Our kids have been attending this preschool for the past 3 years, and we've had such a great experience. The teachers are caring, attentive, and truly invested in each child's growth. We love the family-oriented, co-op community--it really makes you feel connected and involved. It's been a wonderful environment for our kids to learn, grow, and build confidence. Highly recommend to any families looking for a supportive and engaging preschool! read more

We toured a ton of preschools in Folsom before landing here, and I'm really glad we did. The whole approach feels super intentional.... play-based, thoughtfully set up, and rooted in a strong understanding of child development. They definitely prioritize play, and you can see how kids are building resilience, self-advocacy, independence, and creativity, all while developing their fine and gross motor skills. I'd recommend starting with the parent-child class. It's such a fun, gentle way to ease kids into the program and also connect with other families. Highly recommend! read more

We've had a wonderful experience at Bright Beginnings Co-op! My son attended the Toddler Transition program and will be continuing into Preschool. The teachers are caring and create a warm, welcoming environment for the children. One of the best parts of the co-op is the sense of community--not only do the kids make friends, but the families do too. We're so happy to be part of it! read more

We couldn't be happier with our experience at Bright Beginnings! My daughter started in the Toddler Transition program at 2.5, and the growth we've seen in her is incredible. She has blossomed in confidence and has already built what I know will be lasting friendships. What truly sets this school apart is the community; from the moment you walk in, everyone is so welcoming. The teachers are absolute gems who clearly love what they do. We are so excited for her to continue her journey in the preschool program next year. If you're looking for a nurturing, kind, and high-quality environment for your little one, this is it! read more

I am so happy that I chose Bright Beginnings as my son's preschool. The play-based approach, the amazing staff, and the fact that it's a co-op allowing parent/grandparent participation are just a few of the reasons why I chose this school and why I ended up loving it so much for my son. The school is a 20 minute drive from my house, and while there are a lot of closer options I could have chosen, the values and environment that Bright Beginnings fosters just can't be found at any other area schools. I recommend Bright Beginnings to anyone looking for a first school for their young children! read more

I love that play based. Learning. Great staff teachers. My kid has grown so much in class. read more

Bright Beginnings Preschool - My son building community. - Preschools Near Me - Folsom, California

We have had a amazing experience with Bright Beginning . The teachers are exceptional, the families become part of your family. The family participation in the program has been wonderful to experience. There is a wide variety of different classes your child can participate in, enrichment programs, summer camps, lending library, play on playground time, art classes, ect. We can't say enough wonderful things about Bright Beginnings, by far it's been on of the best preschool we have been to. read more

As a child life specialist, I was a bit picky when searching for the right preschool for my child. I knew I wanted to find a school that was truly play based, child centered, and valued what really matters at this age - socio-emotional skills, building relationships, meeting children where they are at developmentally, and challenging them just enough so they can continue to grow. When I found Bright Beginnings, I knew we had found the best place for me daughter! This school is a very special place! The teachers truly care about each of the children. The familial feel of the co-op has given me friendships that will continue on well beyond our preschool years. Parent education is a big part of this program and it has helped me to grow and be a better parent to my child. And above all else, Bright Beginnings has provided us a routine routine and sense of normalization during the pandemic, for which I will be forever grateful. We love our preschool! read more

This play-based preschool has been amazing for my son's development. I've seen his creativity, communication, and social skills blossom. He loves school and wants every day to be a school day. I've also enjoyed connecting with the other families who support the co-op. It's an amazing community. I just wish they had more classes for school-age children so we could stay here longer! read more

Amazing. The best preschool I have ever sent my children to. I knew that there were many choices living in Folsom, but Bright Beginnings was a more-than-pleasant surprise. It's an intimate, loving place that has an incredible group of teachers and involved parents. I also really like that it's a not-for-profit place, where parents serve on its board, not just people watching the bottom line. And being this way also keeps tuition very affordable. Bright Beginnings also helps me feel more of a sense of community, too. Moving to Folsom was a bit intimidating with many newcomers and also long-term residents. Bright Beginnings has been the first place that I feel like I truly BELONG with people. Friendly, mellow types who really want the best for their little ones. I'll say it again, amazing. Just amazing. read more

