Find an Answer to Your Question

'
crayon-underline

Top Questions

Can I take a tour of the center?

The center is currently offering virtual center visits, as part of our COVID-19 Enhanced Protocol. To schedule an appointment for a virtual tour of the center, please email the center at childcare@nyulangone.org.

Can I register for the center if I am currently expecting?

Yes, please complete a Registration Form if you are expecting with your anticipated start date. You will be contacted about your status and if you will be placed on a waitlist depending on availability. 

What are the centers hours of operation?

The center operates Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., open year-round, closing only for NYU Langone Health’s holidays and the day after Thanksgiving.

What is the child illness policy?

We know that managing the demands of work can be challenging when your child is ill. We strive to limit the spread of communicable disease in our centers and are committed to implementing policies that balance and respect the needs of children, families, and staff in these circumstances. Our Child Illness Policy is based on the Model Health Care Policies developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.  Exclusion from the center will be necessary if your child exhibits symptoms of a potential infectious illness.  Children need to remain home for 24 hours without symptoms before returning to the program, unless the center receives a note from the child’s medical provider stating that the child is not contagious and may return to the center.

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:

Center Based Resources: 

What is the tuition?

Tuition will be based on your total household income. NYU Langone is subsidizing tuition and therefore the average tuition rate is much lower than a typical New York City monthly tuition rate. To inquire about your applicable tuition rate based on your household income, your schedule and the age of your child please email Childcare@nyulangone.org and our team will gladly respond with your applicable rate.  Prior to enrolling, you will need to provide a copy of your 1040 tax filing as evidence of your total household income.  Total household income is determined on the previous year's tax forms. Household income will be assessed at the time of beginning enrollment, and annually during the re-registration process.

 

What if interest in any age group exceeds space available?

If interest in any age group exceeds the center's capacity in that age group, Bright Horizons will maintain a wait pool for that age group.  Parents must register and pay the $150 registration fee to be included in the wait pool.  Each family that registers will be added to the wait pool in the order that their registration form is received.  If and when space becomes available you will be contacted at least 30 days prior and will be offered a space for enrollment.  

What are the goals of Bright Horizons Educational Programs?

Bright Horizons’ approach to early care and education supports all areas of children’s development, with a heightened emphasis on individualizing their care and learning in the context of their unique families and cultures. Planned, developmentally appropriate learning environments and “school” content elements will be incorporated to emphasize the acquisition of skills across all age groups.

Bright Horizons’ goals include:

  • 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 lifelong learner
  • Learning skills necessary for school success
  • Developing a strong, healthy body and understanding of wellness
  • Becoming a 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

Is there a tuition credit for vacation or illness?

No, the center will not offer vacation credits. You will also not receive credits for days you did not use the center when your child was sick. In order to maintain a consistent level of quality, Bright Horizons staffs the center according to the enrollment schedule provided and will not adjust based on actual daily attendance and therefore cannot provide tuition credits based on absence from the center for any reason.

Is there a sibling discount?

Yes, the center offers a discount for siblings. 

The second child will make the family eligible for a 10% discount on the oldest child (lowest tuition amount). The third (+) child will make the family eligible for a 10% discount on the middle child(ren) and 20% discount on the oldest child.

Is food included in the tuition?

Two nutritious snacks per day are included in the tuition. In addition an optional catered lunch offered by Green Gourmet will be available at an additional cost.  You can also provide lunch for your child.  The center is a nut-free environment, so please make sure to pack foods that do not contain any nut products. 

In addition to tuition, what other fees are required?

You will be required to pay the following: 

 

  • Registration Fee: A registration fee of $150 per child will be due at the time of registration.  The registration fee will be applicable to either an enrollment offer or waitlist placement and will only be refundable if the family is not offered an enrollment space and declines placement on the waitlist. 
  • Enrollment Deposit: For enrollments prior to the center opening, an enrollment deposit equal to one month’s tuition will be due when the enrollment offer is accepted. For enrollments after the center opens, an enrollment deposit equal to the first month’s tuition will be required within five business days of accepting the enrollment offer. 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 $150 fee per family will be required each subsequent year to cover annual administrative and licensing fees.

How did NYU Langone Health select Bright Horizons?

NYU Langone Health has utilized Bright Horizons for backup childcare and eldercare needs which has received high marks from our faculty and staff who have utilized these programs.  The expansion of this relationship with Bright Horizons brings together two organizations that share a strong commitment to meeting the needs of working families.   NYU Langone Health’s sponsorship of the center reflects a commitment to providing access for our own employees to quality childcare.  Bright Horizons is a nationally recognized leader in assisting employers with onsite child development centers. Bright Horizons is fully responsible for all areas of child care management such as licensing, program development and hiring highly qualified teachers and staff.

The committee overseeing the design of the Child Care Center includes the expertise of our own NYU Langone faculty and professional staff in Child & Adolescent Psychology, Pediatrics and Child Life in partnership with Bright Horizons.

If I am on the waitlist, how soon before I can enroll?

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. 

How is breastfeeding managed at the center?

A meaningful benefit of having child care near or at the workplace is the opportunity for a new mother to breast-feed throughout the day. If you are a nursing mother, we will be happy to make arrangements for you to visit your infant at any time and there will be a private lactation room at the center.  If not convenient for you to make nursing visits, a supply of frozen breast milk can be stored at the center for up to one month from the date provided to the center; you may also provide milk daily.

