Bright Horizons Daycare in Madison

Early Education & Preschool That's More Than Daycare

When selecting a daycare program, working parents don't need to choose between convenience and quality. Bright Horizons in Madison prioritizes school readiness while also offering flexible schedules all year round. 

 

Find openings at centers near you! 

Toddler at a Bright Horizons center

A Proven Approach for School Readiness

What parents and teachers have to say about Bright Horizons graduates

97%

of parents report their child entered elementary school prepared and ready to meet the demands of their new school.

Skills for the Modern World

Our integrated and emergent curriculum gives young children the ability to expand beyond strong foundations in reading, writing, and math to understand not just what to learn, but how to learn.

98%

of Bright Horizons’ parents and teachers agree Bright Horizons’ graduates entered elementary school with a strong enthusiasm for learning.

Developing a Growth Mindset

Bright Horizons teachers encourage children to ask questions, fostering more than just an interest in facts -- but a thirst to understand how things work.

97%

of parents said their child entered school with the ability to approach a challenge in an innovative or creative way.

Developing Executive Function

In our classrooms, education is more than facts and figures, but inspires children to innovate, problem solve, and apply information in creative and resourceful manners.

93%

of teachers agree that the Bright Horizons’ graduates in their classrooms were well prepared with the literacy and math skills they needed for academic success.

Prepared for 21st Century Skills

Our graduates leave our centers confident students who are ready to manage the academic, social, and behavioral expectations of the first year of elementary school and beyond.

94%

of teachers said that Bright Horizons graduates were ready to accept new responsibilities and greater independence.

Social-Emotional Learning

Curriculum elements such as Caring Matters and Toward a Better World support important social skills, helping children to express themselves, resolve conflict, and work cooperatively with classmates and teachers.

Explore Daycare in the Madison area

We have a number of convenient locations throughout Bay Creek, Sunset Village, Tenney-Lapham, Fitchburg, University Hill Farms, Meadowood, Shorewood Hills, and Maple Bluff.


With 1 convenient Madison area locations, we're never far from your home or workplace.

Bright Horizons at the American Center

5119 American Family Drive
Madison, WI 53718
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Our Other Programs

Early Education Programs

Providing experiences that capture the joys of childhood and pave the way for success in school and life.

Preschools in Madison

Preparing children for school through academic and social learning.

Summer Programs in Madison

Action-packed days, engaging projects, fun and educational activities, and more at Bright Horizons Preschools & Daycares.

What Questions Should I Ask a Daycare Provider?

What ages does Bright Horizons in Madison serve in its daycare program?

OPEN

Most of our Madison child care centers serve children ages six weeks to six years. Bright Horizons is more than daycare. We have programs with developmentally appropriate curriculum for infants, toddler, preschool and pre-K.

Find Daycares in Madison

I've looked at other daycares in the Madison area with long waitlists. What if I want to enroll at a Madison Bright Horizons center but space is not available?

OPEN

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.


What is the background check process for daycare staff at Madison child care centers?

OPEN

Bright Horizons conducts comprehensive background checks on all prospective employees and frequent visitors. In Madison, the state of WI Department of Youth and Families requires background checks for employees of a daycare or licensed child care facility.

Bright Horizons background checks consist 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.

Is it safe to send my child to a Madison daycare or preschool?

OPEN
Parents nationwide trust Bright Horizons to care for their children. At our centers, you’ll find expert-informed policies; health, safety, and wellness built right into our curriculum; and safe spaces designed for learning and exploration. At each Bright Horizons center, we have:
• Dedicated staff that sets the highest standards in health and safety
• Strict handwashing and sanitary policies to prevent the spread of illnesses
• Secured entrances to all centers and supervision policies to keep children safe
• Frequent cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces, toys, and laundered items

Do Bright Horizons daycare centers follow state/local requirements for masking and vaccinations?

OPEN

We continue to monitor state and local public health guidelines, look to our medical expert, and use our considerable experience to guide our health and safety practices. We’re prepared to respond quickly and adjust those health and safety practices as needed. Where there are additional state or local requirements, for example around vaccination/masking, Bright Horizons also complies with applicable legal requirements in each jurisdiction in which we operate.

