Bright Futures Child Care Learning Center

It’s a wrap!

Thank you Christina Avila, for your friendship, loyalty, dedication and caring. I’ll miss you the most.

All I Really Need To Know I Learned In
Bright Futures Child Care Learning Center
by Robert Fulghum & Heather Dean

Most of what I really need
To know about how to live
And what to do and how to be
I learned in the Two’s Room.
Wisdom was not at the top
Of the graduate school mountain
But there in the woodchips in the play yard.

These are the things I learned:

Share everything.
Play fair.
Don't hit or bite .
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess & help others if asked.

Don't take things that aren't yours.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Cupcakes and milk are good for you.

Live a balanced life -
Learn some and think some
And draw and paint and sing and dance
And play and work every day some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world,
Watch out for traffic,

Get excited when fire trucks zoom by,
Always use your seat belts and wear a hat.
Hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder.

Call your mother, often.

Love to you all

Thank you.

After 18 years, 11 months and two days, Bright Futures is closing its doors, but not without great satisfaction and some sadness. Like many others, the pandemic was the impetus to pursue our other goals, and after considerable thought, it was time to let go. Our last day of operation will be this Thursday, December 23rd.

Our little program gave comfort and security to hundreds of families who didn’t have to chose between being good parents or good employees—they could be both.

We didn’t have a marketing budget or pay for advertising yet we made a name for ourselves through word of mouth from you in the community. Social media came along years later. Thank you to our cyber friends!

We also helped families find sources of care when we were full. There were plenty of them that we’ve met since, who didn’t use our service, yet still remember the kindness we gave in the form of a referral to other care givers.

Through it all we managed to keep the children safe and have fun, and the children learned. When they left us, they were preschool ready including the most important life lesson—how to be a good friend and neighbor.

We didn’t experience any broken bones or stitches, but we did dry a lot of tears and held a lot of hands—both babies and parents.

We didn’t work alone either, there were terrific teachers who worked just as hard and a few deserve mentioning:

Jessica
Christina
Megan
Diamante
Nayeli
Giavanna
Rebecca
Irma
Duncan
Carol

If I’ve left off your name, please forgive me—all teachers contributed to our success—one way or another.

Our Educational Consultant—Clare, who was there from the very beginning and helped us to the end when we needed a new head teacher to stay open. Her weekly visits in my absence as I commuted to New Canaan were a gift that I can never repay. That’s friendship for you.

And our Nurse Consultants:

ALICIA
RENEE
JANE

Thank you to Ms. Megan, for leading the program these last four months. Her calm, assured demeanor alleviated unnecessary stress for the parents and us.

We are grateful beyond measure to the families we have met along the way. Please stay in touch and continue sending us Christmas cards—we really love seeing the children we’ve cared for grow & live their Bright Futures!

Thank you,

Heather & Jeff Dean

The chill in the air and these little cuties enjoying the late afternoon sun before daylight savings (and the New England frost) limits outdoor play.

Remind you of anything? Our own Norman Rockwell Vacation. Carriage rides are always fun!

The time has come for Ms. Heather to begin a new chapter and move on from Bright Futures. Ms. Megan will be returning as the new Asst. Director/Head Teacher. Ms. Heather will be the new ECE program director at the YMCA in New Canaan.

We’re very happy to have Ms. Megan return. She’s has worked for us in the past FT, PT and as a substitute teacher, when needed. She has an infectious laugh, calm demeanor and total competence to oversee the program while caring for the children.

Meanwhile, we’ve listed the house with longtime family friend, Micheal Traum. When the home sells, unless there's a buyer for BF, we'll be closing the business when we move.

We’ll continue to care to the children enrolled in our program until we change hands. Our mission statement is always reflected in our work—“Quality Care While You’re Not There.”

If you are interested in the home or business, please contact Michael Traum, our realtor for details and tour.

Thank you.

smartmls.mlsmatrix.com

Learning our shapes & colors! One FT and one PT opening (both 12 months & younger) for our infant room. Tours by appointment only 203.254.2952.

A full day of play inside and out can wear out even the most energetic of toddlers. Sometimes catching a brief cat-nap in the shade is all that’s needed to recharge. Speaking of recharge, BF will be closed July 19-23, 2021. Tours will resume on 7/26, (203) 254-2952.

When the weather keeps us inside, there’s plenty to do for fun. Tours by appointment. (203) 254-2952

Happy Father’s Day! Here are some cuties showing how it’s done.

brought to you by five adorable toddlers immersed in a story being read by Ms. Nayeli. Tours by appt. only, (203) 254-2952 or [email protected].