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Top Questions

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 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.

When can I take a tour of the center?

Tours are given each Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. There is a limit of four families per group.

We ask that you contact us to schedule a tour so that we can inform the security guards at the front desk. Please be sure to bring either your driver's license or passport so that you can be issued a visitor's badge.

What is your inclement weather policy?

In the event of inclement weather, please call Innovation Station at 571-272-2880. The recorded message will have the most up-to-date information about center closures and delayed openings.


Disruptions Before the Workday Begins

  • If the USPTO is CLOSED, then Innovation Station is closed.
  • If the USPTO is open under a DELAYED ARRIVAL policy, then Innovation Station will make every effort to open ONE HOUR before USPTO (taking into account road conditions, Metro delays, etc.).
  • If the USPTO is open under an UNSCHEDULED LEAVE policy, then Innovation Station management, in consultation with the USPTO board president, will decide whether to open the center.


    Disruptions After the Workday Begins

  • If the USPTO is closing under an EARLY DISMISSAL policy due to inclement weather, then Innovation Station will call parents to notify them that children must be picked up within one hour of notification.
  • If the USPTO is closing under an EARLY DISMISSAL policy due to administrative leave granted by the Agency, the Secretary of Commerce, or the President, then Innovation Station will close X number of hours earlier than the Center’s regular closing time of 6:00 p.m. For example, if the Under Secretary grants USPTO employees 2 hours of administrative leave on Christmas Eve, then Innovation Station will close at 4:00 p.m.

    • What are your hours of operation?

    Innovation Station is open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The center is closed on federal holidays, and five additional days for staff professional development.

    How can I obtain information about tuition?

    Tuition varies by center, schedule and by individual classroom. To find out more information about tuition, please contact the center directly.

    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.

    Where can I learn more about other Bright Horizons locations?

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

    Is part-time care available?

    USPTO Innovation Station does not offer part-time care.

    How do I get to your center via Metro?

    The U.S. Patent & Trademark Office campus is a short distance from the King Street metro (blue and yellow lines).

    From the King Street Metro:

  • When exiting the King Street metro station, turn right and walk up the hill.
  • You can either walk through the tunnel on your right, which will take you under Duke Street, or you can walk to the corner and cross Duke Street at the crosswalk.
  • Two large stone lions mark the entrance of the Carlyle Campus. We are the last building on the left, next to the building with the glass atrium.
  • After going through security, walk straight ahead through the double doors and turn right.

    • How do I get to your center?

    While street parking is available, it’s usually difficult to find a parking space in the vicinity. The following directions are to the East Parking Garage, where you can park for a fee. The entrance to the center, on your right after entering the garage, is located on the P3 level.


    From the Northern Virginia area:

  • Take I–495 South.
  • Exit on Telegraph Road North.
  • Continue going straight, then bear right to exit onto Duke Street East.
  • Stay in the right lane on Duke Street. Turn right onto Dulany Street.
  • Turn left onto Ballenger Street.
  • Turn right onto John Carlyle Street.
  • Turn right into the East Parking Garage.


    From DC:

  • Take the George Washington Parkway south towards Reagan National Airport.
  • The parkway turns into Washington Street.
  • Turn right on Duke Street.
  • Turn left on John Carlyle Street.
  • Turn right at the stop sign and go into the traffic circle.
  • In the traffic circle, take the second right to continue on John Carlyle Street.
  • Proceed through the stop sign.
  • Turn right into the East Parking Garage.

    • 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.

    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 2nd or 3rd 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.

    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.

    Are meals provided at the center?

    Yes. Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack, served with juice and/or milk, is provided daily and is catered by The Good Food Company.

    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.

    Does Innovation Station offer a summer program?

    Yes! Innovation Station is open year-round and we offer a fun and enriching summer camp experience which includes:

    • Action-packed program that’s both fun and educational
    • Age-appropriate, engaging investigative topics that incorporate children’s interests
    • Virtual field trips & special guests, and daily fitness activities
    • Health, safety, and security policies that meet or exceed local, state, and national standards

    Contact us to learn more. Space is limited and early registration is encouraged!

    Does Bright Horizons offer discounts to military families?

    Tuition assistance for eligible military families is available at participating Bright Horizons’ centers when on-base care is not available. You can find more information and a map of participating centers here. 

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    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!

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