It is clear that this daycare is one of the better managed centers in the Bay Area. The leadership…read moreand teachers put a lot of effort into running and managing this Bright Horizons location. Our coworkers/friends also recommended this daycare to us. Both of their kids attend this Bright Horizons.
Overall, we have been impressed by how much thought goes into the day-to-day operation of this center.
TEACHERS AND CAREGIVERS
The teachers are warm, positive, communicative, and skilled. They frequently share tips about early childhood education (ECE), age-appropriate development, safety, and best practices.
For example, they communicate about sleep safety (such as no hooded jackets), outdoor safety, sun protection, and avoiding strings on clothing for infants. The office has also shared current research and bestselling books on ECE with parents.
LEADERSHIP
I especially value how communicative and responsive this daycare is.
Ms. Sue, the Center Director, in particular, is kind and thorough and is always ready to answer parents' questions, address concerns, and respond to emails. She keeps her office open as much as possible and makes herself accessible to parents.
She is a capable leader who always seems aware of the ins and outs of the school. Her leadership gives parents a lot of confidence and reassurance about leaving their kids in someone else's care while they are busy at work.
She was also patient and thorough during our initial tour, even before our baby was born. She took the time to address ALL of our concerns.
COMMUNICATIONS
The teachers frequently update classroom boards, artwork displays, flyers, and newsletters. They also keep the Bright Day app updated (love it) with photos and activities, giving parents a glimpse into what their children are doing throughout the day. We really appreciate that.
INDIVIDUAL NEEDS
Parents can leave daily notes about sleeping, feeding, diapering/bathroom needs, and other individual needs. The teachers are pretty good about reading through the notes while also paying attention to each child's sleep cues, hunger cues, and daily rhythms.
The entire school is nut-free, which is a Bright Horizons policy. They also try their best to support children with allergies. I don't have personal experience with allergy accommodations, but I have heard good things from friends and other parents.
ACTIVITIES
The school offers a variety of activities (signature Bright Horizons curriculum and activities), including Water Day, Spirit Day, parent events, and science fairs for the older kids.
I am especially impressed that they find ways to involve infants and babies in classroom and school-wide activities rather than treating them as too young to participate.
The infant program can participate in Water Day through lighter sensory activities. There's daily outdoor time for kids of all ages, babies included. The babies also make art through play and cleverly designed, age-appropriate activities. One example was putting a piece of art paper inside a takeout-style container with a colored ball and letting the babies roll the ball around to create their own artwork.
It was an incredible feeling to bring home your child's photos and artworks, at such a young age.
CURRICULUM and ENVIRONMENT
The classrooms and curriculum incorporate some light Montessori elements--nice wooden furniture, Montessori-inspired toys, and developmentally appropriate materials--as well as some Waldorf-like elements, such as art-making, storytelling, singing, and plenty of caregiver interaction. For us, the approach feels practical, streamlined, and well adapted to a city/suburban setting. The program does a great job meeting the needs of modern childcare, particularly for working professionals and busy families.
OTHER COMMENTS, FACILITY, SAFETY & LOCATION
The staff and student population is diverse and welcoming. It's a safe, warm environment for everyone. The center is close to the highway, but outdoor air quality is monitored. I love that the air-quality monitor is actually visible at the front desk. It is also close to the police station. While the center building may be slightly dated, it is well maintained, neat, and cared for. The classrooms have newer, up-to-date, developmentally appropriate toys and materials. While BH can be expensive, we feel it is worth while to save and pay for this level of quality care and surround our child with people who really care. While BH can be expensive, we feel it is worthwhile to save and pay for this level of quality care and surround our child with people who really care.