We chose Bright Beginnings because of its play-based, child-empowering philosophies, and my four-year-old son is really happy here! Children in the Butterfly class (8:45-11:45 MWF) spend 2/3 of their school day doing free-play. This allows kids lots of practice with social skills, and time to delve into projects at their own pace; watching this cool process is a benefit of being a parent-volunteer. New art, sensory, imaginative play, gross-motor, and science areas are changed daily or weekly, and cater to the interests of the children. There are so many awesome activities offered! I also highly recommend the parent/toddler class. Similar to the other preschool classes, activities are offered with great intention, and care is taken not to overwhelm the kids with stimulation (i.e. fewer toys are offered to allow kids to focus and interact more with each other). Check out this school! read more

This is the best preschool in Folsom. My son learned so much from their style of play-based learning and we met many families in Folsom that are some of our best friends today. Tremendous community and wonderful experience. read more

I was referred to Bright Beginnings through a neighbor. We are new to the area and found great families to connect with and was happy to give my child more experiences with kids her age. BB's play-based approach is just what I was looking for. The teachers are amazing, supportive,communicative, and collaborative in their approach with children. We have had a great experience in multiple classes and have seen our child grow in so many ways. I would definitely recommend Bright Beginnings to anyone new to the area as the community is really great and supportive. Lots of opportunity for parent involvement as well! read more

Bright beginnings preschool has been an amazing school for our family. They are one of the few true play based programs in the area. They focus on the child as whole and meet the child where they are developmentally. The teachers and director are experienced educators who constantly share their knowledge, either directly with the parents or through the parent education aspect of the preschool. One of the most unique and special aspects of the school isn't the amazing open ended playground but the fact that it's a co-op. A co-op where families come together and work hand in hand with the faculty to strive to make an environment where children can thrive and just be kids. read more

I was referred to Bright Beginnings Folsom Co-op and Preschool by a friend. My daughter and I started out in the Parent Toddler class in 2019. I observed how the teachers and preschool director interacted with the children, and how the children responded, and was (and still am) truly amazed. Bright Beginnings' play-based, whole-child approach places children first and recognizes the value of play. The teachers and preschool director are experienced and are so fabulous with the children, putting the children's best interests at the forefront of every decision. I also love how our school's culture helps build meaningful relationships, and provides family support. Just like my children, I am constantly learning and growing from my time spent volunteering in the classroom and participating in parent coaching sessions. Thank you Bright Beginnings for all that you do and what you represent! read more

We have attended Bright Beginnings continuously since 2006 and have just enrolled our third child there. It sounds like the previous reviewer's personal philosophy was not in line with that of the preschool's and that they attended the school during a transition from one director to another. That being said, I think she either misunderstood or misrepresented some aspects of the school. Bright Beginnings is a child centered, developmentally appropriate preschool. It is also a parent co-operative. Each class is facilitated by 2 preschool teachers and 4 parent volunteers. The day starts with a welcome circle where the options for the day are explained to the children, there is sharing, stories and music. The children are able to choose where they would like to go next- one of the art stations, snack making, outside, etc. There are many activities available that are set out by the teachers with particular learning objectives in mind. We believe that children should be free to explore their environment, learn from choices and experiences with adult supervision and intervention when needed. It is true that we do not formally teach phonics, writing, or reading. There are opportunities for learning in each of those areas and there can be more adult guidance in those areas if a child shows interest. A child does not need to have formal education in those areas in preschool in order to be successful in Kindergarten. Children are exposed to many pre-academic experiences. What I think sets Bright Beginnings apart is the focus on social and emotional development, independence, problem solving and decision making skills. Those are things that can only be learned through experience and the opportunity to make choices. Another thing I love about Bright Beginnings is the opportunity to be involved in my child's education in the classroom. I have learned new parenting skills and approaches to problems by working with the teachers and other families. I value the parent education at the monthly meetings. As for the bathroom policy, it has changed throughout the years we have been at Bright Beginnings. The most recent policy, and the one which will be permanent, is that only teachers take children to the bathroom. This is per state licensing regulations and will not be changing. Children do not need to enter Kindergarten already knowing everything they are going to be teaching in Kindergarten. My children were more than prepared for Kindergarten and have been very successful in school. Entering Kindergarten as a reader is not going to give your child a leg up- kids will lean at their own pace. Childhood is short. Let them enjoy it. read more

