Parent Resources
The Family Handbook is your go‑to guide for everything at Bright Haven, but we’ve gathered some of the most‑asked‑about details here for easy access. Use the “Quick Menu” or just scroll to explore.
Hours and Drop-Off
Our doors are open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., giving families plenty of flexibility to plan their day. Drop‑off for children 1 year and older runs from 7:00 to 8:45 a.m. (Infant rooms don’t have a set drop‑off time. Come whenever it works best for you and your baby.)
If you’re ever running late, just give us a quick call or update us through Tadpoles. As long as it doesn’t overlap with lunch or nap time, we’re happy to welcome your child when you arrive.
Family Handbook
Our Family Handbook is your guide to everything you’ll need to know about Bright Haven. It covers everything we’ll talk to you about so you’ll always have the details in writing.
Questions that may come up while reading through the handbook, feel free to ask them during your enrollment interview or anytime after. We’re here to help!
As part of enrollment, you’ll also set up accounts for Tadpoles, VIZPin Smart, and WatchMeGrow so you can easily stay connected with your child’s day.
Calendar
Every month, we send out a family newsletter to keep everyone connected and in the know. Inside, you’ll find upcoming birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, special events, and any scheduled closures. We also provide a yearly calendar when you enroll and at the start of each school year. If weather ever causes changes, we’ll notify you right away through TadPoles, by email, and text so you never miss an update.
Family Information Board
Our Family Information Board is located our lobby to keep you connected to everything happening at our center and in our community—events, news, and helpful resources specifically for families. You’ll also find photos of our Management and Administration team on the board, so you always know who’s who.
Please feel free to reach out to any of us anytime—by phone, email, contact page, or stopping by in person. We believe in open communication and want you to feel comfortable coming to us with anything, big or small.
Conscious Discipline
At Bright Haven, we use Conscious Discipline (see video) as our approach to guiding children in the classroom. This method helps children recognize their feelings, set goals, and learn healthy ways to express themselves. It also builds important life skills, like decision-making, self-soothing, and resolving conflicts with kindness. We believe that social‑emotional growth is just as important as academic learning. When children feel secure, understood, and confident, they’re ready to thrive in every area of development.
Better Beginnings
Bright Haven is proud to be a Level 3 Better Beginnings facility, the highest quality rating in Arkansas. While every center must meet the state’s minimum DHS guidelines, Better Beginnings goes above and beyond, ensuring children receive the very best care and learning environment possible.
Better Beginnings rates centers on how well they meet high standards in areas like teacher training, curriculum, classroom setup, and overall program quality. You can even see which centers participate by visiting arbetterbeginnings.com.
For us, it all comes back to one simple goal: following best practices and doing what’s truly best for children every single day.
Other Policies and Procedures
Clear Bag Policy
All bags remaining inside the building MUST be clear or see-through (mesh).
Cribs & Cots
All cribs/cots are labeled for each child (like our cribs); sheets are provided and laundered in-house.
Water Cups
Please send a water cup each day with your child’s name on it. We can refill water cups throughout the day, and it will be available to your child throughout the entire school day. They will be sent home each day to be washed.
Diapering
Whether your child is full in diapers or beginning potty-training, families provide diapers or pull-ups and diaper cream. We provide wipes (Member’s Mark, Sam’s Club brand) but you are welcome to bring your own if preferred.
Incident Reports
For any accident or injury – we take a picture of any marks and describe the incident as objectively as possible with timestamp & teacher initials. Any concerns or questions can be directed to a supervisor. In the event of an emergency, all staff are CPR/First Aid certified and there is an AED on-site.
Playgrounds
Outdoor
Bright Haven is proud to be a Level 3 Better Beginnings facility, the highest quality rating in Arkansas. While every center must meet the state’s minimum DHS guidelines, Better Beginnings goes above and beyond, ensuring children receive the very best care and learning environment possible. Better Beginnings rates centers on how well they meet high standards in areas like teacher training, curriculum, classroom setup, and overall program quality. You can even see which centers participate by visiting arbetterbeginnings.com. For us, it all comes back to one simple goal: following best practices and doing what’s truly best for children every single day.
Sunscreen
If your child’s playground time is first thing in the morning (around 8 a.m.), please put sunscreen on them before arriving at school. For all other times, we’ll apply sunscreen before heading outside. If you’d prefer to send your own, please bring lotion sunscreen labeled with your child’s name so we can keep it just for them.
Indoor
Our School‑Age area includes a special indoor space for active play—perfect for days when the weather keeps us inside. Here, children can enjoy gross motor activities with plenty of room to run, jump, and move their bodies. It’s a fun change of scenery that helps break up their day and keeps them engaged and energized!
