This post is sponsored and contributed by Patch Spotlights , a Patch Brand Partner.

This Patch article is sponsored by Bright Horizons.

Bright Horizons at Essex Crossing is a new early education and preschool center that provides year-round care for children six weeks to five-years-old. In the 30 years since the company opened its doors, Bright Horizons has remained dedicated to the social, physical, emotional, and cognitive development of children. With locations across the country, Bright Horizons will soon open the doors to its Essex Crossing location.

Patch had the opportunity to chat with Caroline Moran, Center Director at Bright Horizons at Essex Crossing, about Bright Horizons' role in the community.

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Patch: How long have you been doing business in town/how long has the organization you represent been around in the community?

Moran: Bright Horizons® early education centers and preschools have been helping children around the world develop confidence and a passion for learning for over 30 years. Bright Horizons is committed to the field of early education and to practices that guide each child's social, physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Our emergent curriculum approach is designed for this purpose, enabling teachers to tailor activities and projects for the specific interests and skills of each child in the class, with the goal of preparing students for success in school and in life.

Find out what's happening in Lower East Side-Chinatown with free, real-time updates from Patch.

We are in the beginning stages of licensing for our Essex Crossing location and plan to open our doors later this spring!

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you're in, and how did you get started?

Moran: I originally wanted to work with older children in an elementary school setting. Shortly after graduating from college, I applied for teaching positions with various age groups. I accepted a Pre-K position at a center located on a college campus serving students with children. While working in this program I was introduced to the concept of children learning through play and classroom experiences. It was in this position that I also came to understand that the classroom environment was the third "teacher" in the room and that the day was filled with valuable teachable moments as the children engaged with their teachers and one another in this environment. I came to embrace this philosophy and felt that pull to continue working with very young children.

Patch: Sum up your business mission statement to a stranger in five words?

Moran: Early education for working families.

Patch: What's the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you've faced in your job?

Moran: The biggest early childhood challenge thus far was making the transition from classroom teacher to administrator 10 plus years ago. I take such great pleasure in growing and learning with children in the classroom and the shift in responsibilities was difficult at first. I grew to love building upon the whole program, including coaching teachers about developmentally appropriate practice and creating a center-wide community of teachers, children, and families!

Patch: What's the most satisfying part of your job?

Moran: This is a tough one - there are so many satisfying pieces! I'm especially satisfied when I'm sharing our program with prospective families. These visits give me the opportunity to talk about the philosophy, curriculum, and practices that are the backbone of the center. They also allow me to highlight the work done by our teachers and the positive impact this work has on children.

Credit: Bright Horizons

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?

Moran: We've been in business over 30 years. We're industry-leading in COVID-19 health and safety practices. We have a proven emergent curriculum that reflects the latest research on early education.

We foster thoughtfully created environments with teachers who are supported to grow professionally and stay current on the most effective education techniques. Bright Horizons also offers an additional education benefit: our Horizons Teacher Degree Program, which pays full tuition so teachers can earn an early childhood education degree completely for free!

We have locations and hours to fit the way parents work and well-balanced programs that focus on the whole child (social, emotional, physical) and prepare children for success in school and life.

Our centers make sure children feel safe and loved from the moment they put their hands in ours to the moment they put them back in yours. Plus, we offer a variety of family resources that support parents as well as children.

Patch: What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given when it comes to success?

Moran: "If you don't try, you'll never know!" Like many people, I have my moments where I can be afraid of failure. Keeping this advice in the back of my head has given me the motivation to plan and execute classroom experiences, staff development, and family events in new and different ways throughout my career. I believe we are never done learning and we should always consider ideas that are a different take on what we've always done, it keeps things interesting!

Credit: Bright Horizons

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business? (site URL, Facebook, Twitter, contact information, etc.)

Moran: There are a few ways to learn more about the center and about Bright Horizons. Definitely check out our center website for information on our curriculum and follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on what's happening here at the center. We are currently offering both in-person and virtual visits so we invite you to schedule a time to come by and check us out!

www.brighthorizons.com/essexcrossing
www.facebook.com/BHatEssexCrossing

You can also email us at essexcrossing@brighthorizons.com or call 917-736-9242.

This post is sponsored and contributed by Patch Spotlights , a Patch Brand Partner.

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