To provide meaningful, individualized, play-based early childhood education in a cooperative environment within our community in a way that empowers advocacy and supports relationships between teachers, children and families. To support an early childhood community that empowers families and children to confidently navigate the world.
Services
As a co-op, we utilize the talents, experience, and financial contributions of our families, coupled with paid, professional staff to ensure the smooth operation of the co-op and to enhance each family's experience. Families have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of ways that enable them to share in the operation and direction of the organization at a level that fits with their family circumstance.
Bright Beginnings Co-op offers three programs - Infant/Toddler, Preschool and Enrichment. Our goal is to support families through the spectrum of stages in early childhood with class options that meet the needs of families and children from newborns through school-age.
Our Infant/ Toddler program provides classes for families and their children from newborns up to turning 3. Classes introduce children to peer interaction, child-led exploration and problem solving; with many classes incorporating parent education and support for families.The first 30-minutes of this class provides an opportunity for peer interaction, socialization, and support with the families of the mobile infants/young toddler class.
Our Infant/ Toddler program provides classes for families and their children from newborns up to turning 3. Classes introduce children to peer interaction, child-led exploration and problem solving; with many classes incorporating parent education and support for families.The first 30-minutes of this class provides an opportunity for peer interaction, socialization, and support with the families of the mobile infants/young toddler class.
I have worked in the field of early childhood for nearly thirty years in a variety of capacities-nanny, preschool teacher, infant caregiver, program coordinator, and Program Director. I have a BA in Early Childhood Education Administration and a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Studies. In addition to serving at Bright Beginnings as Director, I teach early childhood education courses at Sacramento City College.
Enrollment for the next Trimester begins in November. Learn about us: Read about our philosophy and values, membership requirements, and class offerings. Schedule to attend one of our Information Sessions to learn more about our co-op, see our school space and hear more about the various class routines and daily rhythms.
Bright Beginnings Folsom Co-op and Preschool has proudly served Folsom and surrounding areas for over 45 years, and thrives with the support of our community. Your generous donations help us pay for play equipment, curriculum supplies and other community activities. We greatly appreciate your support!
Reviews (9)
Lindsey Tees
Jan 25, 2019
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Rita McNamara
Jun 08, 2018
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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
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
Dowell Heppe
Nov 14, 2017
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We were new to Folsom and heard about Bright Beginnings through multiple neighbors and families we met at local parks. Our son has now been there for two years and the growth we’ve witnessed is significant.
Bright Beginning’s “Play-based learning” curriculum has given our son more independence and confidence when interacting with other children and his teachers. His creativity has also increased exponentially and it carries over when he plays with us at home.
The Co-op environment is also a great way for parents to be more involved in their child’s development, as well as meet some
Bright Beginning’s “Play-based learning” curriculum has given our son more independence and confidence when interacting with other children and his teachers. His creativity has also increased exponentially and it carries over when he plays with us at home.
The Co-op environment is also a great way for parents to be more involved in their child’s development, as well as meet some
Tina Scholz
Nov 14, 2016
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We became part of an extended family when we came to Bright Beginnings. It all started out as a transition for our oldest daughter to work on socialization skills. I had always believed that children should play for as long as they can. They are only little for a short time in life. WOW, did I learn so much more! Children learn so many life skills just from play. This is our last year as our youngest will move on to kindergarten next year. So thankful and blessed to have had the experience of Bright Beginnings! My girls have life skills that will be with them for the rest of their lifes. Thanks
Stacie Ruffoni
Jul 22, 2016
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Not only have we loved the hands-on, play-based program at Bright Beginnings, but we have found it so rewarding to be part of a co-op preschool where we can be a part of our child's learning and meet other engaged families.
The teachers are attentive, thoughtful and respond to the needs and interests of the children. The executive director is knowledgeable, honest and a great resource on the critical role of play in a child's development.
Our son started in the Morning Glory's class and will continue in the Explorer's class, giving him a great foundation for being prepared to enter kindergarten
The teachers are attentive, thoughtful and respond to the needs and interests of the children. The executive director is knowledgeable, honest and a great resource on the critical role of play in a child's development.
Our son started in the Morning Glory's class and will continue in the Explorer's class, giving him a great foundation for being prepared to enter kindergarten
Aletha Bowman Tab Fam
Feb 01, 2014
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We are so lucky to have this excellent, play-based preschool so close to us here in Folsom. The staff is well educated and follow best practices to ensure individual needs are met. I appreciate how all of the preschool families can take part in participating in this school at whatever level they choose, and how the school strives to foster a culture of inclusion. My second boy has completed 2 years of this program and is moving onto Kindergarten. I am confident he is ready for any of the demands of elementary school - social or academic - because he had a chance to go at his own pace, practice
Mc Britton
Nov 25, 2012
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We first attended Bright Beginnings Preschool 3 years ago for their Parent Toddler Program. It came highly recommended by a friend of a friend, a place to take my toddler once a week for 2 and a half hours. She was very involved with painting and other sensory activities, participated in dramatic/imaginative play, and ultimately, another opportunity to bond with my daughter while introducing her to the idea of "school". For $50 a month I was sold, I dropped the other parent toddler gym membership we had, since I found this alternative a lot easier on our budget and I enjoyed seeing her "have fun
Phyllis Dinse
Aug 07, 2012
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As an early childhood educator with both my teaching credentials and masters I was determined to find a play-based preschool for my family. To say that I shopped around for a preschool is an understatement. I was appalled at what many of the preschools in our area consider to be developmentally appropriate. One prominent preschool in Folsom had the children coloring worksheets dictating the colors to be used and tracing upper and lower case letters on the first day of school – these children were newly 3! I quickly realized finding a play-based school that was in alignment with best practices
Shannon Ostrovsky
Jun 19, 2012
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In choosing a preschool for our kids we wanted a place where we could potentially send all our children. We wanted a sense of community not simply dropping our child off and picking them up a few hours later. Most importantly we wanted our children to have a safe, loving, and well-rounded environment to grow and flourish.
We are so pleased to have found Bright Beginnings Preschool and are extremely happy with our choice for a preschool. I searched the web endlessly for the "perfect" school for my first child and narrowed my search to about 5 potentials. After going on a tour of each place, observing
We are so pleased to have found Bright Beginnings Preschool and are extremely happy with our choice for a preschool. I searched the web endlessly for the "perfect" school for my first child and narrowed my search to about 5 potentials. After going on a tour of each place, observing
