Welcome to Bright Horizons at the American Center

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Our Early Education Programs Offer More Than Daycare

For ages 1 month - 6 years

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Upcoming Events for Families

Artsy Thursday

April 16 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Smocks on – let’s get creative! Join us for fun family art activities.

Summer Registration

June 30 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Join us for an action-packed summer! Rolling enrollment starts in February.

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Meet Our Teaching Team

Amber, Daycare Center Director, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Amber

I love Bright Horizons because: I'm able to foster the relationship between families, children, and caregivers. I'm thankful to see the wonder on a child's face as they learn.

In education since: 2001

Amanda, Daycare Cook, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Amanda

I love Bright Horizons because: I have a passion for cooking and creating delicious and nutritious meals for the center.

In education since: 2005

Mariah, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Mariah

I love teaching because: I teach to make a difference in the lives of my students. I love learning and I want to help my students discover that joy.

Teaching since: 2016

Stephanie, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Stephanie

I love teaching because: I love watching them learn new things each day and seeing how creative children can be.

Teaching since: 2018

Vasanta, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Vasanta

I love teaching because: I love being able to help children build self-confidence and believe in themselves. Teaching young children is personally rewarding.

Teaching since: 2021

Tamara, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Tamara

I love teaching because: of the smiles and love they show unconditionally and freely.

Teaching since: 2005

Maria Encarnacion, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Maria Encarnacion

I love teaching because: I love the passion that children have for music and learning.

Teaching since: 2019

Thanalakshmi, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Thanalakshmi

I love teaching because: children bring me joy!

Teaching since: 2019

Chloe, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Chloe

I love teaching because: I can support the children's learning while also seeing them smile, laugh, and have fun!

Teaching since: 2021

Alicia, Daycare Substitute, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Alicia

I love teaching because: I get to be with the children through their journey of learning and growth!

Teaching since: 2022

Hailey, Daycare Substitute, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Hailey

I love teaching because: The children inspire me to become more and to approach life in a 'let's find out' type of way!

Teaching since: 2021

Shanmugapriya, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Shanmugapriya

I love teaching because: I love seeing the children's faces when they are expanding their minds and learning.

Teaching since: 2019

Raja Manjari, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Raja Manjari

I love teaching because: I get to see the children's smiling faces every day!

Teaching since: 2022

Valesca, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Valesca

I love teaching because: we can see the children's development every day and be a part of their success!

Teaching since: 2004

Jordan, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Jordan

I love teaching because: I love watching kids grow and learn more about the world around them. Those 'a-ha' moments are the best!

Teaching since: 2023

Kathryn, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Kathryn

I love teaching because: I love teaching because I can earn their trust, love, and see the way they reciprocate that. I also enjoy how every day is something new.

Teaching since: 2021

Halie, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Halie

I love teaching because: The children help me learn something new each day. Their creative and complex minds remind me of the beauty of learning and play!

Teaching since: 2015

Nya, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Nya

I love teaching because: I get to watch the children grow, and I love being one of the reasons for their growth. I also love interacting with them, it makes me feel special.

Teaching since: 2022

Cinthya, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Cinthya

I love teaching because: I get to see children learn and grow in front of my eyes! I also love that I can make an important impact in their young lives!

Teaching since: 2023

Madison, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Madison

I love teaching because: I'm never just teaching the children, I'm learning from them as well!

Teaching since: 2024

Reagan, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Reagan

I love teaching because: I love creating meaningful connections with all of the children, each day is different!

Teaching since: 2023

Annie, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Annie

I love teaching because: I get to know all of the different families and help their children learn and grow!

Teaching since: 2010

Natalie, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Natalie

I love teaching because: They have so much energy and very unique personalities. I want to make a positive impact on their lives while learning from them.

Teaching since: 2024

Ragina, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Ragina

I love teaching because: I love kids and they make me feel happy when I'm around them!

Teaching since: 2013

Meghan, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Meghan

I love teaching because: The first few years of a child's life are so unique and precious. I love witnessing how they interact, problem solve, and develop over time.

Teaching since: 2023

Briar, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Briar

I love teaching because: I get to help children reach new mile stones and cheer them on as they learn new skills.

Teaching since: 2021

Mona, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Mona

I love teaching because: There is great joy in witnessing learning in children. I love to make learning happen through the opportunity of play!

Teaching since: 2025

Eryn, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Eryn

I love teaching because: The children inspire me and I love being a reason they smile and laugh!

Teaching since: 2025

Lauren, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Lauren

I love teaching because: Children are so fun to build connections with. It is so special to be a part of their development and to help them learn at these early ages!

Teaching since: 2025

Kaleigh, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Kaleigh

I love teaching because: I love getting to see all of the children blossom and grow into themselves!

Teaching since: 2025

Simone, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Simone

I love teaching because: I love getting to see them learn to interact with others and watching them grow and learn from their teachers!

Teaching since: 2017

Nancy, Daycare Lead Educator, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Nancy

I love Bright Horizons because: I enjoy molding children into who they will become in the future.

In education since: 2010

Laura, Daycare Teacher, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Laura

I love teaching because: Being an educator allows me to keep learning and growing in knowledge.

Teaching since: 2013

Amanda, Daycare Assistant Director, Bright Horizons at the American Center, Madison, WI

Amanda

I love Bright Horizons because: I love to hear the stories children have to share. Their imaginations can create some very detailed stories.

In education since: 2010

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Frequently Asked Questions

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


Our center provides breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack. All meals are made fresh, on-site, by our center chef. Menu options include vegetarian and allergy accommodations (depending on the severity of the allergy). All meals are included in tuition.


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.


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.


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


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.


Our summer camp program serves children from 3-6 years of age. We have many differerent scheduling options such as a 2 day/week program, 3 day/week program, or full time (5 days per week). We are open from 7:00am-5:30pm Monday-Friday. Our summer camp program will begin on Monday, June 14th and go through Friday, August 20th. If you would like to register, please visit https://familyinfocenter.brighthorizons.com/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2f . We look forward to seeing you all this summer!


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 Request Details 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:  

 
  • Developing a relationship with your child’s teacher and keeping communication open
  • Labeling all items  
  • Making sure your child has the essentials: bottles, extra clothes, diapers, blanket, and more  
  • Talking about the first day with your child  
  • Setting expectations for the new morning routine
  • Getting ahead of separation anxiety by creating a “goodbye” routine together


Additional information on our research-backed curriculum can be found here. To find a center near you, click Find a Center in the top right corner of the Bright Horizons home page.
 


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.