How Bright Horizons Provides Early Education For Working Families

Bright Horizons at Courthouse Station is a brand-new early education and preschool center that provides year-round care for children from 6 weeks old to 5 years old. With curriculum and spaces that honor childhood and stimulate growth and discovery, children develop confidence and a passion for learning.

Megan Shaughnessy, center director of Bright Horizons at Courthouse Station, has always had a passion for creating positive learning environments for young children. Learn how the center's emergent curriculum approach is preparing students for success in school and in life in this exclusive Patch one-on-one with Shaughnessy.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?

Shaughnessy: Bright Horizons® has proudly been in business for over 30 years and we have had a presence in the Metro D.C. area since 1996. Bright Horizons® early education centers and preschools have been helping children develop confidence and a passion for learning for over 3 decades! Bright Horizons is committed to the field of early education and to practices that guide each child’s social, physical, emotional and cognitive development. Our 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.

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

Shaughnessy: My grandmother was a first grade teacher for 40 years. My parents and I lived with her when I was young and we would always play school with my cousins. I loved being in school and learning new things. Also, my brothers and sisters were much younger than me and I had a hand in raising them. From a young age, I volunteered at the child care center in the church in my neighborhood and tutored my peers in school. I knew I wanted to be involved in creating positive learning environments for young children so I decided to go to Salisbury University for Early Childhood Education. After being a teacher for several years, I recognized my strengths as a mentor and decided to enter a career in administration.

Patch: Sum up your business mission statement to a stranger in five words?

Shaughnessy: Early education for working families.

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

Shaughnessy: The biggest challenge I’ve faced in my job is having difficult conversations with families and teachers. It’s never easy, but I have learned so much about listening in my career as an educator and administrator. That is really the key—most people want to be listened to.

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

Shaughnessy: The most satisfying part of my job is at the end of the day. I am usually mentally and emotionally drained and as all the children are heading out the door with their parents, they always say goodbye. Sometimes I am lucky enough for them to run in my office and give me a hug or a high-five but it always makes me feel appreciated and makes my day worth every second.

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

• 30 years of business
• Proven curriculum practices that reflect the latest research on early education and focus on the whole child
• Thoughtfully created and well-appointed learning environments
• Teachers who are supported to grow professionally with a professional benefits package, including the ability to earn a Bachelor’s Degree for free
• Locations and hours to fit modern working families

In addition, we offer a variety of family resources that support parents as well as children, like a mobile app where teachers share photos, videos and updates directly with each family; family events and celebrations; parenting workshops; webinars and an online learning at home library.

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

Shaughnessy: I have two answers:

1. Listen to your intuition and be confident.

2. Make your decisions based on what’s best for children, not what’s best for adults. When the “why” behind your decisions is what’s best for children, then everything becomes more clear.

Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors you’re working on that you’re extra excited about?

Shaughnessy: We're excited about building a new community of learners — children, teachers and parents — and creating bonds with the community. Our center will be partnering with several local organizations, as well. For example, we will be working with a local family-owned business called Good Food Company to provide lunch for the children. These meals, along with two snacks and milk, will be included in tuition.

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community?

Shaughnessy: Once the center opens we will start planning a grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting. The Arlington Chamber of Commerce will be joining us for that event. We’re also working on a calendar of complimentary parent workshops with the Arlington Partnership for Children, Youth, and Families. Follow us on Facebook so you don’t miss any special events!

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

Shaughnessy: Visitors can check out our center website. You can also follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on center events and activities. Send us an email or give us a call at 571-305-5104. And if you’re in the neighborhood, just stop by. We’re located at 2000 14th St. N, in Arlington, across from the courthouse. We offer designated drop-off and pick-up street parking, as well as longer term garage parking. Children are always welcome at your center visit.

This article is sponsored by Bright Horizons at Courthouse Station.

Image Credit: Bright Horizons at Courthouse Station