Can employees who work 2 days per week use the center?

Two and three day a week programs are available, but employees must commit to a consistent schedule at the child care center.

Who is eligible to enroll in the Child Care Center?

The childcare center is available to non-union employees (including Faculty) of NYU Langone Health. You can use the center for your child or grandchild (if legal guardian) between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years.

Who should I contact with questions or concerns?

NYU Langone Health and Bright Horizons welcome your involvement, questions, and concerns. Please feel free to reach out to:

Natalia Damato, Director, Bright Horizons 
Natalia.Damato@nyulangone.org

Phone:  646-754-7015

How can I be assured my child will be ready for school?

Bright Horizons regularly conducts systematic studies to assess children’s preparedness for entering elementary school as perceived by the children’s parents and elementary school teachers. Through child-directed (emergent) and teacher-guided choices, the emphasis is on reading, writing, math, science, art, social skills, and creative movement. The program helps children approach school and academics with skills, confidence, and the drive for excellence. Key findings from the recent study include:

Perspectives on Bright Horizons’ Preparation of Children for School
Evaluated Factors Teachers Parents
Bright Horizons graduates met or exceeded their expectations for school readiness. 93% 97%
Bright Horizons graduates enter elementary school with a strong enthusiasm for learning. 90% 99%
Bright Horizons graduates were well prepared with the reading and math skills needed for academic success. 90% 90%

Can you provide more information about Bright Horizons?

Bright Horizons was founded more than 30 years ago and partners with more than 850 employers across the U.S., as well as in Europe, Canada and India. Their client list includes half of those named to FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies” and more than three-fourths of the companies on Working Mother magazine’s “100 Best” list. Bright Horizons operates centers in communities, as well as onsite at major employers.  Bright Horizons operates more than 30 child care centers in the greater New York area.

Can I use the center during a Leave of Absence?

Yes you can use the center during an approved leave of absence. You can continue to use your regular schedule of care or if you prefer you can decrease your schedule to part time during your leave. You can also hold the space for your child during your leave by paying part-time tuition rates.  Your leave will have to be verified by an HR representative at NYU Langone Health. 

Can I use a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account?

If you are currently enrolled in a Dependent Care FSA through NYU Langone Health or your spouse’s employer, you can use your account to pay for the Childcare Center tuition. You will need to submit your receipts to WageWorks for reimbursement. 

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 twice. After the second decline, their name is removed from the future list. Families may register again at any time.

What is the child/teacher ratio and capacity of center?

The capacity of the center will serve 173 children.
32 Infants | Ratio 1:4 | Group size: 8
40 Toddlers | Ratio 1:5 | Group size: 10
36 Twos | Ratio 1:6 | Group size: 12
45 Preschool | Ratio 1:10 | Group size: 15
20 Kindergarten Prep | Ratio 1:10 | Group size: 20

What is Drop-In Care and what is the cost?

Drop-in care provides non-union employees of NYU Langone Health the flexibility to use the center on an as needed basis.

If your regular care is unavailable or you are looking to use the center on an occasional basis, this can be a convenient option for you. You can use this service for your children or grandchildren (if legal guardian) between 6 weeks and 5 years old.

The cost for drop-in care for each child is $160 per day.  Payment is due at drop off.

Can I take my child to the center on the NYU Langone Health bus?

No, the NYU Langone Health bus is not designed to transport children under the age of five  safely. 

Does Bright Horizons perform background checks on its employees?

The safety of the children in our care is our highest concern.  Bright Horizons maintains stringent hiring practices and conducts criminal background checks on all teachers and caregivers in our centers. This check includes a criminal record search and a cross-reference check to determine prior convictions or other records of criminal activity that would call into question an employee’s’ suitability to care for children. Additional elements of our required background checks include verification through the Office of Foreign Asset Control and Sexual Offender Database Search. The frequency for updating criminal background checks for employees depends on state or other center-specific requirements.

Are all staff trained in CPR and First Aid?

All Bright Horizons center staff are trained in CPR and first aid.  Once an employee is hired, they are required to fulfill 16 hours of training through our new employee orientation. This training takes place over a two-day period, where the employee spends time observing each age group in the center. Teachers must successfully complete first aid and CPR training, in addition to local licensing and/or Department of Health requirements (e.g., food handler safety card.)

I'm not quite ready to enroll in the center but I am interested in continuing to hear about what is happening at the center. How can I get information more regularly?

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

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. 

Where can I learn more about other Bright Horizons locations?

We have many centers across the US, and each center reflects the unique personality of its leadership and community. To find the best fit for you and your family find a child care center near you.

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 is The World At Their Fingertips?

Our research-based World at Their Fingertips® curriculum meets children where they are developmentally, with Signature Practices that build confidence and excitement about learning at every age and stage. In every classroom, our goal is to help children do more than learn; it’s to cultivate the joy of learning. And our emergent approach — teaching skills by leveraging a child’s own interests — enables teachers to tailor activities and projects for the specific talents and needs of each child in the class. Learn more about our specialized programs for babies, toddlers and preschool children, and how we prepare children for school and life beyond. 

steps_iStock-1217348754_1108x680_option2
crayon-underline

Take the Next Step

Ready to get started? Schedule a meeting with Bright Horizons to get a tour of our center. See our classrooms, ask questions about tuition, openings and our enrollment process. Find out how we’ll help your family thrive!

Schedule A Visit