bright
beginnings
early school

Our morning care is available from 7:30 - 8:25 am and is offered to all enrolled students. Regular enrollment or drop-in options are available.

Lunch Bunch is our extended day option offered from 12:30 - 3:00 pm for children in the 3 year old, VPK, and Stepping Stones classes. Children will eat lunch provided by parents / guardians prior to daily enrichment activities. Enrichments vary based on the day, some examples are Science, Dance, Soccer, Tennis, and/or Golf. Lunch Bunch may be paid monthly or semi-annually, and drop-ins are always welcome. Contact the office for more information. Please register with the Bright Beginnings office if you are interested in before care or Lunch Bunch. Tuition rates are available on the Tuition and Fees page.

Our Play Day program is specifically designed for children 6-24 months. We provide a safe environment for these little ones to grow and learn. This class helps build the foundation for social interaction among peers which your child can carry with them through preschool and beyond.

Children age two by September 1 are eligible for our two-year-old class. Families may choose either two days (M-Tu), three days (W-Th-F) or 5 day option per week from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm. Our two-year-old classes will focus on providing a safe, healthy, secure and welcoming environment away from home.

Our purpose is to create an environment that encourages curiosity and exploration in young children. We will also focus on encouraging early cooperative play, sharing and taking turns and independence (leaving parent comfortably). We will provide opportunities for language development, beginning math skills, self expression through art, music and movement. We will help and encourage children with their toileting skills as they are ready.

Children age three by September 1 and who are toilet trained are eligible for this program. Families may choose either two days (M-Tu), three days (W-Th-F) or 5 day option per week from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm. These classes stress socialization and learning through play and a wealth of “hands-on” activities. Time for art, music, outdoor play, story time, creative dramatics, and group activities are part of each day’s activities. The children begin to attend a lively Chapel time each week.

Our four-year-old classes are part of the state of Florida’s free Voluntary PreK (VPK) program. These classes consist of hands-on, developmentally appropriate learning experiences, emphasizing beginning literacy and math skills, as well as building the self-esteem and self-confidence needed to move on to the primary grades. Children attend Chapel weekly. You may choose between two options for your four-year-old child:

● Free VPK Only: 8:30 – 11:30 am.
● Private VPK: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm. This program allows students to attend the full school day, which extends the 540 hours of Free VPK.

Stepping Stones is a one-of-a-kind program designed to address the needs of children who are eligible for kindergarten, but for a variety of reasons, will benefit from the gift of an extra year before taking that step. Our Stepping Stones program was the first program of its type in Lee County that works to prepare these students for public or private kindergarten classes. Children entering Stepping Stones must be five by September 1. This class will meet Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 1:30 pm.

Bright Beginnings offers summer camp options for children ages six months through 5th grade. Registration will open in February for the available weeks. Contact the office for more information.

Please email or call the Bright Beginnings office to check availability for your child. Due to space limitations, registration and fees are non-refundable once you have registered. Age groups are as follows:
● Play Day (entering Play Day/ 2 year old program in the fall)
● Wee campers (entering 3 year old program in the fall)
● Little campers (entering VPK in the fall)
● Young campers (entering Stepping Stones or Kindergarten in the fall)
● Junior campers (entering 1st or 2nd grade in the fall)
● Senior campers (entering 3rd-6th grade in the fall)
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Our two day class meets Monday and Tuesday, and three day class meets Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Five day class meets every weekday.

Our two day class meets Monday and Tuesday, and three day class meets Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Five day class meets every weekday. Every currently enrolled Play Day child is guaranteed a spot in our two year old program.

Our two day class meets Monday and Tuesday, the three day class meets Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and the five day class meets every weekday. These are the classes that typically fill up most quickly. Every currently enrolled two year old is guaranteed a spot in our three-year-old program.

Our VPK classes meet 5 days a week. VPK is offered in a free option (only state funded) 8:30 - 11:30 am or private option 8:30 am - 12:30 pm. Every currently enrolled three year old is guaranteed a spot in our VPK program.

To enroll in VPK classes (free or private pre-k option):

‍First, return your Bright Beginnings forms to the front office to secure your child’s enrollment.
Then visit the link provided below to enroll for VPK through the state.
‍https://familyservices.floridaearlylearning.com/Account/Login.
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Parents must complete a VPK application by:
● clicking the above link.
● going to the home page of The Early Learning Coalition: elcofswfl.org.
● parents may go to: The Early Learning Coalition, 2675 Winkler Avenue, Ft Myers, FL 239-935-6100.

The Following forms are required:
● Original birth certificate, passport or immunization record signed by a physician.
● Proof of Florida Residency (electric bill, lease, driver’s license, or pay stub).

After you receive your child’s voucher, please sign and return it to the Bright Beginnings office along with a copy of your child’s birth certificate/passport and your proof of Florida residency.
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The Stepping Stones class is for children old enough to begin kindergarten (5 years old) but who would benefit from the gift of another year prior to starting elementary school. Space is extremely limited in this popular program that meets five days a week until 1:30 pm.

Financial Aid
Please note that there is a LIMITED amount of financial aid offered. This is based on need (full disclosure of financial info is required) and must be applied for annually.  The deadline for financial aid packets to be returned is April 15. Please see the office staff for more information concerning financial aid.