environment for the children and families in our community.
Iām a proud graduate of the University of South Carolina, and I bring my educational background together with strong leadership and a people-centered approach to early childhood development.
Iām married and the proud father of three children, and our family also includes Apollo, our energetic and lovable boxer. Outside of work, I enjoy bowling, golf, and traveling ā especially to sunny, relaxing beaches. My love for exploration fuels my passion for creating joyful experiences both at home and within the Sunshine House community.
Meet Our Assistant Director, Tamera Hanna
Hello! My name is Tamera Hanna, and Iām excited to serve as the Assistant Director at The Sunshine House of Lake Carolina. I have more than three years of experience in early childhood education and love supporting children as they learn and grow.
I hold a bachelorās degree in Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University and spent more than a decade working in higher education before transitioning into early childhood education.
Iāve lived in South Carolina for 18 years and am proud to call it home. I have a 12-year-old son and two miniature poodles, Louie and Daisy, and we enjoy being outdoors and spending quality time with family.
Have Questions? We Are Happy to Help
Choosing the right educational childcare and preschool for your family is a big decision. We know you have questions, so we have compiled our most frequently asked questions below.
Yes, each Sunshine House is state-licensed and regularly inspected to ensure we meet or exceed state standards, including child-to-teacher ratios, staff background checks, safety, security, and more. Most of our schools also hold additional state quality ratings and accreditations, demonstrating our commitment to high-quality care and education.
We know everyoneās schedule is different, and our goal is to be here when our families need us. Please contact our school for the most up-to-date availability of part-time or drop-in care.
Yes! Each classroom is equipped with security cameras, offering added peace of mind. Families can view the live feed anytime from our lobby or directorās office.
Yes! We provide nutritious and nourishing meals daily, including breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snackāall planned by a licensed nutritionist. Vegetarian options are always available, and meals are included in tuition at no extra cost.
We take food allergies and dietary restrictions seriously. If your child has specific nutritional needs, please let us know, and weāll work with your family to create a safe and suitable meal plan.
Communication is important! With the MySunshineHouse app, youāll receive updates on your childās activities, meals, naps, and diaper changesāplus photos and videos! We also offer family-teacher conferences and are always happy to chat in person or by phone about your childās progress.
Childcare costs vary by location, your childās age, and your scheduling needs. Weād love to discuss your optionsāplease contact us so we can walk you through our program and care options.
Daycare tuition is all-inclusive and includes daily meals, curriculum instruction and activities, Spanish, sign language, and literacy and character development programs. Our afterschool program includes transportation from school to the center each afternoon.