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Bright Beginning Children’s Learning Center offers quality early childhood education programs for children ages 2-5 years. We are committed to providing a positive and caring learning environment that enriches the mind and focuses on the development of the whole child; social, emotional, cognitive and physical growth. We offer a safe and secure setting that embodies a home away from home. Our certified and licensed teachers work in collaborate teams on which emphasis is placed on every possible learning opportunity to meet the individual needs of each child and family.
Bright Beginning is committed to your child’s future. With our experienced teachers and innovative Core Knowledge® Preschool Curriculum unlike any other, we provide your child with an unmatched learning experience. Your child will discover that learning is fun, while making new friends and building wonderful relationships with teachers who look to encourage your child’s desire to learn.
Children learn best when they are engaged and interested, we promote this by allowing children to explore, investigate and discover the exciting world around them. We view nearly every activity as an opportunity to learn. Children are encouraged to participate with their surroundings, ask questions and engage in conversation. Our goal is to teach children HOW to think and not WHAT to think.
What Make Us Exceptional.
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Core Knowledge Preschool Curriculum
How is Core Knowledge different from other preschool programs?
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"It's bittersweet
for my daughter
to be graduating
and moving on from Bright Beginning."
"We watched
the our daughter's growth process from
day one, and have been extremely impressed and completely pleased with the direction the center has taken."
"First and
foremost the
staff make this center what it is. They are warm and caring and sincerely love the children they serve."
Meet our Teachers & Staff
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Sparking Curiosity, Interest and Independence
Children in this age group are filled with energy and curiosity about the world and are beginning to develop a new sense of independence. At this age they are highly active and interested in objects and people. They are undergoing rapid development in many areas, and are eager for attention to help them learn and understand basic things about the world around them.
Our Bright Start Developmental Program is designed to support and reinforce the independence your child exhibits. Our program provides the structure and guidance they need throughout their day as they learns to share, get along with others and perform tasks that require a longer attention span. Listening to stories, singing songs, playing games and doing art projects help develop language and vocabulary skills, as well as movement and sensory motor skills. The Bright Start Program focuses on developing these skills and readying your child for his or her next step.
Development Program
Class Schedule
Teachers & Staff
Here at Bright Beginning Children's Learning Center, we focus on the development of the whole child. We take into consideration that in order for a child to grow and succeed in learning, we must meet their needs in all stages of development; Physical Development, Social and Emotional Development and Cognitive Development are the key elements in each child's basic needs of growth.
Physical Development
Physical Development is encouraged and fostered in our program by giving all students the opportunity to engage and participate in active physical learning. We strive to create an environment that promotes the use of both fine and gross motor skills. Our students have active play at least three times a day outside on our large playground. We encourage children to run, climb, balance, and utilize many different types of playground equipment and materials!
In addition to their outside play, we also have an indoor physical education program that is designed to educate children about the health and wellness of their bodies! The students learn about different muscles, sports, games, equipment and physical abilities! Healthy bodies equal healthy minds!
Social and Emotional Development
Social and Emotional Development is important to the growth and development of all children. At Bright Beginning, we work hard to ensure that all children's social and emotional needs are being met. Through quality peer and personal relationships, students will make strong connections and bonds with both the teachers and the other students. We encourage positive problem solving skills, we recognize each child's emotional development and needs and we promote compassion and empathy. Our teachers model positive attitudes towards each other, families and children and also towards learning. When children feel supported, encouraged and connected they open their minds to greater learning!
Cognitive Development
Cognitive Development is more than just learning our ABC's and 123's! Cognitive learning is promoted and facilitated by encouraging each child to learn HOW to think, not necessarily WHAT to think! We provide and environment that allows all students to explore, discover, question and problem solve! Children gain knowledge by having hands on experiences to their learning! We have many areas of play and learning and through child initiated activities, the students are able to find meaningful learning experiences throughout their entire day! When students are eager to discover their environment and the world around them, learning is fun and meaningful.
Overview
We know that children learn best when they'’re actively engaged. We recognize that children are naturally curious. So activities and breaks are structured in order to maximize learning.
