BrightPath stands out for helping 'children learn and grow'

By Deborah Rose 

Bright smiling faces illuminate the classrooms at BrightPath in New Milford.

The smiles emanate from both the teachers and children that call the early learning childcare center a second home during the day.

The staff "is like extended family," said Cassie Brito of Danbury, whose son, Giovanni, attends the facility.

Families in New Milford and surrounding towns have found BrightPath to be an inviting and education environment since it opened in March of 2023.

“It’s a great learning environment,” said Kylie Nimer, whose 2-year-old daughter attends BrightPath. “They have curriculum-based activities, it’s so structured, and so clean.”

The center provides care for infants aged 6 weeks and up, as well as toddlers and preschoolers.

Brito said she was impressed with the tour she received of the facility during her search for a childcare center and reading “the best reviews” about BrightPath.

“From the moment I meant (the teacher and director), I had a sense of ease,” Brito said. “They walked me through everything…through the jitters,” the mother of one said. “I felt a warmth.”

She described her son, Giovanni, as a happy child who smiles, laughs, plays and runs to greet the teachers.

Keshia Gregory, center director, said she looks forward to work each day and having the opportunity to be a part of young children’s lives.

“I love being able to watch children learn and grow, and also be a part of that process,” she related. 

Gregory has been part of the BrightPath team for several years. She came aboard as director in New Milford in 2023, having served as director at the Redding location prior to that.

BrightPath has locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Kentucky. The New Milford location, located at 169 Danbury Road in the Litchfield Crossings plaza, is the 22nd location in Connecticut.

Gregory said BrightPath’s curriculum, Bee Curious, and the process to bring teachers on board is what excites her. 

“It’s a unique framework created through extensive research celebrating learning,” Gregory said of the curriculum, noting it is child led to align with a child’s natural abilities. 

“It sets the foundation for self-awareness, and for a child to be well rounded,” she said. “It prepares children to thrive in a diverse society.”

The curriculum highlights a variety of themes such as community helpers, animals, construction, and transportation, she explained.

To enhance the curriculum, the center collaborates with local businesses and community members to bring in special guests or offer programs and special events that tie into the various themes.

For example, firefighters may visit during the community helpers theme, and farm animals may pay a visit during the farm animals theme.

Gregory emphasized that teachers also have individualized curriculum for the children. 

BrightPath takes hiring its staff seriously, Gregory said. 

All teachers go through a course to learn the curriculum, as well take emergency preparedness courses such as first aid.

“The company goes above and beyond with the onboarding of educators, the director said.

Informational boards are hung on the wall outside each classroom. 

Nimer said she chose BrightPath because it was a “good fit” for her family and offered services her family appreciated.

“My daughter is immune compromised, so we especially have to be careful with germs, which is so hard to do at daycare,” Nimer said.

She emphasized the cleanliness of Brightpath, noting how shoes are taken off outside each classroom and the Zono machine for santization.

Gregory noted the additional offering that families appreciate – security cameras, facial recognition software, emergency response communication with the police department, AEDs on site, healthy snacks and meals, and an expansive playground.  

Nimer said she was impressed with BrightPath so much so that she sought employment there. She is now a teacher in one of the classrooms.

BrightPath is located at 169 Danbury Road, New Milford. For more information, call 860-799-4200 or visit https://brightpathkids.com/us/locations/new-milford?hsLang=en

Deborah Rose/Keshia Gregory, director of BrightPath in New Milford, receives a hug from Giovanni Brito, during a recent visit to his classroom.

Deborah Rose/Oliver Ellis spells out his name on his cubby.

Deborah Rose/A variety of activities are set up in classrooms.

Deborah Rose/A family information board is posted outside each classroom.

Deborah Rose/Each playground has age appropriate activities.