Hey high school students! Are you thinking about a career that’s fun, meaningful, and lets you make a real difference? If you love working with kids, Bright Horizons, a leader in early childhood education, could be your perfect starting point. Get started now, straight out of high school!
What Is Early Childhood Education?
Early childhood education is all about working with young kids, from babies to preschoolers (ages 0-5), to help them grow, learn, and explore the world. As an educator at Bright Horizons, you’ll create a safe, fun environment where kids can spark their curiosity, build social skills, and develop a love for learning. Think singing songs, reading stories, and guiding little ones through their first big discoveries—it’s rewarding work that’s never boring!
Why Choose Bright Horizons?
Bright Horizons isn’t just any workplace—it’s a place where you can start strong, grow fast, and build a career with purpose. Here’s what makes it stand out:
Stability You Can Count On: As a publicly-traded company, Bright Horizons offers job security that’s rare in education. You can focus on your work without worrying about job instability.
Free College Degree: Through the Horizons Degree Program, Bright Horizons pays 100% of your tuition to earn an early childhood education degree. That’s right—college, debt-free!
Move Without Losing Your Job: Unlike most education jobs, Bright Horizons lets you transfer to other centers across the country. Whether you’re moving for college or just a change of scenery, your job can come with you.
Supportive Culture: At Bright Horizons, every voice matters. You’ll feel valued, supported, and encouraged to bring your whole self to work every day.
Growth Opportunities: From day one, you’ll have access to award-winning training and professional development to help you grow from a beginner to a pro.
What’s the Job Like?
At Bright Horizons, you’ll work in one of two types of child care centers:
Traditional Centers: Where kids attend on a regular schedule, like a preschool or daycare.
Back-Up Centers: Where families come for occasional care, like during school closures or snow days.
Your day might include leading activities, reading to kids, helping with crafts, or guiding playtime—all while building strong connections with children and their families. Bright Horizons’ Discovery Driven Learning framework puts kids’ curiosity and imagination first, so you’ll create engaging experiences that feel like fun, not work. Plus, you’ll be part of a team that’s passionate about making a difference, one child at a time.
Why It’s a Great Career Choice
A career at Bright Horizons is more than a job—it’s a chance to:
Make a Difference: Shape young lives and support families every day.
Grow Without Limits: With free education and endless training, you can build a career that grows with you.
Work with Purpose: Every day, you’ll see the impact of your work in the smiles of kids and parents.
Join a Community: Be part of a team that’s passionate, supportive, and dedicated to doing what’s best for kids.
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10 Fast Facts on Bright Horizons: Your Future Career Awaits!
Hey high schoolers! Dreaming of a career that’s fun, meaningful, and full of growth? A career in early childhood education means working with young kids (from babies to preschoolers) to spark their love for learning, help them grow socially and emotionally, and set them up for success—all while having a blast! Check out these 10 fast facts about Bright Horizons, a leader in early childhood education that’s perfect for launching your career!
✨ 10 Fast Facts about Bright Horizons ✨
Free College Degree? Yes, Please!
Bright Horizons’ Horizons Degree Program covers 100% of your tuition to earn an early childhood education degree. Work, teach, and graduate debt-free!
Start Here, Grow Anywhere!
Bright Horizons is the ultimate launchpad for your career. With top-notch training, you can go from rookie to early education rockstar in no time.
Move Without Losing Your Job!
Unlike most education jobs, Bright Horizons lets you transfer to other centers nationwide. Moving for college or a new adventure? Your job can tag along!
Rock-Solid Stability!
As a publicly-traded company, Bright Horizons offers job security that’s hard to find in education. No stress about shaky employment here!
A Culture That’s All About You!
With a supportive vibe, Bright Horizons values every voice. Bring your whole self to work and feel appreciated every day.
Perfect for Kid-Loving Superstars!
Passionate about kids and families? Excited to dive into early education, stay flexible, and help out? You’re a perfect match for their team!
Learn While You Earn!
Teachers are learners too! Get access to awesome professional development like Spark magazine, webinars, in-person trainings, and Spanish-language support for CDA certification.
Discovery Driven Learning = Fun for All!
Bright Horizons’ teaching approach puts kids’ curiosity and imagination first, making every day exciting for both children and teachers.
Make a Real Difference!
Work in traditional or back-up child care centers, shaping young minds and supporting families one joyful moment at a time.
Purpose + Passion = Your Dream Job!
At Bright Horizons, you’ll build a career filled with purpose, helping kids grow while growing yourself. It’s a path of endless possibilities!
Ready to shape young lives and build a brighter future? Join Bright Horizons and kickstart your early childhood education career! Visit their website to learn more and start working with purpose.
