The years from birth to six are critical in the formation of positive learning experiences. Did you know that seventy-five percent of a child’s intelligence is developed in the first 6 years? Bright Beginnings will follow the Creative Curriculum as a guide from 2 years to pre-kindergarten. We also incorporate numerous hands on activities through each week to enhance their learning experience. Bright Beginnings believes skill training is as important as academic training. We appreciate that each child learns at his/her own pace. Our approach of learning through fun will make for a fun filled day for all. As a non-denominational Christian pre-school, activities will include Bible stories and songs at the child’s level of understanding. We will offer prayer at snack and lunch times. (To have your child excluded from our Bible story time he/she will be placed in another activity at that time.)Bright Beginnings feels children learn best through play. All classrooms are equipped with age appropriate toys, dramatic play area, blocks, puzzles, various centers to challenge their curiosity and a wide variety of manipulatives.

We believe we are in partnership with each child’s family to provide a safe, positive, fun loving preschool experience. This gratifying experience will encourage your child to be an energetic learner, a trait that will lead to success throughout his/her life.

To enhance your child’s learning we offer a high-tech computer lab and library that your child will visit several times during the week. The children will enjoy educational games and activities as they learn their way around the computer. We also have a hands-on discovery room. This room is arranged with changing themes and will continue to offer a hands-on program that enhances their learning experience. Bright Beginnings also provides a multi-purpose learning room to host special guest appearances and group activities.We have an open door policy and we are available to answer any questions you may have regarding our Center. We welcome the opportunity to get to know each one of you and your family as we work together to give your child the best possible preschool experience!

Health:

Bright Beginnings will exercise reasonable care and judgment in all situations related to the welfare and safety of the children. If a child has an accident, or becomes ill, the teacher will promptly take such reasonable measures as are in their judgment and in the best interest of the child. Parents will be notified as soon as possible. Our staff will notify you of minor bumps, scratches, etc., which happen from play.Children, within the previous 24 hours, who show signs of illness such as:

• fever, acute cold
• heavy nasal discharge, constant cough
• unexplained rash, vomiting or diarrhea cannot be accepted into the center. If your child has a nasal discharge, cough, and/or rash that are allergy related we must have a note from the child’s doctor stating this on file. Parents will be asked to come get a child should symptoms of illness occur during the day.

Safety:

Quality childcare involves not only the child but also a close working relationship between the caregiver and parents.

Security measures taken by Bright Beginnings:

• Bright Beginnings will not release a child to anyone other than a parent or guardian without prior permission
• Children will not be released to anyone under the age of 18
• Low teacher/student ratio
• Oversized classrooms
• Secure entry system at main entrance
• New touch screen check-in/check-out with Biometrics for added security.
• Phones in each classroom and on the patio near playground
• Observation window in each classroom
• Security cameras for the parking lot and playground
• All personnel are screened by local and federal law enforcement
• Monthly fire drills
• Bright Beginnings does not use 15 passenger vans
• Bright Beginnings has seat belts installed on the transport bus

Bright Beginnings strives to provide a quality learning environment for your child. Our goal is to work together with our families to keep our children healthy and safe!

Discipline Policy:We encourage positive redirection. Positive discipline teaches children where limits are set, how to maintain control of their bodies, and how to problem solve in the event of the conflict. We encourage children to empathize with one another’s feelings and see the results of their actions. We discourage inappropriate behavior. We use “Time Out” as our last resort. Any child that is put in time out is always supervised by a teacher and shall remain in time out only 1 minute per age of the child. When time out is over, it is explained to the child why time out occurred and what correct behavior is expected. No child is subjected to corporal punishment or physical discipline at any time. Discipline shall never be related to food, rest, or toileting. We will make every effort to work with parents of children having difficulties in child care.

Behavior of children, which disrupts normal classroom group activities on a frequent or extended basis, may indicate
physical or emotional problems requiring the attention of a professional specialist. The teacher and/or Director, with parental consent, will take the necessary steps to refer the child to the Public Health Nurse, a Mental Health Consultant, or other appropriate places for a professional evaluation. Children displaying chronic disruptive behavior, which is upsetting to the physical or emotional well being of another child, may require the following actions:

• Parents of the child will be called in for a conference. We will discuss the issues and identify some possible solutions. A plan of action will be developed and agreed upon by the parents, staff, and a health/behavioral specialist.
• If the plan of action is not working, the parents will be called in for another meeting. We will discuss what is not working and develop another action plan.
• If no progress has been made towards solving the problematic behavior, the child may be suspended from care. This suspension may range in length from the rest of the day to indefinitely.

Biting Policy:

Biting is a natural developmental stage that many children go through. It is usually a temporary condition that is common between 13 and 24 months of age. The safety of the children at the center is our primary concern. Toddlers bite other toddlers for many different reasons. A child might be teething or overly tired and frustrated. He or she might be experimenting or trying to get the attention of the teacher or his
peers. Toddlers have poor verbal skills and are impulsive without a lot of self-control. Sometimes biting occurs for no apparent reason. The center will encourage the children to “use their words” if they become angry or frustrated. The staff members will maintain a close and constant supervision of the children at all times. The following steps will be taken if a biting incident occurs at our center:

• The biting will be interrupted with a firm “No…we don’t bite people!”
• Staff will stay calm and will not overreact.
• The bitten child will be comforted.
• Staff will remove the biter from the situation. The biter will be given something to do that is satisfying.
• The wound of the bitten child shall be assessed and cleansed with soap and water.
• The parents of both children will be notified of the biting incident. Appropriate forms will be filled out.
• Confidentiality of all children involved will be maintained.
• The bitten area should continue to be observed by parents and staff for signs of infection.

The following are the hours of operation and holiday schedule for 2020.

Hours of Operation:
6:30am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday, late-night care hours available – inquire at the front desk.

2020 Holiday Schedule*:
Bright Beginnings center will be closed on the following holidays:

• New Year’s Day January 1, 2020
• Good Friday April 20, 2020
• Memorial Day May 25, 2020
• Independence Day July 4, 2020
• Labor Day September 7, 2020
• Thanksgiving November 26, 2020
• Day after Thanksgiving November 27, 2020
• Christmas Eve (1/2 Day 6:30am to Noon) December 24, 2020
• Christmas Day December 25, 2020
• New Year’s Eve (1/2 Day 6:30am to Noon) December 31, 2020

*NOTE: If PBC Public Schools close for severe storm warnings or any emergency situation, Bright Beginnings Prep Academy will also close. The parent/guardian or approved emergency contact must immediately pick up their child from the center.