Are daycare staff at Bright Horizons in Madison trained in CPR and First Aid?

OPEN

All Bright Horizons Madison staff receive ongoing training, including CPR/First Aid and Universal Precautions. You can feel confident that your child is healthy, safe, and thriving while in our care. Bright Horizons families use the MyBrightDay mobile app daily to get photos, real-time updates on care, learning, and milestones, and to stay up-to-date on important notifications.

Does Bright Horizons provide daycare in the Madison Metro Area?
 

OPEN

Bright Horizons has a number of Madison-area locations. Search by zip to find the one closest to you.

At Bright Horizons we make sure you can enjoy the convenience of daycare combined with a quality early education experience. We focus our daily experiences on comprehensive, optimum development of each child: mind, body, social self, and character.

Our dedicated teachers guide children to success by teaching them how to:

  1. Approach life as an invitation to learn
  2. Become a confident and competent lifelong learner
  3. Become a confident and competent user of technology
  4. Develop emotional intelligence: personal power and social skills

At our centers, we achieve school readiness by helping children:

  1. Develop the social and cognitive skills necessary for school success
  2. Achieve excellence in language and literacy
  3. Develop an engaged, reflective, inquisitive mind and appreciation of science
  4. Achieve excellence in logical/mathematical understanding
We help cultivate a rich and rewarding childhood by focusing on:
  1. Happy days
  2. Wonderful relationships
  3. A World of experience

How much does a Bright Horizons daycare in Madison cost?
 

OPEN

Daycare tuition depends on your child’s age, as well as your choice in center location. To get a customized tuition quote for Bright Horizons in Madison, find your preferred center with our locator tool, and set up an appointment. During this conversation, the Center Director will discuss your family’s needs and calculate what tuition would look like for you.

Does Bright Horizons in Madison have a daycare preschool program?
 

OPEN

Yes. Most of our locations offer preschool and pre-K programs for children that prepare them for school success. We’re happy to schedule a visit for parents who would like to learn about why Bright Horizons can offer more than a daycare and what school readiness at Bright Horizons in Madison looks like.

How are working parents supported by Bright Horizons in Madison?

OPEN

Bright Horizons in Madison supports the whole family because we know that success at work and success at home go hand-in-hand. We designed our centers, programs, and schedules to keep the needs of both children and parents in mind. 

Is Bright Horizons a good place to work in Madison?

OPEN

Yes, but don’t just take our word for it! We’ve been named 20 times as one of FORTUNE's 100 Best Companies to Work For, and are honored to be the only child care company to ever make the list.

How can I find child care when a Madison daycare center is closed?

OPEN

Having a sitter or two familiar with your family can be extremely helpful when you need back-up care. With Sittercity, you can search for local babysitters and nannies, or post a job detailing your needs, and have interested child care providers reach out to you directly. Sittercity has built-in screening tools that give you control to hire with ease and confidence, which include secure messaging, interview booking, professional references, and background checks.

What is the difference between daycare and in-home child care in Madison?

OPEN

With a babysitter or nanny in your home, your child gets personalized, one-on-one attention in an environment controlled by you. Your child care will match the exact schedule you need, all in the convenience of your home. If desired, you can also get house management help from your in-home provider. A daycare facility tends to be a more cost-effective option in an environment designed for learning and whole child development, with age-appropriate curriculum and structured socialization. In the end, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to child care—pick the environment that’s best for you.

Does Bright Horizons have summer care in Madison?
 

OPEN
We have a partnership with Steve and Kate's camp locations as well as our Summer Explorations programs for children ages 3-5 and 6-12. 

Does Bright Horizons in Madison provide daycare for children with special needs?

OPEN

Yes. Bright Horizons in Madison accommodates a wide range of special and individualized needs in our group programs. We offer inclusive programs that focus on each child’s strengths and support a collaborative team approach with the teacher, director, specialists, and families. The team will work closely together to maximize your child’s opportunities for learning, growth, and development, and minimize any barriers or safety issues that a group program may present.

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