By Kristen Monroe and Dellisa Edwards
Brighton Center
When we think about a child’s education, we often think about kindergarten and the school years that follow. But the truth is, learning begins long before a child ever steps into a classroom. The early years are among the most important in a child’s development. This is when children begin learning how to communicate, build relationships, solve problems, manage their emotions, gain
confidence, and explore the world around them.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children thrive when they are cared for in environments that are safe, stable, nurturing, and stimulating, with responsive adults who support learning, communication, and healthy emotional development. That is why quality child care matters.
Children need more than supervision while their parents are at work or attending school. They need caring, passionate adults who encourage them, teach them, listen to them, and help them discover what they are capable of achieving.
The Bipartisan Policy Center states that nationally; there are an estimated 14.8 million children under five who may need child care. For families facing additional challenges or limited access to resources and opportunities, quality child care can make an even greater difference. Every child deserves access to a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and supportive environment where they can learn, grow, stay healthy, build confidence, and be prepared for success in school and beyond.
These national trends highlight a reality families experience every day: quality child care is essential, but it can also be difficult to access and afford. At Brighton Center, we believe every child deserves a strong start, and every family deserves support in making that possible.
According to national data released by Child Care Aware of America in 2026, child care remains a significant financial burden for many families. In 2025, the average annual cost of care was $13,184 per child, representing approximately 10% of a two-parent household’s median income and 33% of a single parent’s median income.
These national and state realities align with Brighton Center’s belief that quality early education supports children’s development while helping parents work, attend school, and pursue greater stability.
Brighton Center operates two nationally accredited early childhood education programs in Newport: Early Scholars Child Development Center and Bright Days Child Development Center.
Both programs are tuition based and proudly accept child care assistance to help make quality early education accessible and affordable for families.
Early Scholars and Bright Days provide care and a nurturing environment for children from six weeks through 12 years of age. The mission is simple: give parents peace of mind while providing children with a safe, engaging environment where they are supported, encouraged, and excited to learn. Every day, early childhood educators work alongside children to help them develop cognitively, socially, and emotionally while allowing them to experience the joy and wonder of simply being a child.
The impact of quality early childhood education can be life changing. Brighton Center&’s programs consistently help children build the skills they need to succeed, with 95% of children attending Bright Days and Early Scholars for at least 12 months assessed as age-appropriate in cognitive and language skills and entering school kindergarten-ready.
Dellisa Ford-Edwards, Family and Child Development Director said, “We know choosing child care is about more than services. It is about trusting someone with your child and knowing they will be cared for, encouraged, and believed in when you cannot be there. It is their early education teacher who celebrates their little victories, comforts them on hard days, and helps them believe in themselves and each other. Those moments may seem small, but they become part of who a child grows to be.”
Choosing child care is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. The right program becomes more than a place where children spend their day. It becomes an invaluable partner in their growth and development.
At Early Scholars and Bright Days, children are surrounded by caring educators, meaningful learning opportunities, and a community that believes in their potential. Families gain peace of mind knowing their children are learning, growing, and thriving in a safe and supportive environment.
Because where a child spends their earliest years matters. A strong start does more than prepare children for kindergarten. It helps build the foundation for lifelong learning, confidence, and success.
To learn more about Brighton Center’s Early Scholars and Bright Days Child Development Centers, visit www.brightoncenter.com.