Home-School Connection

OVERALL RATING (4.0)

Conducts an open house at start of school year

Conducts a parent-teacher meeting at start of school year

Conducts regular parent teacher conferences

Provides summary of child’s learning at end of year

Provides guidance on developmental goals for the following year

Provides guidance on best Kindergarten and elementary schools

Teachers do individual child observations and plan curriculum based on child's needs in classroom. Vary activities to accomodate children.

Separation

OVERALL RATING (4.2)

Beginning of the year separation is handled through:
- Pre-entry meetings with parents at school

Director's and Parents' Comments

Director's Comments

School does intake interview to answer questions and address concerns. Parents are encouraged to call at any time.

Parent #1
Bright Horizons does not operate on a 'school year' basis. So the meetings I have had with the teachers and the developmental/progress information I have received was really when my child transitioned from one class to another (for example from a room of 2 - 3 year olds to a preschool room of 3 - 5 year olds) and then during parent teacher conferences. So it is year round and not necessarily at the beginning of any year.

Parent #2
Bright Horizons provides year-round education, and as such, there is not a 'school year,' hence there is not an open-house meeting or the need for any formal 'separation' program. Parents are neither encouraged or discouraged from staying as long as they like during drop-off and pick-up and are welcome to drop by for lunch or at any time of day.

Parent #3
Some questions were not applicable, because my child is under 1 year old.

Parent #4
Bright Horizons does not operate on a school year basis - it operates year round - so we don't have to worry about the start of preschool separation. PT conferences take place during the year and as children transition to the next room, which happens when the child is ready, not based on a school schedule. We have an active Parent Support committee which stays connected to the center leadership to understand what activities are coming up to lend support and to plan additional activities.

Parent #5
When our child went to preschool they transitioned from another class with-in the same school. We did not have or need any formal meetings to get to know the facility or Staff.

Parent #6
Because this is a daycare, they do not really operate on a school year basis. While the curriculum is not rigorous, they certainly have developmental goals for the children to strive for.

Parent #7
This is the weakness of the preschool program. The infant room is excellent in many of the above areas but the preschool seem a little more relaxed. I have not yet had a parent-teacher conference (probably due mainly to some turn-over recently).

Parent #8
none

Parent #9
School was very open and even provided a place for me to pump when nursing (or nurse).

Parent #10
All the children cry here at drop-off. That says something. The teachers say it is normal but not so at other locations. Our child was bitten over and over again. We talked to the teachers and the director, but it continued to happen. Not enough supervision.

Discipline

OVERALL RATING (4.2)
Parents' Opinions
Parents at this school, on average, believe that conflicts between children: are handled extraordinarily well in a way that not only gives me confidence in the safety of my child but also reassures me that my child (and his/her peers) are learning the early skills needed to socialize effectively with one another

Overview

Director's Description of Approach Toward Discipline

Postitive reenforcement and Redirecting are main tools.

Parents' Notes on Discipline, Health and Safety

Parent #1
Bright Horizons has controlled access through the front door via a door code. The teachers would not release a child to a non-parent without first having been told that Grandma, Aunt, friend, etc. is picking up and would call up to the office to verify. Either before being allowed back to the classrooms or at the time of phone call, ID must be checked against the list of people approved to pick up the child. The playground facilities at Bright Horizons are not the over-the-top type that are visible from the street as you see in some centers. In fact, they are quite hidden from view behind the school, which is surrounded by greenspace. This gives me comfort that people are not lingering near the school and watching my children. This school places a higher priority on teacher quality and curriculum than on showy playground equipment. Having said that, the playground equipment (playscapes, shade structures, trikes, balls, water play area, etc.) are all is excellent condition and is more than sufficient to keep my children active and entertained during outside playtime (approx. 1.5-2 hours per day)

Parent #2
I like that the outside playground equipment is covered to limit exposure to our potent Texas sun. There are also covered patios so that kids can be outside even if it's raining. The teachers are very watchful of the health of students and if a child runs a fever the parent is called immediately to come pick up their child.

Parent #3
Due to usage by children I can not realistically rate all facilities and grounds as Excellent condition.

Parent #4
Teachers are very good about their communication with the children. Haven't really had a discipline issue involving my child in the 2 years that we've been at the school.

Parent #5
Really good techniques for conflict resolution between kids

Parent #6
n/a

Parent #7
Students are encouraged to talk out problems and are given guidance as needed.

Parent #8
The classroms themselves were dirty and unkept.

Parent #9
I love the fact that this school has private play areas which are not visible from the street or neighborhood.

Extended Care

Notes on Schedule and Extended Care

Notes

Extended Care up until age of 7 - $15 a day

Application Process

Admissions Process