Pre-k is short for pre-kindergarten, and helps prepare children for kindergarten. The program may also be referred to as Kindergarten Prep. While pre-k is similar to preschool, it offers a more in-depth approach to learning and school readiness. Children in pre-k programs are typically 4 - 5 years old. 

Most Bright Horizons centers have preschool daycare for children up to 6 years old. Learn about tuition, openings or schedule a meeting to visit our:

• Boston Daycare
• NYC Daycare
• Washington, DC Daycare
• Chicago Daycare
• San Francisco Daycare
• Los Angeles Daycare
• Seattle Daycare

Or, Search by Zip to find a Bright Horizons child care center in your local city.

Our early education programs offer more than daycare. Our goal is not just to help children learn, but to cultivate the joy of learning at all ages. We are currently enrolling in our:

• Pre-Kindergarten: Our kindergarten preparation programs support children during a time of enormous and exciting growth, building the academic, social, and physical skills that will get them ready for school.
• Preschool program: Our preschool classes are designed to prepare children for kindergarten and all the big steps ahead, supporting inquisitive young minds as they tackle new challenges, take chances, and experiment with new things.
• Summer camp: Through Summer Explorations at Bright Horizons®, your child will have the opportunity to enjoy everything summer has to offer.
• Toddler care: Our toddler preschool programs provide a place to test out and learn new skills, make new friends, and celebrate the joy of wonder and discovery.
• Infant care: Our newborn and baby daycare programs provide safe spaces, welcoming environments, and inspired caregivers that support all your baby’s developmental milestones

Early education in preschool and pre-k is centered around the essentials of learning through play. While the specific curriculum can differ, most preschool and pre-k programs will focus on how kids make friends, how children build identity, and how to get ready for kindergarten. 

By law, pre-K is not a requirement in any state in the U.S. In some states, kindergarten isn’t even required as long as you can self-school your child based on the same education guidelines that kindergarten, preschool, and pre-k programs follow. However, this can be difficult for working parents — especially those who are also first-time parents — so finding a pre-k program with an excellent reputation for early education can be beneficial for both you and your child.

Depending on where you live, and schedule you need for care, you may see pre-K waitlists. You can select and register with up to three Bright Horizons child care locations, including the center in which you are most interested. By registering, you are confirming interest in all three centers. Once registered, we will add you to our waitlist and offer you a space as soon as one becomes available. Our goal is to accommodate families as soon as space allows, and so during the entire process, we will keep in touch with you regarding your status. While waiting for a space to become available at the first-choice location, many families enroll at their second or third choices temporarily until space becomes available at their first-choice centers. Enrolling at another location will not only solve your immediate child care needs, but will provide you priority access to your first preference.

Different programs have different ideas about how a child should grow. A parent should familiarize themselves with the early childhood learning philosophies a pre-k uses before entrusting a child to that facility. Learn more about what makes the Bright Horizons curriculum different in its approach to support early learning and the support Bright Horizons provides to working parents and daycare teachers.

Preschool pre-k costs will depend upon on your child’s age when they begin a program as well as the center location where you'd like to attend. To get a customized tuition quote for Bright Horizons, we will set up a Zoom or in-person meeting with you to discuss your family’s needs and calculate what tuition would look like for you.