This facility is clean and well-run. My son was safe there. BUT, Bright Horizons in general is…read moreextremely process-oriented and the teachers spend more time on paperwork (and are more concerned with that) than they do with the kids.
Also, since the facility is rented from a school, it is somewhat cold when compared to other daycares/pre-schools. So, after 5 months at BH, I moved my son to Creative Beginnings in San Jose. We both LOVE it. The biggest differences:
* More seasoned teachers (with no turnover) - BH has lots of turn over
* Friendlier, more colorful, homey environment (more rooms/areas to explore - I think this promotes independence/confidence) - at BH they are in one room all day
* MUCH nicer outdoor facility with more amenities (more bikes, more variety of play structures, more variety of activities they can do - they can paint and read too) At BH, they have to be led by a rope to the outside, the water fountain and bathrooms are outside the gates, and the activities are limited.
* Good age mix - the day is spent mixed with all kids and then breaking out into smaller age ranges in classes (at BH, age ranges are too large, so young 2 year olds are mixed with older 3 year olds to the detriment of both - and there's no opportunity to learn how to be kind to/help little kids or learn from older kids)
* More active learning (BH focuses primarily on passive learning, CB has a lot of physical learning activities). This is a huge difference. Also, gym and music classes are included in the fee and ALL kids participate, you don't get pulled out of your class to do it.
And, interestingly, there was always somebody crying at BH for some reason or another, and a lot of hitting/biting and acting out going on. I think they are too big, too process-oriented, and too structured, and kids this age benefit more from an environment that transitions them more gently to school. Importantly for me, I also think the facility doesn't foster independence (for example, the kids can't get water or go to the bathroom on their own while playing outside! - crazy)
Bright Horizons is good for passive kids with parents who find reassurance through paperwork; Creative Beginnings, on the other hand, focuses on the children and is a more nurturing environment.
And last but not least, if academics are a concern, my son is 4 and already knows how to read, thanks to the work at CB. They offer it all.
