Bright Horizons Helps Kids Develop A Love Of Learning

This Patch article is sponsored by Bright Horizons at 2 Bethesda Metro.

Bright Horizons at 2 Bethesda Metro is a child care center and preschool that offers programs for children 6 weeks through 5 years old. While this location is new, Bright Horizons as a child care provider has been trusted by families around the world to provide care and education for their children for over 30 years. In more than 1,000 child care centers in the United States and beyond, we offer the highest-quality care and learning that delivers both the solution working parents need, and the classroom experiences children deserve to get ready for school and become enthusiastic learners for life.

Patch had a chance to talk with Melanie Guyton, center director for Bright Horizons at 2 Bethesda Metro.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town, or how long has your organization been around in the community?

Guyton: Bright Horizons at 2 Bethesda Metro opened on Sept. 20, 2021. However, Bright Horizons early education centers and preschools have been helping children around the world develop confidence and a passion for learning for over 30 years. Bright Horizons is committed to the field of early education and to practices that guide each child’s social, physical, emotional and cognitive development. Bright Horizons’ emergent curriculum approach is designed for this purpose, enabling teachers to tailor activities and projects for the specific interests and skills of each child in the class, with the goal of preparing students for success in school and in life.
Our new center offers infant through pre-kindergarten programs and is currently enrolling in all programs.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?

Guyton: I always loved working with children! I took child development courses all throughout high school. My senior year I had an internship in a kindergarten classroom at an elementary school and really enjoyed it. Then, I began working at a local child care center where I became a preschool teacher and partnered with the Headstart program. That was such a great experience and what made me realize that I wanted to pursue a career in early education. Over the years, I have worked almost equally in a classroom and center leadership. I am now entering my 23rd year in early childhood education and I cannot imagine doing anything else. I absolutely love what I do and being a center director for Bright Horizons!

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?

Guyton: Exceptional early education and preschool.

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?

Guyton: Definitely when the pandemic first hit in March of 2020. I never in my life thought I would be faced with a situation like that. It was such a scary and sad time, filled with so much uncertainty.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Guyton: If I had to choose, I would say the most satisfying part of my job is the relationships built with children, families and staff. I have built such strong relationships with some that I have remained in contact with them many years later. However, I would have to say the part about my job that makes me the happiest are the children!

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?

Guyton:

• Bright Horizons has been in business for over 30 years.
• Industry-leading COVID-19 health and safety practices.
• Proven emergent curriculum that reflects the latest research on early education.
• Well-balanced programs that focus on the whole child (social, emotional, physical) and prepare children for success in school and life.
• Our new state-of-the-art center with thoughtfully created environments to inspire discovery.
• Our location, schedule offerings and hours fit the way parents work.
• In our center, we make sure children feel safe and loved from the moment they put their hands in ours, to the moment they put them back in their parents.
• Our Horizons Teacher Degree Program, which pays full tuition so teachers can earn an early childhood education degree completely for free, helps teachers grow professionally and stay current on the most effective education techniques!
• Family resources that support parents as well as children.

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to success?

Guyton: Celebrate the small victories along the way!

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Guyton: We are located at 2 Bethesda Metro Center, Bethesda, MD 20814. Our phone number is 301-202-3463. You can find us on our website or on Facebook.