Find an Answer to Your Question

Can children with special needs enroll in the center?

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. 

What is the capacity and ratio per age group?

The capacity per age group and teacher-to-child ratios are summarized below: 

*The group size for the Preschool classrooms are contingent on the age of the children enrolled. If the majority of the children in the classroom are age three, the group size will be 15. If the majority are age four, the group size will be 20. 

The ratios at the center are designed to meet NAEYC guidelines which support one-on-one interactions between the teachers and children, an in-depth understanding by the teachers of the individual needs of each child, and the formulation of consistent care-giving routines based on the teachers’ knowledge of the individual children. These teacher-to-child ratios also support enhanced development, particularly language development.

**Due to COVID-19, the capacity, ratios and group sizes are subject to change based on the development and implementation of new state guidelines and enhanced center protocols. 

What resources does Bright Horizons offer to families?

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 Resources can be found at www.brighthorizons.com/family-resources. 
 

How is tuition paid?

Tuition is paid via ACH and is due the 25th day of the prior month. Example: September's monthly tuition will be due on August 25th. 

How are dietary restrictions managed?

If your child has special dietary needs or food allergies, please work with the center management to find suitable accommodations. Although food may be available to address food allergies, Bright Horizons cannot provide or manage other food substitutions for religious or cultural requirements, food intolerances, or a child’s preference.

If I am no longer employed by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, what is the last day that my child can use the center?

Families will be required to provide notice of intent to withdraw 30 days in advance of their child(ren)’s last day of attendance.  Your last day of employment will be the last day your child can use the center.

Termination for misconduct will result in immediate withdrawal from the center. Any unused tuition will be refunded. 

Is part-time child care available at the center?

No, part-time care will be provided at this time.

Is there a sibling discount?

No, a sibling discount will not be offered at this time.

Who is eligible to enroll in the center?

Enrollment is available to full-time employees and trainees with a household income below $300k.

Can I pay to reserve a space at the center without attending?

You may not pay to reserve your space at the center without attending.

What other fees are required?

In addition to the tuition, you will be required to pay the following:
•    Registration Fee: A non-refundable registration fee of $125 per child will be due at the time of registration.
•    Enrollment Deposit: An enrollment deposit equal to one month’s tuition will be due when the enrollment offer is accepted. The enrollment deposit will be applied to the first month of tuition. If a family chooses not to enroll their child after accepting the enrollment offer, the enrollment deposit will be forfeited. 
•    Annual Re-registration Fee: A $75 fee per child will be required each subsequent year to cover annual administrative and licensing fees. 

Can we use Bright Horizons Back-Up Care at the center?

Back-up care at the center is dependent on space availability.  Due to the size limitations of the center, Back-up care offered at the center may be limited.  

How do I enroll my child?

Bright Horizons launched the enrollment process in Q2 2020.  If you are interested in enrolling your child, you will need to complete an enrollment interest form and submit a $125.00 per child registration fee. More information about the enrollment process was featured during our virtual Family Information Session. You can review the recording of this session here. 

What ages will the center serve?

The center has capacity for 83 children and will serve children ages 6 weeks through 5 years.  

What curriculum will be used at the center?

Bright Horizons’ successful core curriculum World at Their Fingertips, will be used at the center. To learn more about the Bright Horizons curriculum, please visit brighthorizons.com/early-education-preschool/proven-approach

How did Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center select Bright Horizons?

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center requested in-depth proposals and evaluated a number of potential child care providers. Bright Horizons was selected based on the fact that they are a nationally recognized leader in assisting employers with on-site child development centers.  

How long can my family stay on the waitlist?

Your family’s status on the waitlist will remain intact until space becomes available and is offered to your family. Families may decline an offer and maintain their current position on the waitlist once. After the second decline, their name is moved to the bottom of the waitlist. 
 

Will I receive a tuition credit for time away on vacation?

No, the center will not offer vacation credits.  

What are the center’s health and safety protocols?

