Are Bright & Early centers licensed?
Yes. Bright & Early centers are all licensed by The State of Connecticut’s Office of Early Childhood. Each center is inspected regularly by its local Health Department, local Fire Department, and the CT Office of Early Childhood. Our Middletown location is also NAEYC Accredited.
What are the hours of operations?
We are open Monday-Friday, 6:30 am-6:00 pm, 52 weeks per year.
Does the center close for holidays?
We have scheduled closings on a number of holidays to allow our staff to celebrate with their families:
- New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (for Staff Professional Development)
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Columbus Day (for Staff Professional Development)
- Thanksgiving Day & Friday after
- Christmas Eve Day – closed when it falls on a weekday
- Christmas Day
If the holiday falls on a weekend, the observed weekday(s) will be posted.
Do children celebrate holidays in the curriculum?
We celebrate any and all holidays as they relate to the family traditions of the children in our classrooms, but we don’t discuss, teach, or celebrate the religious aspects of any holidays.
Does Bright & Early have weather-related closings?
We close for inclement weather when absolutely necessary, but we remain open whenever possible, as we understand that the community relies on our services. Please see our Weather-Related & Scheduled Closings page for more information.
What happens if my child isn’t feeling well?
Children who have contagious symptoms may not attend the center in order to keep all children and staff at B&E healthy. Should they fall ill at the center, they are comfortably isolated with a staff member until a parent can pick them up.
Does the center administer medication?
Yes, B&E will administer both non-prescription and prescription medications as per our Parent Manual.
What is the communication method with families regarding their child’s day?
Families receive information through the Tadpoles App with daily reports detailing their child’s activities such as feedings, meals, snacks, diaper changing, bathroom visits, and curriculum activities.
How many children and teachers are in each class?
In our Infant and Toddler classrooms, we have two teachers and up to eight children. In our Preschool classrooms we have one teacher and up to ten children, or, if the classroom is larger, we have two teachers and up to 20 children.
What is your policy regarding discipline?
We believe in positive behavior support and clear, age-appropriate guidelines. Please see our Child Self-Development page for more details.
Are children toilet trained at Bright & Early?
Yes, beginning in our Toddler program for some and in our Preschool program for others. This decision is made in conjunction with the child’s parents. Diapers are phased out as children grow comfortable and confident using the toilet.
Do the children play outside every day?
Yes, unless the weather prevents safe outdoor play. It’s important for children to play outside in the fresh air and sunshine. When needed because of inclement weather, children play in our indoor gyms.
Do the children nap?
Yes. Infants nap when they need to, depending on their individual needs. Young toddlers, toddlers and preschoolers follow an age appropriate once-daily nap schedule.
Are there formal parent/teacher conferences?
Yes, twice annually. Teachers meet with parents to discuss the development and progress of their children. Developmental Assessments are reviewed together at these meetings.
What is the background check process for your staff?
The State of Connecticut reviews fingerprints and performs a criminal background check on each of our staff. Applicants also must provide references, which we always check. Learn more about our hiring process on our Teachers page.
What makes an applicant qualified for a staff position at Bright & Early?
We prefer for our teachers, especially preschool teachers, to hold four-year degrees in Early Childhood Education. Some teachers have degrees in other related fields and/or impressive experience in the field of early care and education. Once a member of the B&E team, teachers are required to have and maintain Pediatric First Aid & CPR certifications and attend regular continuing education activities and sessions. Learn more on our Join the Team page.
How long do teachers stay with Bright & Early?
We have teachers who have been with us for over 20 years. Generally, teachers stay with us for a long time, often over a decade, as we provide pay, benefits, and an environment that cannot be rivaled elsewhere in early care and education.
How do families provide payment?
Families use ACH: direct withdrawal, automatic payments. Over the years we have found this to be most convenient for all parties involved.
Are there child care assistance/subsidy programs available at B&E?
B&E participates in the following programs for approved families:
- Care4Kids Program
- Military
- DCF
- Bright Horizons Back Up Care
- Middletown School Readiness Program (MSRP)
Learn more on our Subsidized Child Care page.