Early childhood education (ECE) is more than just preparation for kindergarten—it's a foundational stage of early learning that nurtures a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development during their most formative years. At Bright Horizons, ECE is viewed through a holistic, research-informed lens that emphasizes curiosity, creativity, and connection.

What does early childhood education mean?

Early childhood education refers to structured learning and care provided to children from birth to age five. This period is critical for brain development, and high-quality ECE programs are designed to support the whole child—intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. 

At Bright Horizons, early education is a dynamic environment where children learn through play, exploration, and meaningful relationships. The goal is to foster a lifelong love of learning while building essential skills for school and life.

What makes a quality early childhood education program?

Bright Horizons identifies several core components of a high-quality ECE program:

• Passionate early childhood educators: Exceptional programs recruit and retain trained, dedicated teachers. These educators receive ongoing professional development, work in environments built on mutual respect, and prioritize strong relationships with both children and families. Parents are seen as partners in their child’s development. 
• Open-ended discovery: Children are natural scientists, inventors, and explorers. Bright Horizons’ proprietary Discovery Driven Learning® framework encourages hands-on, open-ended learning that meets children where they are developmentally and supports growth at their own pace.
• Whole-child development: Beyond academic readiness in literacy, math, and science, quality programs nurture cognitive, linguistic, socio-emotional, and physical skills. Children are given opportunities to create, collaborate, communicate, problem-solve, and follow directions—skills essential for both school readiness and lifelong success.

The Bright Horizons difference

What sets Bright Horizons apart is its commitment to research-based practices and individualized care. Rather than following a rigid curriculum, teachers use an emergent approach, observing children’s interests and tailoring activities accordingly. 

In addition, The Discovery Driven Learning framework is grounded in four cornerstones:

• Responsive and nurturing relationships
• Joyful, playful, and inclusive communities
• Proven instructional methods
• Learner-centered environments and design

These cornerstones are intentionally prioritized to support healthy development and create a strong foundation for learning.

Standards for early childhood education

Read about the National Association for the Education of Young Children  (NAEYC)’s 10 areas of program accreditation which include curriculum, teaching, health and safety, assessment, teacher qualifications, family partnerships, and more. These standards ensure a comprehensive, high-quality experience for every child.

Why early childhood education matters

Early childhood is a time of remarkable growth. Children are building the cognitive, emotional, and social foundations that shape who they become. High-quality early education, like that offered at Bright Horizons, enriches the formative years with meaningful learning, nurturing relationships, and joyful discovery.

Research shows that children who experience strong early education are more likely to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally throughout life. But beyond school readiness, early education builds confidence, curiosity, and resilience— essential skills that empower children to navigate the world with purpose and possibility.