I found Bright Beginnings doing some research for a co-op preschool after watching family members thrive in this learning environment. We began with a parent-toddler class that encouraged exploration and stimulation of is senses. Being a very hands on parent and believing I need to help "teach" my son, I was not sure how he (or I) would embrace this style of learning. After his first few weeks and just observing his learning and playing we began to notice an independence blossom and his desire to explore grow. In addition to his own learning I witnessed his association with other kids and how to deal with situations and conflicts that arise in preschool. I am very happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised at the experience that our son continued to receive and we enrolled him in one of the preschool classes. Being a coop, I now help in his classroom occasionally and also participate in some of the other community preschool events. My motivation to share our experience is my son. He continues to have an amazing time learning every day while be nurtured for his developmental stage. I also am motivated because of my own reservations being overcome by the proof of our son's growth, after all it is about how he enjoys learning and interacting with others rather than what my views are of where he should be at 2 1/2. Coming from a different learning environment growing up I am very pleased that I found this school and am proud to be a part of my son's development. read more

Bright Beginnings is an amazing play-based cooperative preschool with an unmatched team (director, teachers, board) that go above and beyond to ensure that children and their families feel well-supported and equipped with the tools necessary for successful early childhood education and wellbeing. Bright Beginnings fosters a broad range of skills in children-- from social skills to gross and fine motor skills as well as setting foundations for academic learning. The unique ability for parents to work in the classroom allowed me to see how the teachers carefully observed the children in order to discover their interests and passions, and would then create relevant learning opportunities. Working in the classroom and attending parent education events empowered me with effective strategies to utilize as a parent in my own home, something for which I am very grateful. Beyond the preschool itself, Bright Beginnings is a wonderful, welcoming community. We are so thankful to have been able to take advantage of Bright Beginnings preschool program as well as its Play On outdoor nature class, and highly recommend it for other families who value a play-based program where kids are encouraged to learn through play! read more

Highly recommend the Toddler Transition program for 2 year olds. Teacher Kathy is a true angel, and will bless your children with the best experience. It's a small environment, where toddlers feel safe to grow and learn at their own pace. Wonderful school! read more

We love the parent-child class at Bright Beginnings. Our son has grown so much since attending this school; he is becoming more confident and really enjoys playing with the other kids in the class. The staff is so supportive and explains a lot of the "why" behind the things we do, which I find really helpful. The community of parents at the school is amazing. I can't recommend the school enough. read more

My family absolutely adores Bright Beginnings Preschool. My child started in the parent/toddler classroom. There is a focus, even at such a young age, to foster independence and a love for learning through play. I was very happy to be able to get to participate with my child once and week and share in the learning. We have since moved on to one of the preschool classes and I couldn't be more pleased. Because it is a co-op I get to participate in my child's classroom still and I get to watch him grow and blossom. My child is learning how to play with his peers, his independence is being fostered and his interests are noted on a daily basis. The teachers and staff pay attention to each individual child and tailor the classes and the classrooms to fit the needs of the group that they have at that time. The teachers and staff are warm with the children, but they help the kids learn to move through the environment on their own. There is a strong sense of allowing the kids to learn through play - both independent and cooperative. The teachers and parents in the classroom use language that helps the children find solutions to problems on their own. They strive to teach a sense of self-awareness and ability and self-advocacy. All of this is done through play. It is so wonderful. read more

After moving to Folsom, I began searching for an early preschool program for my son who was only 3. I am currently a stay at home mom so I was looking for something that I could participate in that would provide my son with some much needed social skills. I was looking for something that was child focused allowing the children to explore and learn how to communicate their wants and needs independently. I toured preschools for 3 weeks. It was exhausting.... I discovered many preschools that were more dedicated to daycare and many that were too structured. To ask a 3 year old to sit at a table for 20 minutes to practice writing (scribbling) is a ridiculous request. As I was preparing to pull my hair out, I stumbled upon Bright Beginnings and Spoke with Shawn. At my initial visit, I fell in love with the knowledge and insight that Shawn has for age appropriate education. After touring the class and discussing Bright Beginning Philosophies, I knew that this was the best fit for my child. I have to admit, the first few months I had my doubts because I didn't necessarily agree with all the philosophies. But I stuck with it and talked with Shawn and the teachers about my lack of knowledge for the reasoning and really came to understand why each policy is in place. The teachers are AMAZING and really come to know each child for who they are and what they are capable of. There could not be a better choice for preschool. read more

We LOVE Bright Beginnings. The learn to play philosophy is what initially intrigued us, and the teachers and community is what sold us! Our daughter absolutely loves her preschool and is always so excited to be there. We're so grateful to have found it! read more

