Find an Answer to Your Question

Where is the center located?

The center is located at 619 Main St. Johnson City, NY 13790. 

What are the hours of operation?

The center is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is open year-round; closing only on the days United Health Services is closed.

Does the center offer dedicated enrichment spaces?

Yes, the center has a dedicated STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Lab as well as a Library.

Who is eligible to enroll in the center?

United Health Services employees and community families are eligible for enrollment.

What is the capacity and teacher-to-child ratio per age group?

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.

Is part-time child care available at the center?

Part-time care is provided at this time. 

What is the process to withdraw a child from the center?

Families will be required to provide notice of intent to withdraw 30 days in advance of the last day of attendance.

If I am no longer employed by United Health Services, what is the last day that my child can use the center?

If you are no longer employed at United Health Services, your child can continue to use the center for a period of 30 days after the last day of employment. If former employee leaves in good standing they will have the option to transition to community space if available. 

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 now partner with more than 1,000 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 19 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 curriculum is 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.

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

Bright Horizons works to recruit and hire the highest quality teachers. Their staff are 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 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. See www.brighthorizons.com/family-resources for more details on these tools

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. Bright Horizons will send periodic communications to keep you informed of your status on the waitlist and will do everything they can to ensure you are offered a space as soon as it becomes available. Families may decline an offer and maintain their current position on the waitlist once. After the second decline, their name will be moved to the bottom of the waitlist.

Are meals and snacks included in the tuition rate?

Breakfast, morning snack, lunch, and an afternoon snack are provided each day and are included in the tuition.

What other fees are required?

Employee Families: 

In addition to the tuition, you will be required to pay the following: 

• Registration Fee: A registration fee of $150 per child is due at the time of registration. After the initial enrollment period ends, families will be contacted by a Bright Horizons representative to discuss enrollment or wait list status. 
  
• 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 $100 fee per child will be required each subsequent year to cover annual administrative and licensing fees.
  
  

Community Families: 

In addition to the tuition, you will be required to pay the following: 

• Registration Fee: A registration fee of $200 per child is due at the time of registration. After the initial enrollment period ends, families will be contacted by a Bright Horizons representative to discuss enrollment or wait list status. 
  
• 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 $150 fee per child will be required each subsequent year to cover annual administrative and licensing fees.

Is there a sibling discount?

No sibling discount is offered at this time.

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

UHS offers one week credit to UHS employee families, contact center for specific details of benefit.

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

Bright Horizons will hold a space for up to one month. After one month, you must enroll your child, or the space will be offered to another family on the waitlist.

When is tuition billed and collected?

Tuition will be billed and collected monthly. 

How is tuition paid?

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

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

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

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.

What is NAEYC accreditation?

Bright Horizons will follow the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) recommendations for staff-to-student ratios at the facility and also plans to pursue NAEYC accreditation for the center. 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 relationship between Bright Horizons and The Partnership for a Healthier America?

Click here to read more information about this relationship.