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From West Des Moines, using 235 Eastbound: Take the 31st St Exit, Exit 6. Turn left onto Grand Ave. 1800 Grand Ave is on the right. Take a right into the turnaround parking lot at the East end of the Central Campus building. From Downtown Des Moines, using 235 Westbound: Take the Keo Way exit, exit 7, toward Airport/MLK Parkway/19th St. Stay straight to go onto Day St. Turn left onto Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. Turn left onto Ingersoll Ave. Turn right onto 19th St. Turn left onto Grand Ave. Take a right into the turnaround parking lot at the East end of the Central Campus building.

Bright Horizons at the Downtown School

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the educational goals of Bright Horizons?
Comprehensive, optimum development of each child: mind, body, social self, and character. Preparation for Success in Life

  • Approaching life as an invitation to learn
  • Becoming a confident and competent lifelong learner
  • Becoming a confident and competent user of technology
  • Developing emotional intelligence: personal power and social skills
Preparation for Academic Excellence

  • Developing the social and cognitive skills necessary for school success
  • Achieving excellence in language and literacy
  • Developing an engaged, reflective, inquisitive mind and appreciation of science
  • Achieving excellence in logical/mathematical understanding

A Rich and Rewarding Childhood

  • Happy days
  • Wonderful relationships
  • A World of experience
What is Bright Horizons' process on checking the background of their employees?

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.

Is there a playground on-site?
We share the playground with the Downtown School.  It includes play equipment with a soft landing pad and a large field area.  This allows school age children to have several games running at one time, plenty of room to play, and lots of space to spread out and move freely.  The playground is located on 6th Street, between Watson Powell Parkway and Grand Avenue. 
Is part-time care available?
We have several options for enrollment at our center.  Students can be enrolled anywhere from one to five days a week, either mornings, afternoons, or both.  For parents who just need an extra half hour after school dismissal to pick up their child, we also offer an immediate care program.  To qualify for the immediate care program, children need to be picked up by 3:45 on the days they are here. 

During school breaks, students can attend Bright Horizons during normal center hours, 6:30 am to 6:00 pm.  Costs vary from the before and after-school program, and usually include an activity fee to cover the costs of field trips and on-site activities. 
What is The World At Their Fingertips?

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.

Are all staff trained in CPR and First Aid?

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.

What is NAEYC accreditation?

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.

What if I’d like to enroll but the center doesn’t have space available?

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.