My daughter is a student at Bright Beginnings preschool currently and we absolutely love it! Ms. Holly has been a blessing to our daughter and our family. She is amazing at communicating with parents about the challenges and accomplishments of their child. She uses innovative and playful ways to engage and provoke the students to grow and develop. The play based philosophy allows students like my timid, sometimes careful daughter to gradually expand their skills in a way that is comfortable and safe. The co-op aspect of the school not only allows us to be involved in the educational philosophy through parent education and classroom involvement, but it also allows us to engage with the other parents. I have made several wondeful friends that I likely would never have met otherwise! If you are looking for a preschool in Folsom, check out Bright Beginnings! It is a special place! read more

This preschool is a gem. My older daughter went to 2 different preschools because we weren't living in the Folsom area at the time. My younger daughter is attending Bright Beginnings and is just blossoming. I really wish my older daughter had the opportunity to attend this preschool. The play-based education that my younger daughter is getting here is amazing. She is encouraged to dig deeper into her imagination, to experiment, to work with her peers and to resolve her conflicts in a positive way. The teachers always keep me up to date as to what new thing she's done...from organizing an art show for her classmates to building huge forts with her friends. At home this has translated into a kid who isn't afraid to try new things, figures out many ways to reach her goals and is very interested in "helping" her older sister (now in first grade) with her reading and math homework. Having the opportunity to be in the classroom with her a couple of times a month has been great for me as a parent. I know the other kids in her class so when she wants to talk about school, I can relate to her experiences. Working with the teachers and the other parents I have picked up several new strategies to add to my parenting bag of tricks. I have also had the opportunity to learn more about how small children learn most effectively. Bright Beginnings is really just that; a bright beginning for my daughter and her school career. read more

My 3 year old daughter has been attending Bright Beginnings for 4 months now and she absolutely loves it. The teachers are brilliant and she talks about them at home all the time. She has already learnt new skills there and I can tell she enjoys going. She seems to be thriving from the leaning through play curriculum, which is a great fit for her. She is leaning through experience and interaction rather than through memorizing what she is being told through flash cards etc. The teachers give weekly updates on what is going on in the classroom and as a parent co-op school, the parents can really get involved with what their child is doing. I highly recommend Bright Beginnings, Shawn the director really knows what she is talking about and you can tell they have the children's best interest in growth and development. read more

I would recommend this preschool to a parent of a 2 year old only. I believe it's a nice, low-pressure, low-expectation place for a child to stick their toe in the water as it were as far as getting their very first exp. in a type of school setting. It will give them a sense of being part of a group--and having a teacher...but, that's about where it ends for me. As far as 3-4 year olds are concerned, I would def. say steer clear. I have very little confidence that this preschool would prepare them in any way to the level of expectations a kindergarten setting would have. As far as parent involvement--I was not crazy about not being assigned to a particular activity center or having the centers even explained to me before hand. I also get the whole--free choice type of approach--but, I find this is not at all helpful for my child as he would freely choose to avoid the very activity centers that would benefit him the most as they were the most challenging for him. Well, as far as B.B. goes, they are A-Ok with that...but, I'm not! If your child is 3 and potty trained, I would def. suggest the Adult Education Coop Preschool program that the FCUSD offers--the prices are lower and it's much more academic, structured and expectations are clear. read more

After experiencing more structured preschool curriculum, I am so happy to have found Bright Beginnings Preschool in Folsom for my 3 year old son. The key to this school is the supportive environment in which the children are able to develop play, social and academic skills at their own pace. The teachers are amazing at setting up the environment and providing the just right challenge for the children to obtain all of the skills you would want them to have for kindergarten. Participating in the classroom is a rewarding and unique experience. I know that I will treasure these years for the rest of my life! I highly recommend Bright Beginnings for preschool! read more

I wanted to like this preschool. I thought the outdoor area was great for kids and my son had attended the parent toddler class. My son was enrolled in the preschool for 5 months before I pulled him out. While the teachers are nice they really need some training and to visit Kindergartens within Folsom. They seem totally clueless as to why the children are there and how to show children learning is fun. Rug time is a joke. No directions are provided to the child. The children talk and are clueless what is going on and the teachers just ignore it and talk over the noisy kids. Teachers spend zero time helping children recognize their name (no attempt at letter recognition or writing their names). This preschool could be the best. With parent participation and resources, they school could be THE preschool in Folsom. Unfortunately, the director and teachers have forgotten what makes a good preschool and how to prepare children. I really wanted to like this school but I was so disappointed. Please check out the school (during school time) before you enroll. Many preschools believe in "learn through play" and execute it 100% better than Bright Beginnings. Look around before you settle on this one. Yes, it's cheaper than most but you get what you pay for. read more