6:30am - 7:30am Good Morning! Table Games
7:30am - 8:00am Breakfast
8:00am - 9:00am Outdoor play and restroom/diaper break
9:00am - 9:30am Spanish
9:30am - 10:00am Center play
10:00am - 10:15am Snack
10:15am - 10:30am Restroom/diaper break
10:30am –- 11:00am Circle time
11:00am - 11:30pm Crafts and table games
11:30am - 12:00pm Center play
12:00pm - –12:45pm Lunch and restroom/diaper break
12:45pm - – 1:00pm Clean Up
1:00pm –- 1:30pm Story time
1:30pm - 2:45pm Nap time
2:45pm –- 3:00pm Restroom/diaper break
3:00pm - – 3:15pm Snack
3:15pm –- 3:30pm Clean up
3:30pm –- 4:00pm Review of the day
4:00pm –- 4:30pm Outdoor play
4:30pm –- 5:00pm Child initiated activity center play
5:00pm - – 5:30pm Table games
5:30pm - –6:00pm Story time
6:00pm - – 6:30pm Clean up Goodbye!
Knowing How Young Children Learn
Here at Bright Beginning we recognize that children learn best when they are actively engaged. We recognize that children are naturally curious. We know they learn critical science, math, reading and writing concepts through hands-on, sensory-oriented activities. Bright Beginning's unique The Core Knowledge® Preschool Curriculum gives children the guidance and the freedom to construct their own body of knowledge in ways most meaningful to them.
We believe that all children are talented, capable and special, whether they enjoy music or math, whether they want to be a business person or a ballerina. And because we know that children learn best when they are actively engaged, we give them lots of activities to involve them in concepts and to empower them to find the ways to learn that are right for their individuality. We provide plenty of space and time to explore, along with lots of support, compassion and, of course, fun.
As part of The Core Knowledge® Preschool Curriculum parents receive a comprehensive student progress reports at the start, middle, and end of each school year. These assessments focus on both critical and supplemental objectives covering all aspects of development and kindergarten readiness.
Curriculum
A Solid Foundation
Every moment is a teachable moment. Children at this age are inquisitive, imaginative and show great enthusiasm as the discover the world around them! Through Bright Beginning's unique The Core Knowledge® Preschool Curriculum children are encouraged and supported to explore their environment, ask questions, and build social relationships while gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and their potential.
We feel that by developing a strong foundation that supports education children are set up to succeed, not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well. Through daily play and the practice of positive problem solving skills, each student gains the confidence and self-esteem needed to boost them along in their individual growth and development.
As part of The Core Knowledge® Preschool Curriculum parents receive a comprehensive student progress reports at the beginning, middle, and end of each school year. These assessments focus on both critical and supplemental objectives covering all aspects of development and readiness for moving on to kindergarten.
School Readiness
"Is my child ready for Kindergarten?"” This is common concern for all parents. We want to be sure that our children are not only ready for school academically, but are also emotionally and socially prepared to enter the big world of Kindergarten! Bright Beginning's K-4 curriculum is based on The Core Knowledge® Preschool Curriculum. Our curriculum focuses on the growth and development of the whole child. We believe that children must be well rounded and equally supported in all areas of development in order to be successful life-long learners.
Our classroom is designed to foster positive social relationships, offer children a mirror to learn about themselves and their abilities and also act as a window to teach children about each other and the world around them. We encourage all students to explore, discover and create! We truly believe that learning is a process, not a product. Through our classroom structure, low teacher to child ratios and child initiated and teacher supported learning, each student moves at a comfortable pace that not only empowers their learning but helps develop a love for education!
6:30am - 7:30am Good Morning! Table games
8:00am - 9:00am Outdoor play
9:00am - 9:30am Morning meeting
9:30am - 10:00am Circle time / Morning lessons
10:15am - 10:30am Restroom break
10:30am –- 11:00am Outdoor / Center play
11:30am - 12:00pm Center play / Child initiated activities
12:00pm - –12:45pm Lunch and restroom break
1:00pm –- 1:30pm Book time
1:30pm - 2:45pm Rest / Quiet activity
2:45pm –- 3:00pm Restroom break
4:30pm –- 5:00pm Child initiated activity / Center play
Exercise Builds Strong Brains!
