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.

Yes, nutritious snacks and lunch are provided daily.

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 2^nd or 3^rd 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.

We encourage any family interested in center information, regular updates and invitations to the many events we are planning, to contact us.

Our center is conveniently located in Irvine off the 405 and 5 Fwys. From the 5 Fwy south, exit Alton Pkwy and turn right off exit to Alton. Next, turn left to Gateway, then turn right. Taco Bell is located on the righthand side when you enter into Glen Bell Way. From 405 south, exit Irvine Center Drive and turn left to Alton Pkwy. Next, turn right to Gateway, then turn left. Taco Bell will be on the right handside when you enter into Glen Bell Way. Park in the visitor parking (no charge or access card needed) and proceed to lobby to check in at visitor's desk.

At this time we are currently offering flex and full-time schedules. Please contact the Center for more information. 

Yes, we have a brand new outdoor fenced playground. Please visit our photo gallery and view our Playground photos!

To find other locations, please visit www.brighthorizons.com/locator.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has developed standards to define and recognize quality child care programs. In order to be accredited, a child care program must meet a variety of strict criteria, including having a well-trained faculty, good staff-child ratios and group sizes, and a comprehensive curriculum, as well as meet stringent health and safety standards. The program must also provide meaningful opportunities for family involvement.

Our center offers a mix of community and employer-sponsored programs. Preschool programs are open to the public, welcoming families from the local Irvine community. Infant, toddler, and pre-k programs are reserved for Taco Bell employees & their families.

Tuition varies by center, schedule and by individual classroom. To find out more information about tuition, please contact the center directly.

Comprehensive, optimum development of each child: mind, body, social self, and character. Preparation for Success in Life

• Approaching life as an invitation to learn
  
• Becoming a confident and competent lifelong learner
  
• Becoming a confident and competent user of technology
  
• Developing emotional intelligence: personal power and social skills

• Developing the social and cognitive skills necessary for school success
  
• Achieving excellence in language and literacy
  
• Developing an engaged, reflective, inquisitive mind and appreciation of science
  
• Achieving excellence in logical/mathematical understanding

• Happy days
  
• Wonderful relationships
  
• A World of experience

Bright Horizons curriculum, The World at Their Fingertips, is our unique curriculum designed to engage children in active learning that prepares them for school while helping them achieve their individual potential and fostering a spirit of community. It includes curriculum elements such as Language, STEM, Art, Our World and Well Aware that cross all age groups. For more on information on our curriculum, click here.

• Start by selecting the Find a Center link on this page.
• Under the center you’re interested in, click the Tuition & Openings button.
• Then, select Schedule Your Visit and fill out the form.

This depends on your child’s age, temperament, and level of maturity. General tips for preparing for the first day of child care include:  

Please submit an inquiry to your center(s) of interest with a request for tuition information. We recommend scheduling a visit at the same time (this can be done on the same form).

Safety is our top priority, and it’s part of our everyday routine. All of our centers follow expert-informed health, safety, and security policies and allergy protocols. Additionally, health, safety, and wellness are built right into our curriculum, and our classrooms and spaces are safely designed for learning and exploration.