Clear communication
Daily updates and honest answers help families understand how each day went.
About & team
Rooted in Winthrop. Built around childhood.
Sunny Days brings experienced leaders, Winthrop neighbors, and joyful learning together under one welcoming roof.
Our mission
Joyful learning and loving care—close to home.
Sunny Days is a neighborhood school where children are known, families stay informed, and care changes as each child grows.
Nurturing care
Warm, caring teachers help children feel safe, known, and supported.
Steady routines
Familiar daily routines help little ones feel safe, confident, and ready to explore.
Meet the people behind the welcome
Leadership that knows children—and this community.
Lauren Houghton
Founder & Executive Director
Lauren previously led summer camp programs in California, including at La Canada Country Club and Braemar. Her approach encourages children to learn through play, art, nature, and hands-on discovery. She holds an MBA in Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations and a BS in Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality Management from California State University, Long Beach, and is a proud Latina mother of two young children in the Winthrop school system.
Amanda Purcell
Daycare Director
Amanda brings more than 16 years of experience in early childhood education, including roles from teacher to Center Director. She holds a Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education Leadership and another Bachelors in Liberal Studies. Throughout her career, Amanda has been passionate about creating safe, nurturing, and engaging environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive. She is equally committed to building strong partnerships with families and supporting exceptional teaching teams. As a Winthrop native, Amanda is especially excited to serve the community that helped shape her. In her free time, she enjoys all things Disney and spending time with her husband, Paul; their son, Wyatt; and their two cats, Arielle and Finnley.
Caroline Sumabong
Assistant Director · Operations
Caroline Sumabong supports Amanda and the teaching team, helping the center stay organized, welcoming, and ready for every family’s day.
Building our teaching team
Help us build a remarkable teaching team.
Sunny Days is hiring caring teachers who communicate clearly and help children have safe, dependable days.
Health & safety
Care is built into every routine.
- EEC certification in progress
- Locked keypad entry and a record of every visitor
- Kitchen cleaned and recorded each day, with food allergies in mind
- Staff trained in CPR and First Aid, with regular follow-up training
- Classroom capacities: Blossoms 3, Buttercups 3, Sunshines up to 13, Rainbows 7, Ladybugs up to 15
What values shape Sunny Days?
Sunny Days centers clear communication, loving care, and steady routines so families know what each day will look like before they enroll.
How does Sunny Days talk about health and safety?
Sunny Days shares information about licensing, locked entry, staff training, and classroom routines so families know what to ask during a tour.
Take the next step
Come see what a Sunny Days welcome feels like.
Ask a question, plan a visit, or join the Brightwheel waitlist when your family is ready.