At Bright Beginning we believe that fitness is an essential component to early child development. Research has shown for many years the physiological benefits of exercise. Certainly it’s good for our hearts, lungs and muscles but recent studies have shown the remarkable effect regular exercise has on our brains and mental wellness.
Providing children with developmentally appropriate motor skill instruction builds a foundation for successful participation in later childhood and adult physical activities. A developmentally appropriate physical development curriculum for preschool children provides experiences which encourage development in the psychomotor, affective, and cognitive areas. Psychomotor learning is the development of muscles to work in organized patterns guided by signals from the environment. It is the relationship
between cognitive functions and physical movement in education. Psychomotor learning is demonstrated by physical skills such as:
1. movement
2. coordination
3. manipulation
4. dexterity
5. grace
6. strength
7. speed
Bright Beginning, in addition to our regular development program, incorporates a weekly fitness program provided to us by JumpBunch. JumpBunch is a fun, structured program that introduces children to a wide range of sports which helps build coordination, self-esteem, and a life-long love of sports and fitness.
Children enjoy an age-appropriate, hands-on introduction to a wide range of sports in a fun, safe and non-competitive setting. The JumpBunch experience is enjoyable and encouraging. JumpBunch ensures that a child’s first sports experiences are positive, and it is the only way to expose kids quickly to a broad range of sports options.
Musical Fun For Children!
At Bright Beginning we believe children who grow up hearing music, singing songs, and moving to the beat are enjoying what experts call "a rich sensory environment." That's just a elaborate way of saying a child is exposed to a wide variety of tastes, smells, textures, colors, and sounds. Children who enjoy such a rich environment do more than have fun; researchers believe they forge more pathways between the cells in their brains.
The introduction of musical experiences at a young age is an important way to help create these pathways, also called neural connections. While listening to music is certainly key to brain stimulus, it's when your child actively participates in music that he or she makes the strongest connections. Research has shown that children who are actively involved in music:
1. Do better in reading and math
2. Are better able to focus and control their bodies
3. Play better with others and have higher self-esteem
We believe that all children are musical. All children can learn to sing in tune, keep a beat, and participate with confidence in the music of our culture, provided that their early environment supports such learning.
Bright Beginning's incorporates weekly music class encouraging them to act out stories, play singing games, and use movement in meaningful ways. Basic musical notations are introduced, and the teacher helps the children make a connection between the notes they hear, and the notes they see on the board are a first step to reading music.
Discovering Languages!
At Bright Beginning we believe that there is no better time to start learning a second language than right now. Research shows that brain and language development are ripest during the beginning years of life. If you introduce your child to a 2nd language now you will be giving your child a tremendous advantage in learning and life! Being exposed to a 2nd language early in life builds a foundation for success that extends way beyond just being exposed to another language. It is amazing the way a young child can absorb various information.
Research indicates that from as early as age one is the best time to introduce a new language to a child. If the 2nd language is introduced early in life children will learn it faster and retain it longer. Being exposed to a 2nd language offers numerous benefits to young children including:
1. improved ability to communicate 4. improved academic performance
2. better cognitive development 5. superior educational opportunities
3. richer cultural awareness
The earlier a child is exposed to a 2nd language the more likely they will speak it with native pronunciation. One recent study found that bilingual children learn to read sooner than their single language counterparts; they have increased creative skills and become proficient problem solvers. Another study indicated that bilingual children also performed better on math and verbal sections of standardized tests than single language children.
Why Spanish?
1. Over 27 million homes in the United States have Spanish as their 1st language
2. There are over 42 million Hispanic people living in the United States
3. Learning Spanish allows communication with over 300 million people worldwide
4. Spanish is closely related to the English language and is relatively easy to learn
Bright Beginning provides two 30 minute Spanish classes weekly along with Spanish being incorporated in our daily class room activities.
Venga aprenda con nosotros!
Technology in the Curriculum
At Bright Beginning children and teachers are working on readiness skills and early literacy experiences. Technology can help to support these lessons.
Language Development and Emerging Literacy
Literacy skills increase from the conversations that take place between children and supportive adults, and between children and their peers as they work. Computers offer another resource for helping children develop language; technology can provide and extend language opportunities.
Linking Words to Pictures: Children can make a connection between an object on the screen and its written label in the same way that picture books are used.
