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Can you provide more background on Bright Horizons?

Bright Horizons was 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 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.

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

Bright Horizons works to recruit and hire the highest quality teachers.  Bright Horizons’ staff is nurturers as well as educators who encourage learning through exploration and partnership with parents. They’re 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.

What are the ratios per age group?

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

• Infants - 1:3
• Toddlers - 1:3
• Twos - 1:6
• Preschool - 1:10

The ratios at the center are designed to 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.

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 curriculum will be used at the center?

Bright Horizons’ successful core curriculum The World at Their Fingertips will be used at the center.   To learn more about the Bright Horizons curriculum please visit www.brighthorizons.com/curriculumguide

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

Bright Horizons will hold your space as long as tuition is paid monthly during that period. 

Is food included in the tuition?

Morning and afternoon snack will be provided. Lunch options will be assessed in the coming months after the center has reopened. 

Is part-time child care available at the center?

Part time care is available for either two days (Tuesday and Thursday) or three days (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). 

How do I enroll my child?

Interested in enrollment? Contact our Enrollment Coordinator, Kasey at stanfordwest@brighthorizons.com. 

What will the hours of operation be?

The center will be open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  

What enhanced COVID-19 health and safety protocols are implemented at the center?

Bright Horizons’ goal is to ensure that all health and safety practices are in line with recommendations provided by the CDC and requirements of state and local municipalities, and have the well-being of children, families, and staff at their core. Bright Horizons partnered with pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Kristin Moffitt of Boston Children’s Hospital to implement enhanced safety protocols including reduced class sizes, restrictions as to who comes in and out of the center, daily health screening and temperature check upon arrival for adults and children, masks for teachers, staff, and all other adults in the center, as well as strict guidelines on distancing, cleaning, and disinfecting. The team is committed to these protocols every day. And Bright Horizons continues to consult with experts and monitor updated guidance to ensure protocols evolve with new learning around COVID-19, so that children, families, and teachers are protected. For additional information outlining Bright Horizons protocols and safety measures, please visit brighthorizons.com/health-safety.

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

For job listings and to complete the application process, please visit www.brighthorizons.com/careers.
 

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. Please visit the Stanford West Children's Center page for more information. 

When will the center reopen?

We are currently targeting a reopening date of August 16, 2021. More information to come soon. 

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. 

What are Bright Horizons’ safety and security policies?

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

Access to the center:

• The center entrance will be located at the front of the building and will require badge access at all times.  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 parent/guardian must accompany each child into the classroom and confirm that the child is under adult supervision before leaving the premises.
• 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, we regularly review our 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:

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

Are you allowing prospective parents to visit centers?

Yes! Prospective parents can schedule a center visit by completing our Tuitions and Openings form from our center website. 

How is Bright Horizons ensuring the health and safety of families and staff at our centers?

At all of our centers, rigorous health and safety practices are a foundation of the way we care for children. These include:

• An illness and daily health check policy that strives to mitigate the spread of illnesses
• Frequent cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces and toys; frequent laundering of soft items 
• Regular maintenance of the center, equipment, and supplies, updating and replacing items as needed 
• Secure entrances to all centers 
• Strict handwashing and sanitary policies to prevent the spread of illnesses 
• Curriculum that emphasizes healthy practices for children 

Strict safety and security procedures are designed to keep our families and staff protected. 

What are the educational goals of Bright Horizons?

During your search for the perfect child care partner, this is among the most important questions you can ask.  For over 30 years, we’ve been a company that is guided by our HEART Principles and an unerring belief in putting children first. 

At Bright Horizons, we know that childhood is a treasured time. We believe it is our responsibility to provide environments and experiences that capture the joys of childhood, nurture each child’s individual growth and development, and pave the way for success in school and life. We promise to:

• Nurture and care for the whole child
• Craft and integrated curriculum based on expert research
• Support and develop each teacher
• Implement an emergent, inquiry-based approach to learning
• Cultivate curiosity and creativity through projects, exploration, and play
• Encourage children to be confident experimenters and problem solvers
• Build an inclusive and respectful community
• Create joyful places for childhood

Can children with special needs enroll in a Bright Horizons center?

Yes! Bright Horizons strives to and has successfully accommodated a wide range of special needs and individual differences in our group programs.  We believe in inclusive programs that attempt to meet the needs of a wide range of children and which focus on each child’s strengths. We support a collaborative team approach – the teacher, director, specialists, and parents. The team will work closely together to try to maximize each child’s opportunities for learning, growth, and development, and to attempt to eliminate any barriers or safety issues which a group program may present.

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.

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. 

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 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. 

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.