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.

For job listings and to complete the application process, please visit www.brighthorizons.com/careers.

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.

The E.D.S. rate sheet with all fees and
schedules for the school year is included with your application packet. Tuition is billed on a
monthly basis, and statements will be available 11 days before the first of the next month. Payment
is due in advance of service on the 25th of each month. As a non-profit, E.D.S. is supported
independently through parent fees and fundraising, and is not part of the Mill Valley School District.

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.

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

Application materials are made available
each year in early May to all children currently enrolled in E.D.S. and to all families who have
registered with the Mill Valley School District to attend Old Mill, Tam Valley, Strawberry Point,
Park and Edna Maguire School. When you receive the application, mail back or deliver it to your
E.D.S. center as soon as possible because the programs fill up very quickly. The schedule that you
indicate on your application will be your child’s E.D.S. schedule beginning the first day of school
unless you are notified your child has been placed on a waitlist.

You can contact the E.D.S. center that your child will be
attending during the school year. Throughout the summer you can email or call your center and
leave a voicemail. A director will be in touch with you as soon as possible. All directors will be
back at their centers the week before school opens for the fall.

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 Works, Math Counts, Science Rocks, ArtSmart, 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.