Find an Answer to Your Question

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 also conducted. For all location employees, program licensing background checks required by the state are also performed.

Are all staff trained in CPR and First Aid?

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 care possible at our center.

What is the relationship between Bright Horizons and The Partnership for a Healthier America?

For more information about this relationship, click here.

Can I visit my child at the center anytime I’d like to?

Yes, Bright Horizons has an open door policy.  You are encouraged to visit your child anytime.

What if I’d like to enroll but the center doesn’t have space available?

We suggest you register with Bright Horizons.  You can select up to 3 locations to be registered at, including the center you are most interested in.  By registering, you are confirming your strong interest in all 3 centers.  We will add you to our wait list and you will be offered a space as soon as one becomes available.  While waiting for a space to become available at your first choice location, many families will choose to enroll at their 2^nd or 3^rd choice temporarily until space becomes available at the center they are most interested in.  In many centers, a child currently enrolled at a Bright Horizons location has priority over the general community so enrolling at another location will not only solve your care needs but will also give you additional priority in getting into your 1st preference.  Our goal is to accommodate families as soon as space allows.  During the entire process, we will keep in touch with you regarding your status.

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.

Where is the center located?

The center is located at 8328 Highway 242 Conroe, TX 77385

Where can I learn more about other Bright Horizons locations?

To find other locations, please visit www.brighthorizons.com/locator.

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 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. 

What is The World At Their Fingertips?

Bright Horizons curriculum, The World at Their Fingertips, is our unique curriculum designed to engage children in active learning that prepares them for school while helping them achieve their individual potential and fostering a spirit of community. It includes curriculum elements such as Language Works, Math Counts, Science Rocks, ArtSmart, Our World and Well Aware that cross all age groups. For more on information on our curriculum, click here.

Who is eligible to enroll in the center?

All employees and employees' legal dependents are eligible to enroll in the child care center.  If an employee is PT or PRN they must sign up for full-time enrollment.

What ages does the center serve?

The center has a capacity for 108 children and serves children ages six weeks through 5 years.  

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 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 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 each child's individual needs, and the formulation of consistent caregiving routines based on the teachers' knowledge of the individual children. These teacher-to-child ratios also support enhanced development, particularly language development.

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.

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. 
 

Is food included in the tuition?

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

Is there a sibling discount?

No sibling discount is offered at this time.

What are other fees required?

In addition to the tuition, you will be required to pay the following: 
•    Registration Fee: A non-refundable registration fee of $150 is due upon registration.  After the enrollment interest period ends, families will be contacted by a Bright Horizons representative to discuss enrollment or waitlist 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.

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

No, the center does not offer vacation credits.  

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

Bright Horizons will hold space for up to six weeks as long as tuition is paid monthly during that period.  After the six-week period, you must enroll your child, or the space will be offered to another family on the waitlist.

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.

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 an emergency. 

Access to the center:
•    The center entrance will be locked and require badge access at all times.  Families are not allowed to share security 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.
•    We require notice in writing 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 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 conjunction with center communications that are sent by email or through My Bright Day, Bright Horizons activates its "Ready to Respond" in the event of an emergency. Parents can call the Ready to Respond line (1-800-420-1970) to find out the status of a center lockdown or evacuation if unable to reach the center directly.

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
•    When visiting your child's classroom, please ensure that purses, briefcases, or backpacks are not left within reach of children.

  Weapons Policy:
•    Firearms, explosive devices, and other weapons are not permitted on Bright Horizons premises, regardless of any valid permit to carry such weapons.

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.

What are the hours of operation?

The center is open Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.  It will remain open year-round and follow the Houston Methodist Child Care Center at The Woodlands holiday schedule. 

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.

If Houston Methodist no longer employs me, what is the last day that my child can use the center?

If you terminate your position with Houston Methodist, child care benefits end the last day of work. If you decide to remove your child/ren from child care, a 30-day notice is required.  If Houston Methodist terminates you, child care benefits end the last day of your employment, a refund for any unused tuition will be issued.  Any outstanding balances must be paid at that time. 

How do I enroll my child?

Bright Horizons will launch the enrollment process on August 30, 2021. If you are interested in enrolling your child, you will need to pay registration via the Family Information Center no later than September 30, 2021.  More information about the enrollment process will be available during the virtual Family Information Session meetings scheduled for August 11, 2021, at 7:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. 

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

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. 

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.