Creating a Story: Children can create their own stories with the help of an adult, using one of the software programs available. After drawing a picture (on paper or on the screen) the child can dictate a story to an adult or older child to type into the computer. Alternately, the child can tell the story into a tape recorder and play it back for others to enjoy.
Emerging Math Skills
Children work on mathematics in a variety of informal ways with manipulatives such as blocks and linking objects. Software can also be used to practice these skills if desired.
Patterning: Seeing how objects and numbers relate builds a concrete understanding of math. Patterning or drawing software can provide children with practice in seeing relationships and predicting what comes next in a series. Many of these programs can be used in conjunction with building blocks, patterns in music, or other curricular activities.
Classification: Learning to identify and sort objects by their attributes is basic to both science and math. Classification software encourages children to group objects by attributes such as size, color, and shape, as well as to create groupings of their own objects.
Seriation: During the preschool years, children learn to order an array of objects by size. Objects can be manipulated on the screen in much the same way that physical objects can be ordered in the classroom.
Numerical Relationships: Software programs can help children work with the concepts of “more than,” “less than,” and “the same as” and learn this necessary skill for understanding mathematics.
Summer Begins
With Bright
Beginning!!
Camp Carnival
Kids will enjoy a day at the fair! They will have a great time participating in carnival games, having their faces painted and eating snow cones in the warm summer sun.
CAMP FIESTA
Hola! Tienemos a la fiesta!!! Your child will have so much fun learning about Mexico! We will explore all the wonderful and exciting things in the Spanish culture. We will enjoy festive food, music and have fun breaking a piñata!
Camp zoorific
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! At Camp Zoorific kids will have a great time learning about animals. They will play games, create animal artwork and even meet a few animals up close!.
Many More!
12 in all...
Sign up now, they fill up fast.
SUMMERTIME FUN AND LEARN
Bright Beginning has a summer full of fun awaiting your child. Summer at Bright Beginning is a flexible, choice-based enrichment and recreational program designed to bridge learning from the regular school year into summer. Our program offers enriching activities for children ages 2 thru 5 years of age. Themed camps engage and entertain children so much they won’t even realize how much they’re learning.
Bright Beginning focuses on exciting adventures and great events. If your son is up for exploring new destinations, then he would really love the Baltimore Zoo trip during Camp Zoorific. Or if your daughter is a budding actress then she will love Camp Musical Theatre. Either way, if your child is up for experiencing awesome summer camp activities, then Bright Beginning is the place for them.
Sign up for as many or as few camps as you like. Check out our upcoming year's Summertime Fun and Learn Camps. Don't forget to sign up early so your child doesn't miss out.
Contact Us
Career Opportunities:
For employment inquiries with Bright Beginning, send resume and cover letter to: Email Us.
Jessica Thomas - Center Director
Bright Beginning Children's Learning Center
867 Buttonwood Trail
Crownsville, Maryland 21032
(410) 923-3192 Center
(410) 923-7400 Fax
Visit our Career Page.
Request a Tour:
Click herefor our online Facility tour request.
Alice Anne Loftus - Administrator / Owner
Main Office
2136 Renard Court
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
Information Request Form:
Please fill out the form below to let us know how we may help to provide you more information about Bright Beginning's Program.
Or call (410) 923-3192 to speak directly with one of our Staff.
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By clicking the "Send" button, I authorize Bright Beginning, to contact me using the information provided on this form. Bright Beginning routinely monitors electronic communications sent from or received on its network.
Parents play an intregral role at Bright Beginning, from volunteering for a classroom party to chaperoning a field trip. Parents can be involved in many ways.
Parent Teacher Conferences
We are committed to working and communicating with parents. Parent Teacher Conferences provide a terrific opportunity for communication between our teachers and our families. As part of implementing our curriculum we provide bi-annual parent teacher conferences to keep you informed of your child's progress.
Of course, we keep parents up-to-date with our family communication centers in each classroom, progress reports, regular newsletters, emails, and more. But there is no substitute for a face to face discussion between yourself, your child's teacher and the Director. We hope you'll feel comfortable discussing any parenting issue with us, and we'll certainly do our part to let you know exactly how things are going with your child in our program. Together, we'll keep all the lines of communication open.