Benefits
HEALTH: Wellness and resiliency
Medical insurance
Prescription drug coverage
Health condition management
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Disability insurance
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Life and accident insurance
Basic life
Supplemental life
Accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)
Business travel accident (BTA)
Identity fraud support
Travel assistance
Estate and will-planning services
Spring Health employee assistance program (EAP)
Mental health coaching and resources
Care navigation support
Financial, legal, and work/life guidance
FINANCE: Planning and management
401(k) retirement plan with company match
Flexible spending accounts
Metro Credit Union member benefits
Real estate advantage program
TIME OFF: The time you need
Vacation time
Sick time
Holidays
Paid Bonding Leave for new parents
Paid time off for jury duty
Paid bereavement leave
Leaves of absence
CAREER: Professional development
Horizons CDA & Degree Program: Educators can earn associate and bachelor’s degrees in early education, and their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, 100% paid for by Bright Horizons
Tuition assistance
Education network discounts and services
Career and education coaching
DISCOUNTS: Special rates and deals
Shopping and entertainment
Cell phone service
Movie tickets
Fitness center memberships
BH Benefits Market
Auto, Home and Renters Insurance
Identity Theft Protections
Employee Purchase Program
Pet Insurance
Auto, home, and renters insurance
Identity theft protection
Employee purchase program
Pet insurance
Child Care Center Teaching Careers
Child care centers are the foundation of Bright Horizons – both traditional centers where children attend on consistent schedules; and back-up centers, where families come when they need occasional care (such as on a snow day).
In each of our centers, our educators do rewarding work; engage in award-winning training and ongoing career development; and positively impact the lives of children and families. They can even go to college to earn an early childhood education degree – completely free.
Watch our Webinar for High School Students
Bright Horizons is proud to share a recorded webinar with high school students interested in a career working in early childhood education. High school educators and professionals supporting students interested in early childhood education are also welcome to watch!
In this webinar, the Bright Horizons Campus Recruitment Team shares their own career path (which looks more like a zigzag than a straight line). Be inspired by this session highlighting the incredible impact early educators have on children for a lifetime.
During this session, you’ll also learn how you can earn your Early Childhood CDA, AA, and BA degrees – for FREE! Everything is paid for – tuition, books, fees… all of it! Eligibility starts on the first day of employment and success coaches are available for you for every step, from start to finish!
We offer internships, student teaching, practicum placements, and job shadowing in many of our centers. Jumpstart your career in education working in a part-time center support role or if you’re ready for a full-time job and meet the position’s requirements, we encourage you to apply!
At Bright Horizons, your coworkers will help you reach your full potential. Join a workplace that encourages career development, welcomes you to be you, and empowers you to make an impact every day!
Culture & Inclusion: You Belong at Bright Horizons
At Bright Horizons, everyone is welcome. We believe our employees deserve a workplace where they are embraced and appreciated for their talents and accomplishments, where they can work with a sense of belonging, and where they can bring their whole selves to work.
Our classrooms are a model for the future. Here, teachers create developmentally appropriate curriculum and experiences that help children understand the world they inhabit today while supporting a sense of responsibility and compassion for tomorrow.
Free College Degrees: Horizons CDA & Degree Program
Here, you don’t have to choose between a career and college. We know that the best learning starts with the best teachers, and that’s why all Bright Horizons educators have the opportunity to earn early education degrees – for FREE.
The Horizons CDA & Degree Program allows all Bright Horizons center staff to go to college completely free. We pay for everything – tuition, books, fees…all of it. Full-time* educators are eligible for Early Childhood Education (ECE) degrees; part-time educators can earn a CDA. Choose from one of our Horizons Partner Schools and we’ll also provide success coaches to help you across the finish line.
*Full-time is defined as 30-hours or more per workweek.
Professional Development
Bright Horizons® is fueled by people who know education and care can change the world. Join our company and you’ll be part of a team providing world-class support – child care, elder care, guidance for careers and education – for families and children who really need you, and for workforces powering some of the world’s best brands
Bright Horizons is committed to providing high-quality education and care for young children. Understanding the importance of training and development in early childhood education is essential to achieving this.
FREE EARLY EDUCATION TRAINING
Visit the Bright Horizons Early Education Professional Development Page to discover resources that will help future educators grow. Access recorded and training on early childhood topics, career pathways, and much more…and it’s all free! Training certificates are available to download after each session.
A Day in the Life of a Bright Horizons Early Childhood Educator
Ever wondered what it’s like to be an early childhood educator at Bright Horizons? Step into a fun, rewarding, and fast-paced day where you’re shaping young minds, sparking joy, and growing your career—all while having a blast! Here’s a glimpse into a typical day for an educator working with preschoolers (ages 3-5) at a Bright Horizons traditional child care center.
