Sunshine House of Columbia at Lake Carolina

Top-Rated Daycare & Preschool in Columbia
Welcome Lake Carolina Early Learning Center Families!

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daycare near columbia, sc

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 - 5 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!

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Our Programs

Our school currently offers the childcare & early education programs listed below.

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Columbia School Advantages

  • Classroom cameras
  • Daily photo & video app updates 
  • Award-winning curriculum
  • School readiness, Spanish & literacy programs
  • Healthy meals & snacks included in tuition
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Curriculum & Accolades

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Creative Curriculum Logo
Brain Connect Logo
Spanish Programs logo
Seeds of literacy logo

What Our Families Are Saying

Hear from parents who trust us to provide a safe, enriching experience for their children.

The Sunshine House is like family to my kids. When I leave my kids, I know they are well taken care of and in good hands.

Octavia

The staff here are warm and welcoming! You are immediately and consistently greeted with a smile.

Sequoia

I can work with peace of mind knowing that my child is in great hands.

Phylicia

I was very nervous about leaving my baby in the care of others. That nervousness quickly went away after meeting the staff and realizing how caring they are.

Angela

The love for the students and parents is beyond words.

Cojuanna

School Leadership Team

Learn about the dedicated leaders at the heart of our center.

Meet Our Director, Curt Nicklin

Hi, I’m Curt Nicklin, Director of the Sunshine House at Lake Carolina. I’m dedicated to creating a nurturing, engaging, and supportive learning environment for the children and families in our community.

I’m 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.

I’m 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 – 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.

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 everyone’s 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 director’s office.

Yes! We provide nutritious and nourishing meals daily, including breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack—all 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 we’ll work with your family to create a safe and suitable meal plan.

Communication is important! With the MySunshineHouse app, you’ll receive updates on your child’s activities, meals, naps, and diaper changes—plus photos and videos! We also offer family-teacher conferences and are always happy to chat in person or by phone about your child’s progress.

Childcare costs vary by location, your child’s age, and your scheduling needs. We’d love to discuss your options—please 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.