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Before you enroll, you may be curious about our facility, the amenities we offer your child, our rules and regulations, and our safety and security procedures. The information below will provide you with a glimpse of Bright Beginnings so you can be assured that your child is in an environment where he/she will be safe to learn and develop. You are always welcome to schedule a time to visit the center and see our staff in action
Attendance
We are committed to offering the highest quality program. Our deliberately planned programs and curriculum are designed with supporting activities in the morning and afternoon for optimal development and growth. When classroom schedules are consistent, learning objectives can be planned and delivered. Consistency in schedules and enrollment benefits children, teachers and staff by providing a nurturing environment that enhances learning.
To maintain consistency, we ask parents to commit to maintaining schedules. In addition, we have created the following policies to help us keep our commitment to quality for all of the children:
 Children need to attend on a regular and consistent basis. Children must be in at 9:15 a.m. to be counted in for the day, children will not be accepted after 9:15 a.m. Unless, it is approved by the director, a child must have a written doctor's note to be considered excused. This will also help ensure there aren't any disruption to the classroom, lunch, nap for your child and all other classmates. In the event your child has a morning doctor's appointment they may be admitted by 11:00 a.m. with the approval of the assistant/director. (prior approval is needed) Should you decide to withdraw your child from his scheduled program, we require a two-week notice to allow for time to prepare your child for withdrawl. Security
To ensure the safety, security and well-being of the children in our care, Bright Beginnings has procedures and standards in place to cover pick-up and drop-off, visitors and more. These procedures are periodically reviewed and updated to make certain they reflect the most current safety and security technology and practices.
Secure Environment: The lobby entrance to the center is securely separated from the actual classrooms. Only those with the combination to the coded keypad security system can gain access to each individual classroom. Pick-up and Drop-off: Each child must be checked in and out on our electronic keypad every day. We enforce our policy by assigning PIN numbers to parents and others who are authorized to pick up the child. The directors keeps an updated file of names, addresses and phone numbers of people authorized to pick up children in case of an emergency. No child is released to an adult without proper authorization. Ever. Note: Bright Beginnings policy states that no one under 16 years of age (unless he or she is the child's parent) is permitted to pick-up a child. Visitors: All visitors to our center are greeted in our secure lobby, directed to sign the Visitor Log and state the purpose of the visit. Picture identification is required from all unfamiliar visitors. A visitor listed as an authorized person to pick up a child must still show picture identification if the director and/or associate does not know him/her. Safety
Equipment Safety: The building, playground and equipment are as safe as possible. Child-friendly Furniture: Our center is child-friendly - child-sized tables and chairs are sturdy. There are no sharp corners. Toys and learning areas are carefully arranged. Equipment is monitored on an on-going basis to ensure it is in good working order. Broken or unsafe equipment is always taken out of service immediately, to be repaired or replaced. General Safety: No hot drinks of any kind are allowed around children; electrical outlets are plugged with outlet caps; appliances are out of reach of children; temperature of the hot water at sinks will not scald, and food temperature is monitored to prevent burns. Health & Cleanliness
We take the health and well-being of your child very seriously and work hard to provide an environment that is as healthy as possible. Our policy and procedure manual has very specific procedures and requirements concerning cleanliness and preventing the spread of germs. Below are just a sampling of these policies and procedures.
Medical Standards
Each adult working at bright Beginnings must provide evidence of good health with a signed physical examination, tuberculosis test and other state-mandated requirements. Staff members do not work if they are ill. As for the children, we maintain a complete written record for each child in our care. Pertinent health histories (such as allergies, chronic conditions or susceptibilities) are also required. All health records, immunization records and emergency contacts are kept up to date and easily accessible in case of emergency. Food Preparation: Our Cook and other staff are trained in the safe handling, preparation and storage of foods and are constantly monitored to ensure safe nutritious meals. Meal times are designed to promote good eating habits, and are social learning experiences for the children. Teachers eat with their classes. Infants are held while feeding. Toddlers are encouraged to feed themselves. All eating utensils, chairs and tables are sized appropriately for each age group. Our tables' height may be adjusted proportionately, and they are easily cleaned. Bright Beginnings works with the USDA to make sure that our menus and snacks are nutritionally wholesome. Hand Washing: Hand washing is the single most effective practice in preventing the spread of germs. Teachers are required to wash their own hands, as well as the hands of a child using described procedures, before and/or after engaging in a thorough list of activities. Cleaning and Disinfecting: Bright Beginnings' staff is directed to thoroughly clean surfaces that children come in close contact with, using soap and water. In addition, some surfaces, including bathroom surfaces, are to be disinfected in a prescribed way. Toys that children put into their mouths are also required to be cleaned and disinfected between uses. Water Play tables must be disinfected before being filled with water and carefully supervised when in use. Discipline
At Bright Beginnings, we believe that when children are provided with a happy, relaxed classroom atmosphere where they can engage in productive and enjoyable activities, discipline problems decrease. We also believe in using behavior management techniques such as positive reinforcement and redirection to guide children's behavior. Supervised time-away or re-direction may be used if necessary and age appropriate. The staff at Bright Beginnings responds positively in a fair, clear, and consistent manner. The use of physical punishment is not permitted at Bright Beginnings by staff or parents. Children will not be subjected to harsh or cruel treatment, humiliation, abusive language, or punishment associated with food, napping, or toilet training.
It is the policy of Bright Beginnings to create a safe and nurturing environment for all children. At times, it may be necessary to address severe disciplinary problems. While our goal is to welcome all children at all times, some severe disciplinary problems may result in dismissal from the program.
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