Find an Answer to Your Question

May I bring my child if sick?

If a child is mildly ill they should stay home to rest; if they are excluded from school they may not attend Bright Horizons. Please refer to our illness policy if you are unsure.

What exactly is back-up care child care?

Your employer partners with Bright Horizons to provide care for your child when your typical care falls through. We currently accept children ages 6 weeks up to their 13th birthday.   

What if I am running late?

Please call the center to let them know.  Every effort should be made to arrive prior to closing.   

What will my infant need for care?

For infants, you’ll need enough bottles/food to cover your child’s typical feeding schedule, we suggest bringing one extra should your child need more. A few changes of clothes to keep your child comfortable. You may, also, bring a labeled comfort item to help your child have a successful day.   

When can I make reservations?

Bright Horizons now takes back-up requests 90 days in advance. 

Will I be guaranteed the center I want?

Not necessarily, you will need to check your confirmation for the center name.  Also, you can choose your preferred center and eliminate any you do not want.   

Will my child be able to attend without paperwork?

All children must have a current medical on file. Allergy forms must be accompanied by a current pharmacy labeled medication. Medication must match what is written on the child’s medical forms. If there is other paperwork that is missing, you may fill it out at the center upon arrival.  

Will my infant’s bottles be warmed?

Yes-we utilize a pediatric approved bottle warmer to warm bottles.  

Will you provide lunch?

Your child will be provided two snacks per day. Families provide a nut free, non-perishable lunch that does not need to be warmed. Parents can also choose to take their children out to lunch if it is convenient.

What do I need to bring our first day?

For licensing purposes, we must have all proper paperwork filled out.  For you convenience you can find the paperwork on our website and you can upload the completed paperwork to insure a smooth transition on day one.  Parents are responsible for all meals that the children will require for the day. They should pack a nut-safe lunch that is ready to eat. Changes of clothes are suggested for the younger classrooms just in case an art activity gets messy or for the chance of a toileting accident. If your child is in need of a comfort item, bringing one of those is also suggested for a smooth transition. 

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

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. 

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.