7:30 AM – Arrive and Prep the Day
You arrive at the Bright Horizons center, greeted by the warm, welcoming vibe of the classroom. After a quick team huddle with your fellow educators to review the day’s schedule, you set up activities based on the Discovery Driven Learning framework. This means arranging hands-on, curiosity-driven stations—like a sensory table with colorful beads or a cozy reading nook with books about animals. You check the classroom for safety and add a few personal touches, like a new art display of the kids’ latest masterpieces.
8:00 AM – Welcome the Kids
As children start arriving, you’re at the door with smiles and high-fives, easing any morning jitters. You chat with parents, sharing quick updates about their child’s progress or a fun moment from yesterday. Once the kids are settled, you lead a morning circle time with a song and a short story to kick off the day with energy and connection.
9:00 AM – Learning Through Play
Time for exploration! You guide the kids through activities designed to spark their imagination and curiosity. Today, you’re focusing on a nature theme. One group builds “animal habitats” with blocks, while another paints leaves at the art station. You’re right in the mix, asking open-ended questions like, “What do you think a bear’s home looks like?” to encourage critical thinking. Bright Horizons’ approach keeps the kids’ natural wonder at the center, so you’re facilitating their discoveries rather than directing them.
10:30 AM – Snack and Social Time
Snack time is a chance to build social skills. You sit with the kids, modeling manners and chatting about their favorite animals. You notice one child sharing their apple slices with a friend—score! You praise their kindness, reinforcing the supportive classroom culture Bright Horizons is known for.
11:00 AM – Outdoor Adventures
It’s time to head outside to the center’s playground. You supervise as the kids climb, swing, and explore. You might lead a game of “Nature Scavenger Hunt,” where kids search for leaves or sticks, tying back to the day’s theme. For kids who need a quieter moment, you sit with them to talk or draw in the shade. This is when you see their personalities shine—whether they’re zooming down the slide or quietly observing a bug.
12:30 PM – Lunch and Rest
Back inside, you help the kids wash up and settle for lunch. You encourage them to try new foods and chat about their morning adventures. After lunch, it’s rest time. You dim the lights, play soft music, and read a calming story to help the kids wind down for naps or quiet activities. This is a great moment to jot down notes about each child’s progress for parent updates.
2:00 PM – Professional Development Break
While the kids nap, you take a moment to catch up on professional development. You log into a Bright Horizons webinar on fostering creativity in young learners or flip through the latest issue of Spark magazine, written just for Bright Horizons teachers. These resources, part of the company’s commitment to your growth, give you fresh ideas to bring to the classroom. If you’re enrolled in the Horizons Degree Program, you might use this time to work on coursework for your early childhood education degree—fully paid for by Bright Horizons!
3:00 PM – Afternoon Activities
The kids are up and ready for more fun. You lead a small group in a science experiment, like mixing baking soda and vinegar to create a “volcano.” You encourage their questions and excitement, tying it to the Discovery Driven Learningapproach. Meanwhile, you support a Spanish-speaking colleague by translating a parent note, thanks to Bright Horizons’ inclusive culture and resources for Spanish-speaking educators.
4:30 PM – Wrap-Up and Parent Pick-Up
As parents arrive, you share highlights of the day—like how their child led the scavenger hunt or painted a colorful leaf. You hand out a quick newsletter with photos and updates, reinforcing the strong family connections Bright Horizons values. You also check in with a parent about their child’s recent milestones, offering insights from your observations.
5:00 PM – Team Reflection and Planning
After the kids leave, you and your team tidy up and reflect on the day. You discuss what worked well (the volcano experiment was a hit!) and brainstorm ideas for tomorrow. Your center director shares feedback and celebrates your teamwork, reminding you why Bright Horizons’ supportive culture feels so special. If you’re considering a transfer to another center (maybe you’re moving for college next year), you chat with your director about the process—Bright Horizons makes it easy to stay with the company.
5:30 PM – Head Home
As you leave, you feel energized by the day’s impact. You’ve helped kids grow, connected with families, and learned something new yourself. Plus, you’re building a career with purpose, knowing Bright Horizons supports you with free education, stability, and endless growth opportunities.
Why It’s Awesome
Being an early childhood educator at Bright Horizons means every day is different, filled with laughter, learning, and meaningful moments. You’re not just working—you’re shaping young lives, growing your skills, and being part of a community that values passion and purpose. Whether you’re in a traditional or back-up center, you’re making a difference, one child at a time. Want to join the fun? Check out Bright Horizons’ career page to start your journey!
Our Videos
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National High School Student Webinar: Chart Your Early Childhood Career
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