We were at a playground several days ago & both of my daughters were wearing their pink Bright Beginnings tshirts, naturally the mother asked what made me choose Bright Beginnings Preschool & was puzzled that I even take the time to travel to Folsom from Cameron Park! My response: "I taught my oldest daughter the shapes, colors, numbers & some of the alphabets prior to attending preschool because I was a stay at home mother how else could I be spending our days together?! For two years it was me talking to my baby whether we were at the grocery store, or while Im feeding her mashed baby food that I made all about the facts of her world: numbers, dog, airplanes, colors, sounds, you name it. After two years of this I felt exhausted and drained what else can I teach her? I was stuck in this academic rut of some sort no longer fun for me. That's when I realized, anyone, I mean ANYONE can teach basic academics. This is not what my child needs to thrive. I sent her to Bright Beginnings Preschool so that she can learn how to socialize with other children, get muddy/dirty, explore with different types of sensory, frankly to loosen up! Enjoy the natural aspects of being a kid, basically all these fun interactive 'play learning' I had no clue how to replicate at home. It's not easy to thoughtfully create a curriculum around play I realized, because if it were, there would be more play based preschool program around! Play based nurtures the socio-emotional cognitive part of their brains that is not taught by flashcards, sitting still, & doing letters of the day. The children explore all these wonderful emotions through their experiences as they interact with one another out there in the sand digging dirt, building forts, learning to take turns, sharing or not sharing, picking vegetables from the garden that they cook, feeling the drizzle of rain on their smiling faces and little fingers! You name it! Soon enough through these experiences connected & translated my daughter's desire to learn about the rest of her letters so she can start telling stories - stories about her day! Eventually teaching her how to write her name and countless of words via "Handwriting without Tears" all during the first year she attended this Preschool (age 3 and a half). For her to learn how to write her name was a bonus for me it's not something that I was pushing for but it did happen with the help of her wonderful teachers Ms. Nicki, Ms. Jill, Ms. Jessamyn, and our Director Ms. Shawn. I am so grateful for this school and dedicate staff who treat my child as an individual and not just part of the herd. Call me sentimental, at 2am is where I do most of my reflections it's also the only time I have my thoughts to myself! The school year is almost over and I am thinking about how much growth she has gone through in the past two years and I can see she has a certain understated confidence about her that other kids don't have. Yep I am excited for her future, thank you Bright Beginnings for the wonderful environment you have created for my daughter and her remarkable friends! I am ushering in daughter #2 in the fall to experience this magical time. They have a lifetime of learning and only a short time to play...thanks for changing the way I view education and teaching. Proud to be PLAY BASED supporter parent!" read more

Bright Beginnings is Folsom's BEST kept secret! Bright Beginnings is a Parent-Toddler & Preschool program that has been around for 40 years!!! I think one of the biggest pluses is the mixed age groups. So many preschools choose to separate their classes by age (i.e. this is the 2's class, this is the 3's class, etc.). This makes no sense. Peer models are vital at this age- they learn both skills and empathy. At Bright Beginnings the children learn from one another and are encouraged to ask questions, experiment, and discover using a hands-on approach. At BB the children benefit from a balance of both child and teacher-directed activities. We couldn't be happier with the curriculum (a mix of Creative Curriculum, High Scope & Handwriting Without Tears). Educated teachers help guide the children to build the foundational skills needed for more formal academic learning found in the school district. My oldest is now in kindergarten after graduating from BB and has been soaring through kindergarten with ease. My youngest is in her first year in the Morning Glory (TTH) class and asks daily if she can go to school. Our teachers utilize the yard as an outdoor classroom and plan open-ended learning activities on a daily basis. There is an enormous sandbox with a large wooden play house, mud kitchen, play structure and tires. There is also a large garden, bike track, tire swing, water tables and more. New to our program in 2013-2014 is the ability to tailor your participation to meet your family's needs and interests. Maybe you want to work in the classroom or perhaps you prefer to take on a board or committee position, etc. Your tuition is tied to your level of participation. The more you participate, the more money you save. You can also choose a traditional preschool, non-participation option. Because of the parent participation aspect of our program we have a high adult to child ratio which allows our teachers to make detailed observations, which enables the curriculum to be tailored to meet the needs not only of the individual child, but the class as a whole. The teachers are skilled at creating opportunities to promote social interaction and problem-solving. Being a part of a co-op is a unique experience that our family will always treasure. We have made so many wonderful friends here. There is nothing like observing and working with your child in the classroom. I have learned so much from watching the teachers and our Parent Education meetings. WE LOVE BRIGHT BEGINNINGS! read more