The health and safety of the children in our care is our top priority. As such, all Bright Horizons Child Care Centers have enhanced health and safety protocols which are developed based on guidance from the Centers of Disease Control, direction from state and local public authorities, and in partnership with Dr. Kristin Moffitt, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Boston Children’s Hospital.  The protocols include limited class sizes, restrictions to the number of people who come in and out of our centers, daily health, and temperature checks upon arrival for adults and children, masks for teachers, families and all staff, as well as strict guidelines on distancing, cleaning, and disinfecting. Our team is committed to these protocols every day. And we continue to consult with experts to ensure all our practices evolve so that children, families, and teachers are protected. 

How will enrollment spaces be allocated?

Enrollment will be based on a lottery. Only families that have submitted their enrollment interest form and paid their registration fee will be entered into the enrollment lottery. Each family will be assigned one registration I.D., regardless of the number of children or employees in the household. A registration I.D. allows Bright Horizons to select families anonymously and in random order. 
As registration I.D.s are pulled, children in each family will be placed into age groups until all available enrollment spaces are assigned. Once all the spaces have been allocated, the drawing will continue to assign families to the wait pool in the order that their registration I.D. is pulled. 

Is food included in the tuition?

Healthy morning and afternoon snacks will be provided, and are included in the tuition. Lunch will not be offered. We ask that you plan to pack and bring a lunch for your child. 

When will the center open?

The center is expected to open Q1 2021 contingent upon receipt of an operating license from the state licensor. 

Can you provide more background on Bright Horizons?

Bright Horizons’ core business is employer-sponsored care. They were 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 more than three-fourths of the companies on Working Mother magazine’s “100 Best” list. In addition, their client list includes more than half of those named to FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For”. It should be noted that Bright Horizons has also been named to the FORTUNE list 18 times. Bright Horizons is an organization recognized for ethics, collaboration, community service, and excellence in the child care industry. They have extensive experience with opening new centers from the ground-up and creating wonderful places for childhood. 

What are Bright Horizons’ safety and security policies?

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

Access to the center:

The center entrance will require key-pad access at all times. Employees and guardians will receive restricted access badge for entry into the child care center. 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 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, Bright Horizons regularly reviews their 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:

1. Outerwear with neck strings, including scarves
2. Pants with drawstrings on the waist or bottom that extend more than three inches when tied
3. Bibs, pacifiers and teethers with ties or strings of any kind
4. 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.

What are the tuition rates?

Tuition rates are established in alignment with comparable, high-quality child care centers in the surrounding area. While establishing these rates, Bright Horizons works hard to balance the tuition rates with the need to deliver the highest quality care possible, which is framed by the following factors:
•    Lower classroom ratios and smaller group sizes
•    Professional training, management, and support for teachers
•    Ample equipment and resources for children and families
Each year, Bright Horizons will conduct an extensive market study to determine the appropriate annual tuition rates.  

For the most current tuition rates, please contact the center directly.

How soon can I enroll my child if on the waitlist?

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.  

When is tuition billed and collected?

Tuition will be billed and collected monthly.

What are the qualities and qualifications for the teaching and care staff?

Bright Horizons works to recruit and hire the highest quality teachers. Bright Horizons’ staff are nurturers as well as educators who encourage learning through exploration and partnership with parents. They are 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.
Additionally, 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 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 all conducted. For all location employees, program licensing background checks required by the state are also performed. 

I was unable to attend the Family Information Session. Is there a recording?

Yes, the Family Information Session was recorded. You can view the session HERE

I'm interested in applying for a job at this center. Is there someone I can contact?

Absolutely! Named one of Fortune Magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For 20 times, we are proud of the environment we create for our educators. We are always looking for great teachers, and offer competitive benefits and innovative programs. like our Horizons Teacher Degree program. For job listings and to complete the application process, please visit the Bright Horizons jobs and careers page at https://careers.brighthorizons.com.