Families pack two snacks and a lunch each day to honor individual preferences. However, we often have a fun tradition of offering pick-up snacks—parents are welcome to grab a fresh piece of fruit or a granola bar at the end of the day for the ride home!

Absolutely! As an Outdoor Classroom Project©–certified preschool, we believe there's no such thing as bad weather—just bad clothing. Our teachers are trained to take learning outdoors, and anything planned inside can be adapted for outside exploration. Research shows that the more time children spend outdoors, the more they benefit physically, socially, and emotionally—developing stronger motor skills, deeper curiosity, and greater resilience. We recommend sending extra changes of clothes so your child can fully enjoy all that nature has to offer!

Yes—absolutely! We love welcoming parents, grandparents, and special family members into our classrooms. We’re passionate about intentionally bridging home and school, and volunteering is a wonderful way to be part of your child’s early learning journey.

Ask your Site Director about being a Mystery Reader, helping as a Classroom Helper during special projects, assisting with seasonal events, or even sharing a special talent, hobby, or family tradition with the class! Whether you’re joining us for a nature walk, lending a hand during art, or simply sitting with children at snack time, we truly value your presence and the sense of community it brings.

At Bright Beginnings, we believe children thrive when they see strong connections between the people who care for them most. We can’t wait to welcome you into our school family!

Yes! We offer parent-teacher conferences each April and November. We strongly believe in bridging home and school, and these conferences are intentional opportunities to collaborate, communicate, and celebrate your child’s growth. In addition to conferences, we host several beloved family events throughout the year—like picnics, performances, and seasonal celebrations—and we encourage families (and extended family members!) to join in. These gatherings allow us to connect in a more casual setting. Community is at the heart of our schools, and we look forward to getting to know your family!

At Bright Beginnings, we believe that positive behavior blossoms in nurturing environments. We follow the principles of Conscious Discipline, which emphasize connection, emotional regulation, and respectful communication. Our teachers use gentle guidance techniques such as redirection, clear expectations, and proactive support to help children navigate their day with confidence and care. We make direct eye contact, speak at the child’s level, and explain situations in ways that are developmentally appropriate and kind.

To support self-regulation, we offer a cozy “Peace Table” where children can take a moment to breathe, reflect, and regroup when needed. Our classrooms are intentionally designed with soft lighting, cozy textures, and calming elements to help create a peaceful atmosphere where children feel safe, seen, and supported.

At Bright Beginnings, we are proud of the dedication and heart our teachers bring to their classrooms. Our average teacher tenure is 5 years—well above the national average—reflecting our strong sense of community, support, and shared purpose.

One shining example is Ms. Margaret, our beloved Pre-K teacher in Crozet, who has been part of the Bright Beginnings family for over 22 years! As one of our legacy teachers, she represents the deep roots and meaningful relationships that make our schools so special.

While turnover is a natural part of our industry—given the unique skill set and energy required to nurture and guide young children—we’re fortunate to have a team of educators who are truly passionate about early childhood development. We invest in our teachers, and in turn, they invest in our children, creating a consistent, loving environment where both students and educators can thrive.