Welcome to Bright Horizons at Encinitas

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Upcoming Events for Families

Open House

October 22 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Experience Bright Horizons for yourself. Can we count you in?

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Meet Our Teaching Team

Paula, Daycare Center Director, Bright Horizons at Encinitas, Encinitas, CA

Paula

I love Bright Horizons because: It is always such a joy to see new and returning families at our school and to know that we are partnering with them for their children.

In education since: 1992

Tasia, Daycare Assistant Director, Bright Horizons at Encinitas, Encinitas, CA

Tasia

I love Bright Horizons because: I love being a part of the children's growth and development for these very important ages of two to 5.

In education since: 2008

Michelle, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at Encinitas, Encinitas, CA

Michelle

I love teaching because: I love to watch children grow and develop.

Teaching since: 2000

Yair, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at Encinitas, Encinitas, CA

Yair

I love teaching because: I love watching children grow and learn all while having fun playing.

Teaching since: 2014

Sarah, Daycare Administrative Assistant, Bright Horizons at Encinitas, Encinitas, CA

Sarah

I love Bright Horizons because: Working in the early learning environment is very rewarding and so important for children to foster self confidence and a lifelong love of learning.

In education since: 1997

Cathy, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at Encinitas, Encinitas, CA

Cathy

I love teaching because: I love to instill a love of learning.

Teaching since: 1998

Kristine, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at Encinitas, Encinitas, CA

Kristine

I love teaching because: I love watching children learn and explore. I particularly love using art to enhance their learning and creativity.

Teaching since: 2006

Giana, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at Encinitas, Encinitas, CA

Giana

I love teaching because: I love to be able to watch and take part as the children learn and explore new things.

Teaching since: 2021

Sam, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at Encinitas, Encinitas, CA

Sam

I love teaching because: I love to see how children's personalities evolve over the school years.

Teaching since: 2018

Minoovash, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at Encinitas, Encinitas, CA

Minoovash

I love teaching because: children learn differently and I love creating new, fun ways for the children to understand and practice new skills.

Teaching since: 2016

Cinthia, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at Encinitas, Encinitas, CA

Cinthia

I love teaching because: I love watching the student's faces light up with they learn something new.

Teaching since: 2022

Nikki, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at Encinitas, Encinitas, CA

Nikki

I love teaching because: it brings me so much joy and reminds me to find positivity in each day. It is so exciting to watch the kids grow and develop.

Teaching since: 2023

Monica, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at Encinitas, Encinitas, CA

Monica

I love teaching because: I love the thrill of it all!!

Teaching since: 1990

Jennifer, Daycare Lead Educator, Bright Horizons at Encinitas, Encinitas, CA

Jennifer

I love Bright Horizons because: I love to be a part of the children's learning through creativity and new experiences in the classroom and I am lucky to join in the fun myself!

In education since: 1993

Karen, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at Encinitas, Encinitas, CA

Karen

I love teaching because: Every day is a new adventure!

Teaching since: 1986

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Frequently Asked Questions

While terms may vary, the core mission of transitional kindergarten and pre-k is the same: preparing children for kindergarten.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Preschool serves younger children (typically ages 2–4) and focuses on foundational learning through play.
  • Transitional kindergarten and pre-k / kindergarten prep are more structured programs tailored to children who are nearing kindergarten age.
  • Public transitional kindergarten programs may follow modified kindergarten standards and are typically state funded.
  • Bright Horizons’ kindergarten prep follows a research-based, age-appropriate curriculum that mirrors the developmental goals of transitional kindergarten — with added flexibility and individualized attention.

In a transitional kindergarten setting, your children enjoy a more structured curriculum than pre-k. This includes incorporating a modified kindergarten curriculum that develops early literacy, math, executive function, and social-emotional skills, such as following directions and taking turns.


Bright Horizons conducts a comprehensive background check on all prospective employees and frequent visitors. The background check consists of a county criminal record check for the past seven years performed in all counties that a person has lived, worked or attended school. In addition to the county criminal search , a sex offender search, OFAC search and a social security verification trace are also conducted. For all location employees, program licensing background checks required by the state are also performed.


All Bright Horizons staff are trained regularly in CPR, even if not required by the state. First Aid is taught as required by state licensing agency/regulations so that you can feel confident that your child is safe and receiving the best care possible at our center.


Yes, Bright Horizons has an open door policy.  You are encouraged to visit your child anytime.


We suggest you register with Bright Horizons.  You can select up to 3 locations to be registered at, including the center you are most interested in.  By registering, you are confirming your strong interest in all 3 centers.  We will add you to our wait list and you will be offered a space as soon as one becomes available.  While waiting for a space to become available at your first choice location, many families will choose to enroll at their 2nd or 3rd choice temporarily until space becomes available at the center they are most interested in.  In many centers, a child currently enrolled at a Bright Horizons location has priority over the general community so enrolling at another location will not only solve your care needs but will also give you additional priority in getting into your 1st preference.  Our goal is to accommodate families as soon as space allows.  During the entire process, we will keep in touch with you regarding your status.