Bright Horizons Is Providing Early Education For Working Families

This Patch article is sponsored by Bright Horizons at West 14th.

Bright Horizons® at West 14th is an early education and preschool center that provides year-round care for children 6 weeks old to 5 years old. With curriculum and spaces that honor childhood and stimulate growth and discovery, children develop confidence and a passion for learning.

Samantha Cotroneo, center director of Bright Horizons at West 14th, has had a love for education since she was a child and believes this passion stemmed from her grandmother who was also a teacher.

Learn more about Cotroneo and the Grand Opening Celebration of Bright Horizons at West 14th in this exclusive Patch one-on-one:

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?

Cotroneo: Bright Horizons at West 14th opened on October 15, 2019. However, Bright Horizons has proudly been in business for over 30 years, and their early education centers and preschools have been helping children around the world develop confidence and a passion for learning. Bright Horizons is committed to the field of early education and to practices that guide each child’s social, physical, emotional and cognitive development. Bright Horizons’ 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.

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

Cotroneo: My grandmother was a kindergarten teacher for the NYC Department of Education. I frequently visited her classroom as a child and I believe my love of children and education stemmed from that.

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

Cotroneo: Early education for working families.

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

Cotroneo: Returning from maternity leave last January was probably the most difficult moment I have faced. It took some time and understanding from my supervisors to learn how to balance running my center effectively while also being a wife, and a mommy to my now 1-year-old daughter.

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

Cotroneo: Watching both the children and my staff grow is by far the best part of my job!

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

Cotroneo:

• 30 years of business
• Proven emergent curriculum that reflects the latest research on early education
• Thoughtfully created environments
• Teachers who are supported to grow professionally and stay current on the most effective education techniques
• Locations and hours to fit the way parents work
• Well-balanced programs that focus on the whole child (social, emotional, physical), and prepare children for success in school and life
• Centers that 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?

Cotroneo: To always try your hardest. If you give it your best, you will always feel successful.

Patch: Are there any new projects or endeavors you’re working on that you’re extra excited about?

Cotroneo: Right now, I am just focusing on making our brand new center a success! My administrative team and I have put a lot of time, effort and heart into our center and we are excited to continue to watch it flourish!

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community?

Cotroneo: We’ll be hosting our Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, January 11 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. This is a chance for staff, families and the surrounding community to come together to celebrate the successful opening of the center and enjoy a morning of family fun. The event will feature children's activities, live musical entertainment, refreshments and much more!

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Cotroneo: Check out our website or follow us on Facebook. You can email us here or call us at 646-358-1398.