Parent Volunteers
Parent volunteers can be a great help and an important part of every school. You should consider using an occasional vacation day to chaperone a field trip or help with a special class project. Even when you can't get to school, you can send in special snacks or help plan a class party.
Bright Beginning need parent volunteers for projects that stretch beyond individual classrooms. You can learn what's going on by checking out our newsletters or you also can talk to the Director about how the school might need your help.
THINK BEFORE YOU SIGN UP
Before signing up for a specific committee or project, think carefully about your talents, interests, work style and schedule. That will help you find the right fit and make your volunteer time more productive and satisfying.
Parent Testimonials
Our History
The founding of Bright Beginning is truly an inspirational story. In July of 2004 only two weeks before Alice Anne was to give birth to her first child, Marty and Alice Anne Loftus purchased a failed childcare center in Crownsville, Maryland, and with determination and dedication opened their doors by September. Not an easy feat to accomplish with the building in disrepair and Maryland State Licensing ahead of them.
Alice Anne, having recently moved to Maryland from Kansas City, Missouri and a mere twenty three years old dreamed of making a difference. Alice Anne believes that learning starts from birth and that with a proper foundation all children can reach their full potential.
The first day Marty and Alice Anne opened their doors they had eight teachers and only six students. Determined to succeed and be the best in the area they continued what they had started, and before long with hard work and word of mouth Bright Beginning began to grow.
September 2004
With a new business and her new born daughter, Marissa, in tow, Alice Anne devoted her time to make Bright Beginning a place where she knew her daughter and all the children would thrive. By continuing to add new programs like Spanish and music to the curriculum Bright Beginning became a leader in quality educational programs.
Continually wanting to provide the best educational program possible, Bright Beginning in 2008 began its Accreditation process through the Maryland State Department of Education. MSDE recognizes programs that go beyond the requirements of State licensing and regulations. There are six credential levels, each one recognizing achievements of a specified number of training hours, years of experience and professional activities. Participating schools complete training in topic areas to develop the knowledge and skills they need to provide the highest quality care for the children and families they serve.
Bright Beginning's curriculum is called The Core Knowledge Preschool Program and is based on scientific research about how young children learn, as well as research into the best preschool practices around the world. We can, and must, establish high expectations for all young children, recognizing that the rates and approaches to learning may vary among individuals. This program is specifically designed to provide your child with the solid foundation he or she will need for later learning in kindergarten and beyond.
How is Core Knowledge Different from Other Preschool Programs...
Core Knowledge Preschool at a Glance...
MOVEMENT AND COORDINATION
AUTONOMY AND SOCIAL SKILLS
WORK HABITS
LANGUAGE
MATHEMATICS
ORIENTATION IN TIME
ORIENTATION IN SPACE
SCIENCE
MUSIC
VISUAL ARTS
Request a Tour
After you fill out this form, one of our child care specialists will call you within 48 hours to help you set up a visit to our Center. Of course, you can also call us at (410) 923-3192.
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Easy To Enroll
Most of our procedures at Bright Beginning are set up to accommodate your schedule, including a trouble free way to begin the enrollment process online. All of the documents you will need are found right here. However, when it comes to getting to know your family we do like to take some time. The more we know about your child and your needs, the more meaning we can bring to your child's experience here at Bright Beginning. Tell us about your family and help us understand what is important to you as a parent.
Registration options;
1) Fill out our online forms then email them to us when you’'re ready.
Or, 2) Simply print, complete and bring them with you when you visit. You may also mail the enrollment packet directly to our center to begin the application process.
Easy Enrollment Forms
Additional Informantion
2011-2012 Bright Beginning Registration Form (editable).pdf
2011- 2012 fee schedule.pdf
MD Dept Human Resourses 1214 Emergency Form (editable).pdf
Registration Checklist.pdf
MD Dept Human Resourses 1215 new Health Inventory (editable).pdf
Parent Handbook 4-4-08.pdf
Tuition Policy.pdf
MD Dept Human Resourses 1524 A Parents Guide.pdf
Sample Menu.pdf
Student Disciplinary Policy.pdf
Vacation Policy.pdf
Some questions can only be answered when you visit us. Others, you'll find right here.
Career Opportunity
When You Join Bright Beginning You Can Make a Difference Each Day
