3 Minutes on a Park Bench with Lisa Marie Corbett from Bright Start Nursery School

Lisa Marie Corbett, Director and Owner of Bright Start Nursery Schools in Barnegat and Manahawkin, explains how she became involved with the education/childcare industry and talks about her two favorite annual events at the schools.

Patch: Can you tell us a little bit about the different programs the school offers?

Bright Start: Our school offers several different programs: Infant care, ages 6 weeks to 18 months, waddler care, 19 months to 24 months and our toddler program ages 2 to 2 ½ years old. Preschool, ages 2 ½ to 4 and prekindergarten ages 4 thru kindergarten age. Before and after school care grades K-5 . We offer all programs year round for all ages, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

Patch: How did you get into education or childcare?

Bright Start: I graduated from Georgain Court College with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Education and felt the area needed a quality academic childcare school along with a nurturing environment to help enhance each child’s development.

Patch: What is your favorite event at the school?

Bright Start: I have two favorite evens at Bright Start, the first day of school and the end of the year for our Prekindergarten Graduation. It is wonderful to see how far the children have grown both socially and academically and to know we have prepared them socially, physically, emotionally, academically, and creatively in their years to come.

Patch: What are your three favorite books?

Bright Start: My 3 favorite books would be, "Good Night Moon," "The Runaway Bunny" and "Silly Sally."

Patch: What was the best advice a teacher ever gave to you and do you remember the grade/subject he or she taught?

Bright Start: The best advice as a Freshman in college was to do something you were passionate about and you enjoyed. Teaching is my passion and has been for over 20 years!

Patch: What is Bright Star's teaching philosophy?

Bright Start: Bright Start Nursery School’s philosophy is to provide a warm, nurturing environment that will enhance your child’s social, physical, emotional, creative, and academic development. To provide an imaginative, structured program that enables children to explore their surroundings thorough guided activities and free play. We
also feel it is important for children to have a positive self-image and learn to play and work with others. We also recognize that each child is an individual and must be afforded the opportunity to develop at his or her own pace.

Patch: What makes the school standout?

Bright Start: Bright Start stands out in the community because of our commitment to provide quality childcare for every family. We have been serving the community since 1998. We offer many programs from half days to full days. We are open all year to accommodate working parents ages 6 weeks to 13 years old. Our preschool and toddler teachers have each been here since we opened in 1998 and almost all of our support staff have been here over 6 years; no turnover rate which our parents love!

Patch: What three questions should parents ask when trying to find a new school for their child?

Bright Start: Parents should ask about the credentials of the Director. Parents should not only look for childcare/daycare but a school that emphasizes on education along with quality care. You want your director to have a background in Education and be a
certified teacher! I hold New Jersey Certifications in: Elementary School Teacher,
Principal, School Administrator, and Supervisor.

Patch: What is your favorite part about the Barnegat-Manahawkin community?

Bright Start: My favorite part of being in the Barnegat/Manahawkin community is that I work and live around all of my families. I love running into parents and children when I am out shopping or on a run in my neighborhood. Its great so see them after they graduate and to see how well they are doing and knowing we did a great job!

Patch: How can readers contact you or learn more?

Bright Start: Readers can learn more by stopping by at 500 Barnegat Blvd (next to Cecil S Collins Elementary School, behind the new 7-11 or call us at 609-660-1800 or find us on Facebook, Bright Start Nursery School in Barnegat!