Learning Without Tears®
Reading writing and readiness features Learning Without Tears®. These hands-on lessons develop motor skills and prepare children to read and write.
Welcome to Lightbridge Academy child care center
Founded in 1997, our child care centers provide high-quality early childhood education programs and support for every family. We’re proud to partner with you for this important step on your parenting journey.
Preparing your child for their next big step
At Lightbridge Academy, learning is part of everything we do — helping every child reach their full potential. Our early education curriculum meets the standard of accreditation for the Association for Early Learning Leaders and the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs.
-
29+
almost 30 years of category leadership
-
95%
Kindergarten readiness*
Innovators in Educational Child Care®
Our early childhood programs give your child the best possible start
Lightbridge Academy child care centers use our proprietary Seedlings® curriculum, bringing together the philosophies and theories of many notable figures in early childhood education programs, including:
- Jean Piaget, with lesson plans that build on the skills each child acquires at various ages and stages of development.
- Howard Gardner, with each child receiving the opportunity to learn in the way they naturally gravitate toward.
- Maria Montessori, focusing on the development of the whole child.
- Loris Malaguzzi, respecting each child’s observations and using them to aid in planning for child-led exploration.
- Frederich Fröbel, by acknowledging the importance of play in a child’s growth.
Seedlings focuses on the whole child
Our early education programs grow all developmental areas
-
Whole-child approach
-
Play-based learning
-
Individualized and group instruction
-
Home/school connection
-
Proprietary curriculum
-
Meets accreditation standards
The seven learning domains in our integrated curriculum
Early education enrichment programs
-
-
Serene Sprouts
Serene Sprouts uses yoga and mindfulness paired with music, simple games and at-home activities to teach children how to use their breathing and bodies to relieve their stress, calm their minds, and release negative emotions.
-
Signing Sprouts
Signing Sprouts fosters communication and language development through the use of American Sign Language throughout all programs and age groups.
-
Singing Sprouts
Singing Sprouts explores music through voice, movement, instruments, rhythms, and patterns, using a variety of cultures and styles.
-
Spanish Sprouts
Spanish Sprouts helps children develop a bilingual vocabulary they can use for counting, colors, reading, and everyday communication.
-
STREAM
Science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and math (STREAM) concepts are taught at an early age, encouraging analytical thought, reasoning skills, and critical thinking while also sparking creativity.
Be there, even when you can’t
You won’t miss a minute of your child’s day with Lightbridge Academy’s innovative technology, available at all of our early childhood centers.
-
ParentView® Internet Monitoring
Log in to watch your child having fun and learning in real time.
-
Lightbridge Journey® App
Get daily reminders and important updates on your child’s sent directly to your device, including achievements, photos, videos, food and potty schedule, and more.
Our Circle of Care
The Lightbridge Academy Circle of Care® is at the center of all that we do. It represents the community approach to the care of our children — how we all come together as a family to ensure your child feels safe, nurtured, and excited to learn and grow with us.
The Lightbridge Promise
Our top priority has always been the health and safety of those in our Circle of Care. The Lightbridge Promise is the child care industry’s Gold Standard for cleanliness, security, and peace of mind.
-
Clean
Ongoing throughout the day and every evening
Our facilities follow clear guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing our infant and day care center classrooms, including frequently touched surfaces and toys, throughout the day and in the evening.
-
Sanitize
Continuous air purification and filtration system
Our centers use an enhanced air purification and filtration system with advanced oxidation technology, going above and beyond the health and safety requirements for any child care program. This system is similar to those used in healthcare environments and continuously purifies the air and sterilizes all visible surfaces.
-
Secure
State-of-the-art security and entry systems
From facial recognition to silent alarms to internal video monitoring and limited points of entry, our security protocols are some of the most advanced in the industry.
-
Trained
Staff certification requirements
It’s not enough for just a few staff members to be CPR and first aid certified. Every Lightbridge Academy staff member must obtain an active certification and meet or exceed state-mandated educational requirements and background checks.
-
Inspected
Lightbridge Quality Assurance Program
In addition to inspections by state licensing agencies, each center must adhere to Lightbridge Academy’s quality standards. Each franchise location receives regular, unannounced inspections from our quality assurance team to ensure compliance with all franchising requirements.
-
Transparent
Secure online video monitoring
Stay connected to your child throughout the day from work or home. Our ParentView internet monitoring system enables you to see your child in real-time over a secure, password-protected internet connection.
The heart behind what we do
We strive to nurture and develop meaningful relationships with all members of the Lightbridge Academy family while keeping your child at the center of everything.
-
Our Philosophy
Lightbridge Academy’s educational child care centers are built on a foundation of family values that shine through to illuminate the very best within each of us. Our children, parents, staff, community, and franchise owners all come together as a family to contribute to and benefit from a trusted Circle of Care, where we embrace the potential of today and explore the promise of tomorrow.
-
Our Vision
Transform the lives of all families by treating them as a part of our own.
-
Our Mission
Illuminate young minds while helping everyone in our Circle of Care along life’s journey.
-
Our Core Values
Our core values are driven by a desire to nurture and develop meaningful relationships with all members of the Lightbridge Academy family, never forgetting that C-H-I-L-D-R-E-N are at the center of why we are all gathered together.
- C – Care Deeply
- Care deeply with every genuine interaction
- H – Happiness
- Create happy memories in joyful environment
- I – Integrity
- Be honest and respectful in all relationships
- L – Lead by example
- Set the example for all others to follow
- D – Deliver
- Consistent “WOW” customer service
- R – Relationships and Recognition
- Build meaningful relationships while recognizing accomplishment
- E – Excellence
- Never settle for “good enough” by continuously improving and embracing change
- N – Nurture
- Nurture each family member in a supportive and positive environment
- C – Care Deeply
Guided by a leader in early education
Meet Lightbridge Academy’s Chief Executive Officer, Gigi Schweikert
The expertise behind every Lightbridge Academy experience:
- Over 35 years in early childhood education
- Author of 18 books published in three languages
- Featured on CBS, NBC, Fox, and The Wall Street Journal
- Former Director, United Nations Child Care Centre
Gigi Schweikert is an internationally recognized leader in early childhood education with more than 35 years of experience and 18 published books. A frequent media contributor featured on major networks and in top publications, she is a passionate advocate for high-quality early education and policies that support the child care industry. Her global career includes serving as Director of the United Nations Child Care Centre and leading child care initiatives for Fortune 500 companies. Today, as CEO of Lightbridge Academy and a Forbes board member, she continues to drive innovation in educational child care while proudly embracing her role as a mother of four and grandmother.
From the first hello to the last good-bye, we ensure every child feels safe, nurtured and excited to learn and grow with us. We're your trusted partner in parenting, creating a one-of-a-kind educational child care center experience for your child that prepares them for kindergarten and beyond.
Schedule your tour
The first step in our enrollment process is to experience the Lightbridge Academy difference for yourself. Find your nearest center and take the next step today.
