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March 2022 by Erika V.
Bright beginnings preschool has been an amazing school for our family. They are one of the few true play based programs in the area. They focus on the child as whole and meet the child where they are developmentally. The teachers and director are experienced educators who constantly share their knowledge, either directly with the parents or through the parent education aspect of the preschool. One of the most unique and special aspects of the school isn't the amazing open ended playground but the fact that it's a co-op. A co-op where families come together and work hand in hand with the faculty to strive to make an environment where children can thrive and just be kids.
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February 2022 by S D.
I was referred to Bright Beginnings through a neighbor. We are new to the area and found great families to connect with and was happy to give my child more experiences with kids her age. BB's play-based approach is just what I was looking for. The teachers are amazing, supportive,communicative, and collaborative in their approach with children. We have had a great experience in multiple classes and have seen our child grow in so many ways. I would definitely recommend Bright Beginnings to anyone new to the area as the community is really great and supportive. Lots of opportunity for parent involvement as well!
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February 2022 by Allison L.
Highly recommend the Toddler Transition program for 2 year olds. Teacher Kathy is a true angel, and will bless your children with the best experience. It's a small environment, where toddlers feel safe to grow and learn at their own pace. Wonderful school!
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February 2022 by Brenda S.
We have had a amazing experience with Bright Beginning . The teachers are exceptional, the families become part of your family. The family participation in the program has been wonderful to experience. There is a wide variety of different classes your child can participate in, enrichment programs, summer camps, lending library, play on playground time, art classes, ect. We can't say enough wonderful things about Bright Beginnings, by far it's been on of the best preschool we have been to.
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February 2022 by Lisa S.
We love the parent-child class at Bright Beginnings. Our son has grown so much since attending this school; he is becoming more confident and really enjoys playing with the other kids in the class. The staff is so supportive and explains a lot of the "why" behind the things we do, which I find really helpful. The community of parents at the school is amazing. I can't recommend the school enough.
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February 2022 by Laleh B.
I was referred to Bright Beginnings Folsom Co-op and Preschool by a friend. My daughter and I started out in the Parent Toddler class in 2019. I observed how the teachers and preschool director interacted with the children, and how the children responded, and was (and still am) truly amazed. Bright Beginnings' play-based, whole-child approach places children first and recognizes the value of play. The teachers and preschool director are experienced and are so fabulous with the children, putting the children's best interests at the forefront of every decision. I also love how our school's culture helps build meaningful relationships, and provides family support. Just like my children, I am constantly learning and growing from my time spent volunteering in the classroom and participating in parent coaching sessions. Thank you Bright Beginnings for all that you do and what you represent!
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February 2022 by Angie C.
This play-based preschool has been amazing for my son's development. I've seen his creativity, communication, and social skills blossom. He loves school and wants every day to be a school day. I've also enjoyed connecting with the other families who support the co-op. It's an amazing community. I just wish they had more classes for school-age children so we could stay here longer!
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January 2022 by Nicole P.
As a child life specialist, I was a bit picky when searching for the right preschool for my child. I knew I wanted to find a school that was truly play based, child centered, and valued what really matters at this age - socio-emotional skills, building relationships, meeting children where they are at developmentally, and challenging them just enough so they can continue to grow. When I found Bright Beginnings, I knew we had found the best place for me daughter!This school is a very special place! The teachers truly care about each of the children. The familial feel of the co-op has given me friendships that will continue on well beyond our preschool years. Parent education is a big part of this program and it has helped me to grow and be a better parent to my child. And above all else, Bright Beginnings has provided us a routine routine and sense of normalization during the pandemic, for which I will be forever grateful. We love our preschool!
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December 2019 by Lindsey Tees
We LOVE Bright Beginnings. The learn to play philosophy is what initially intrigued us, and the teachers and community is what sold us! Our daughter absolutely loves her preschool and is always so excited to be there. We're so grateful to have found it!
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December 2019 by Andy Andrews
We chose Bright Beginnings because of its play-based, child-empowering philosophies, and my four-year-old son is really happy here! Children in the Butterfly class (8:45-11:45 MWF) spend 2/3 of their school day doing free-play. This allows kids lots of practice with social skills, and time to delve into projects at their own pace; watching this cool process is a benefit of being a parent-volunteer. New art, sensory, imaginative play, gross-motor, and science areas are changed daily or weekly, and cater to the interests of the children. There are so many awesome activities offered!I also highly recommend the parent/toddler class. Similar to the other preschool classes, activities are offered with great intention, and care is taken not to overwhelm the kids with stimulation (i.e. fewer toys are offered to allow kids to focus and interact more with each other). Check out this school!
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December 2019 by laura pestoni
So so glad to have had my kids attend Bright Beginnings. Love the staff and sense of of community. Seriously, this preschool was a game changer for our family.
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December 2019 by Steven Man
Bright beginning is a perfect fit for my daughter! Wonderful staff, volunteers mom and dad and nice teachers ?
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December 2018 by Rita McNamara
Amazing. The best preschool I have ever sent my children to. I knew that there were many choices living in Folsom, but Bright Beginnings was a more-than-pleasant surprise. It’s an intimate, loving place that has an incredible group of teachers and involved parents. I also really like that it’s a not-for-profit place, where parents serve on its board, not just people watching the bottom line. And being this way also keeps tuition very affordable.Bright Beginnings also helps me feel more of a sense of community, too. Moving to Folsom was a bit intimidating with many newcomers and also long-term residents. Bright Beginnings has been the first place that I feel like I truly BELONG with people. Friendly, mellow types who really want the best for their little ones.I’ll say it again, amazing. Just amazing.
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December 2018 by Caitlin Jobe
Bright Beginnings Preschool has been such an amazing experience for our children. The parent co-op is a great way to connect with other families as well as be involved in the events with the school. We love the play based philosophy and hands on approach our children get to experience, all while learning!
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December 2018 by Julia Huang
I'm almost not sure where to start...What first hit me about Bright Beginnings was how rich the classroom environment was. After touring day-cares that looked sterile and wanted to show me their smart boards, it was a relief to see toys in play dough, paint, plants growing in the windows, bowls of pine cones and rocks. The contrast was even greater outside where there were sand and bark boxes, a tire swing, a mud kitchen, fruit trees... a far cry from the cement-enclosed play structures and rectangles of lawn I had been trying to resign myself to. I wanted a preschool were my kids could explore and experiment and do the things I took for granted when I was a kid.Then a teacher chatted with me for a while and explained why each station that was set up was there: Dramatic play for social development, and play dough to strengthen hand muscles for fine motor control and writing, shaving cream for sensory development... I found out that while the kids think that they're just playing with whatever is out there the teachers are constantly looking at the development and interests and needs of their students and changing what they put out and what activities they organize. Apparently this is what, "play based," is supposed to mean, I couldn't believe how thoughtful and individualized the philosophy was.I've been supper grateful for how supportive their staff is. Part of this includes that they have a lot of parent education aspects, and I have learned to be a better parent thanks to much of the director's work. But more than that, my first son was really sensitive and I was so worried about his transitioning to a new environment. In the long run it turned out he had mild Autism. The staff supported him and me through our own struggles, were the ones to suggest I get him evaluated, and never did anything to single him out or, "manage," him as being any more different than his classmates.My ONLY complaint is that between being a part-time program and being a co-op, it would be nearly impossible for any family without a full-time caregiver or very flexible work hours to manage it. It's a real pity since this is the kind of preschool all kids should get to experience
