Brightpath Early Learning & Childcare Centre Review

10/29/2015

I recently visited Brightpath Early Learning & Childcare Centre in Millwoods to learn more about their programs. If you are looking for care for your little one this should definitely be on your list of considerations. They have separate spaces for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners and out-of-school care.Upon entering the centre, I was really impressed with the measures in place to keep the children safe; there is a button on the wall (out of a child’s reach) that must be depressed to enter and exit the facility.

In the main entrance is the Director’s office and the walls are lined with the facility’s licensing certificates, inspection reports, teacher certifications, monthly food menu, etc. There is a parent board with important dates and other reminders, a photo board which displays special memories and it is nicely decorated with the children’s art based on the current theme.

I only had the opportunity to tour the kindergarten room and the out-of-school care centre because of the time I went- 1pm is when the littlest ones nap, so we didn’t want to disturb them! I definitely noticed consistency throughout the entire centre, which is open 7am-6pm. Each room follows a schedule that is appropriate to the age group and is similar to the other rooms, which helps kids to transition as they grow.

Brightpath uses the Frog Street Program, an exclusive continued learning tool which ensures the children are actually learning rather than just being watched over at daycare. Each week of the program has corresponding books and materials that allow the child to progress based on their system, but it also offers choices so their day is very much led by the child’s interest which is great! They also have the Hatch technology corner which has special computers to foster learning.

The centre has a kitchen and all foods are made from scratch in-house using fresh ingredients by a cook which is staffed full-time. The menu is dietitian created and on a 4 week rotation so there is a ton of variety! The menu includes lots of fruit and veggies and has vegetarian options as well. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are available at the centre.

The outside space is quite nice! Partially covered so there is sun and shade and lots of room to run around! Kids get outside two times/day up to -10 weather, provided they have adequate dress. For the school age kids, Brightpath has a private bus to shuttle to and from school and some kids take the yellow bus as well.

I was really impressed with the out-of-school care room. The kids are given responsibility in the classroom – they set the classroom rules and also use some of their time to read to the younger kids and act as a role model. Daily clubs include science, reading, cooking and sports so there is plenty of variety for your child to explore many interests.Brightpath also uses an online daily reporting system where parents can log in and see what their child is up to that day which includes reporting on naps, meals, bathroom, mood and activities with pictures. This is a  great way to not only see how your child is doing each day but also allows you to see patterns that may be developing over the long term since it is written out for you.

If you are looking into childcare for your little one, I definitely recommend calling Brightpath for a tour. As with most accredited childcare centres, the waitlist can be long, so remember to start your search early!