My son, currently 18 months old, has been enrolled at Brighter Babies full time (5 days per week) since he was 14 weeks old. I definitely recommend Brighter Babies if you are considering a daycare setting for your little one. Overall, my husband and I have been pleased with the care and attention our son has received. The teachers and staff are sweet and caring and obviously care deeply about the children and their development.
SIZE: The center is small (only 5 classrooms) so I know most of the teachers, staff, and even parents at least by sight, which I love. It seems that all the teachers (even ones my son has not yet had) know my son by name and have a smile and greeting for him.
TEACHERS: We did experience quite a bit of teacher turnover in one of the rooms, but it seems to have stabilized, and we have been happy with the quality of the teachers overall. I know of many parents who also use the teachers as babysitters.
FOOD: The school provides lunch and snacks for the older kids (by older I mean not the little babies, probably around 1 year of age or so). Although my son does not receive school lunch because of food allergies, the menu sounds delicious and healthy. (On that note, they take allergies very seriously, and keep an allergy list which I believe is in each room).
DIRECTORS: Ilana, Natasha, and Sabina (the directors and assistant director, respectively), are very attentive and responsive and wonderful with the kids. I have always received prompt responses to emails (even after business hours) and they take complaints and suggestions seriously.
ACTIVITIES: One of the best things is that the kids take a walk outside and play at the local parks/playgrounds nearly every day (when the weather cooperates). They also do a lot of arts and crafts, painting, etc. in the classroom (even the infants!) There are music teachers (I believe 3 separate ones) who come into the center each week, as well as a yoga teacher. (When we ask our son to show us his yoga, he immediately goes into down dog...adorable!) We often get photos (and sometimes video) during the day. There is an open-door policy, and the school encourages you to call (or drop in) and check on your child if you wish.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS: The school does close for 4 full weeks per year and every holiday and closes early the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. It would be more convenient if it were closed less, but they do give out a schedule before the beginning of the year so there is plenty of advance notice. We've been able to work it out with the help of friends and family (although we have no family in the area, they are always willing to come in and help out!)
ILLNESS: My son often has a runny nose/cold (he got sick after his first week there), but it was nothing surprising. The school's sick-policy is very clear, and although it is sometimes inconvenient to stay home with a sick child, it is understandable why sick children are not allowed to be at school.
COST: The school cost is on par with other daycare centers we visited in Brooklyn and Manhattan. They have more teachers that the city-required ratio (except at drop-off and pick up, due to teacher schedules and arrival times).
MISCELLANEOUS: You bring your own crib sheet, blanket, extra clothes, diapers, diaper cream, wipes, sunscreen, etc.
CONCLUSION: Overall, my husband and I have been thrilled with Brighter Babies. My son absolutely loves it there (most days he barely says goodbye to me, because he's too busy playing), and we've been pleased with his development. I whole-heartedly recommend you check out Brighter Babies if your little one is going to be in a daycare setting! read more