Bright Beginnings is a gem. The program includes a parent-toddler class plus different preschool levels. Children are allowed to be children by learning through play -- imagination, creativity, and confidence are fostered. It's located on the campus of Journey Church; however the preschool is independent of the church. read more

I absolutely love Bright Beginnings. It has been a great experience for my child and our family. The school is definitely a great --it is play-based and thriving learning environment for children. It is A co-op--so it is extremely family oriented and everyone takes great care and prose in the school. Also, our school is extremely clean and very well organized!! The staff is amazing and I can't say enough great things about Bright Beginnings!!! read more

Our little guy has been at Bright Beginnings since the fall of 2017, and we're planning to keep him there for 2018-2019. He had a tough time in a very structured preschool the previous year, and he'd started to not like going to school. As a play-based preschool that emphasizes problem-solving, making one's own choices, expressing oneself, and playing, Bright Beginnings has given him the opportunity to learn great life skills in a safe environment that accepts children as they are but also guides and challenges them. I have watched my son and other children learn to better express and deal with their frustrations, to more successfully interact and play with their peers, and to overcome separation anxiety. As a co-op, parents are definitely more involved in the classroom and in helping the school. Personally, I love that we get to be part of the classroom and that there is a sense of community supporting the parents and children and cheering for the children as they continue to build their skills. As a parent I have learned strategies for fostering independence, creativity, and problem-solving at home, and I have also appreciated the insight of the director and teachers as they work to find the best ways to reach my child and the other children. I love the many activities offered to the students every day--both indoors and outdoors. In fact, the preschool has a great outdoor play area with a mud kitchen, huge sandbox, gravel pit, art table, swinging rope, play structure, and more. The indoor play area always provides numerous opportunities for building, creating, and pretending. With a variety of toys rotated both inside and outside to inspire their imaginations, there is always something new to do. read more

So so glad my husband and I decided to send our kids to Bright Beginnings. My son went for 3 years and my daughter currently attends. Love the staff and sense of of community. Seriously, this preschool was a game changer for our family! read more

Bright Beginnings is a wonderful environment that nurtures social and emotional intelligence while providing a strong foundation for academic learning later on. The children are given a true play based educational experience that is both intentional and purposeful. The community is extremely supportive, my family has developed many meaningful relationships during our time here. I highly recommend checking it out. read more

Love Ms. Phylis and the Parent/Toddler class. My little guy loved it and grew so much!

I can't say enough about Bright Beginnings Preschool. The care, nurturing of self agency and enthusiasm for learning is exceptional. As a grandparent of a grandson that attends Bright Beginnings, I have watched his love for learning and exploration flourish! He has developed age -appropriate critical thinking skills and enjoys finding his own solutions to problems and is very proud when he does! Best of all, he is very HAPPY at Bright Beginnings. He loves school, his classmates, his teachers and sharing his school day with his Nana! Bright Beginnings is definitely 5 Stars! read more

This is a great preschool! We switched from a Montessori, which we felt was too strict and made our son feel afraid of failing to this school. It is a very positive environment where the children have so much fun. It is play based so there is less structure, but to me it seems what preschool should be about- learning to socially interact with others and follow instructions from loving teachers. The teachers are great here! In response to the review about the bathroom situation, I'm not sure how it was before, but only the teachers are allowed to take kids to the bathroom. read more

As a mother of 3 children, all of whom have gone to different preschools, I look back and wish that they all could have had the benefit of a play-based education at Bright Beginnings. Before Bright Beginnings was recommended to me by a couple of families, I didn't really understand what play-based learning meant. But I knew these families. Their school-aged (Kinder and 1st grade) children that had gone through BB were happy, confident, well-spoken, and academically successful. So I decided to give it a try and here is what I learned: A play-based curriculum allows for as many different growth opportunities as you have children and days. Students are allowed to make choices about what they do, but the available choices are carefully planned to develop skills. As a parent that works frequently in the classroom, I have seen what children can do when given the time and resources to do it. I have seen amazing problem solving and collaborative efforts. A year ago, my son's language development was lacking. There isn't much need to take a leadership role when you have two older sisters. Now he can very eloquently assert himself in any situation. Having worked in the classroom, I know that it is Bright Beginnings where he learned that skill. My older children at other preschools? They learned to stick apple stickers on papers with the letter "A" on it at the same age. I thought it was really cute at the time. Now, after seeing what a huge difference Bright Beginnings makes to all of the children there, I just find the apple sticker activity sad. read more