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, Bright Horizons’ early childhood programs serve children with special needs.  Bright Horizons believes in inclusive programs that meet the needs of a wide range of children and focus on each child's strengths. Teachers also receive additional training. Bright Horizons supports a team approach; the teacher, director, specialists, and parents work closely together to identify and meet every child’s needs through an individualized plan.

Bright Horizons will hold your space as long as tuition is paid monthly during that period. 

Bright Horizons was founded more than 30 years ago and partners with more than 1000 employers across the U.S., as well as in Europe, Canada and India. Their client list includes half of those named to FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies” and more than three-fourths of the companies on Working Mother magazine’s “100 Best” list. Bright Horizons operates centers in communities, as well as onsite at major employers.

The length of time will vary depending on the size of the waitlist and the ages of the children.  We will send periodic communications to keep you informed of your status on the waitlist. We will do everything we can to ensure you are offered a space as soon as it becomes available.

As guardians of your children, there is nothing more important to us than their safety and protection while they are in our care. Bright Horizons has a series of security protocols and procedures to help guard against any threat to the safety of children and staff, and we perform safety drills on a regular basis. We do everything we can to make our centers safe and secure and to ensure that our teachers and staff are well-trained to protect children in the case of emergency.

Access to the center:

• The center entrance will be located at the front of the building and will require badge access at all times.  Families are not allowed to share access badges, even with people who are pre-authorized to pick up their children.
• Center policies prohibit families and staff from holding the door open for others they do not know.
• Parents/guardians are responsible for physically checking their child into and out of the center each day. This ensures that each child is safe and supervised at all times, and encourages daily communication between families and staff. A parent/guardian must accompany each child into the classroom and confirm that the child is under adult supervision before leaving the premises.
• A written notice is required before releasing a child to someone other than those authorized at enrollment.

Safety Drills and Training:

• The center will conduct monthly evacuation drills, regular lockdown drills, and “shelter in place” exercises.
• Emergency supplies are purchased and stored in an area accessible to staff with the ability to relocate if needed.
• 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 possible care.
• All Bright Horizons teachers are trained and well-prepared in the event of an emergency. In addition to safety drills, we regularly review our safety policies and procedures.

Emergency Communication:

• In the event of a center emergency, severe weather closure/delayed opening, or an emergency in the community near the center, you will receive updates through the My Bright Day® app.

• As new information is available, the center administration team will continue to provide updates through the notification system.

• In certain instances where the center administration team is unable to provide ongoing updates, families will be asked to call the Emergency Hotline number (1-877-276-7113) to speak with a centrally located Bright Horizons team member.

Injury Prevention:

• Teachers for each age group are responsible for daily safety inspections of their assigned areas and equipment. Defective equipment is removed or repaired to prevent injury. Small toy pieces or other objects that could pose a choking hazard to infants and toddlers are not allowed in areas designated for children under age three.
• For the same reason, children’s personal items such as barrettes, hair ties, earrings, necklaces, and beaded jewelry are strongly discouraged in these areas.
• Due to the risk of choking, the following clothing and accessories are prohibited:

• Outerwear with neck strings, including scarves
• Pants with drawstrings on the waist or bottom that extend more than three inches when tied
• Bibs, pacifiers and teethers with ties or strings of any kind
• Teething beads, including Amber beads

Weapons Policy:

Firearms, explosive devices, and other weapons are not permitted on Bright Horizons premises, regardless of any valid permit to carry such weapons.

Bright Horizons works to recruit and hire the highest quality teachers.  Bright Horizons’ staff is nurturers as well as educators who encourage learning through exploration and partnership with parents. They’re trained to deliver the highest standard of care.  All candidates undergo a thorough screening, including a Bright Horizons enhanced background check and state-required background checks. All teachers must meet state educational licensing and additional center requirements.

Bright Horizons’ successful core curriculum The World at Their Fingertips will be used at the center. To learn more about the Bright Horizons curriculum please visit www.brighthorizons.com/curriculum

Bright Horizons’ goal is to ensure that all health and safety practices are in line with recommendations provided by the CDC and requirements of state and local municipalities, and have the well-being of children, families, and staff at their core. Bright Horizons partnered with pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Kristin Moffitt of Boston Children’s Hospital to implement enhanced safety protocols including reduced class sizes, restrictions as to who comes in and out of the center, daily health screening and temperature check upon arrival for adults and children, masks for teachers, staff, and all other adults in the center, as well as strict guidelines on distancing, cleaning, and disinfecting. The team is committed to these protocols every day. And Bright Horizons continues to consult with experts and monitor updated guidance to ensure protocols evolve with new learning around COVID-19, so that children, families, and teachers are protected. For additional information outlining Bright Horizons protocols and safety measures, please visit brighthorizons.com/health-safety.

Bright Horizons offers many resources to support families’ efforts to nurture children’s development, be actively involved in their education, and balance work/life demands. Bright Horizons Family Resources can be found at www.brighthorizons.com/resources.

• 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.