There’s a theme we see across all business lines at Bright Horizons – our employees love to refer friends and family to work with us and help us build a brighter future for children and families.

For the Duncan family, working at Bright Horizons is a family affair! I talked with Greta and her two adult sons, Ephraim and Isaiah, about their careers with Bright Horizons and what keeps them here.

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Thank you so much for talking with me! I’d love to hear about your career path with Bright Horizons.

Greta: I started at Bright Horizons in 1997 as a Twos teacher at a center in Norfolk, Virginia and was eventually promoted to a Program Coordinator position. In 2004, my family moved to Northern Virginia where I stayed with Bright Horizons and was promoted to Program Director. I’ve held additional roles of Assistant Director and Training and Curriculum specialist and I worked at that center for 6 years before leaving the company in 2012 to become a principal at a non-profit childcare center. After 5 years, I returned to Bright Horizons as the Director of the center where I was once the Assistant Director.

Ephraim: I technically started with Bright Horizons in 2001 – because I went through the program as an infant all the way through kindergarten prep. I came to Bright Horizons professionally as an Intern while I was a senior in High school in 2019. I then came to work full time 2 weeks after my high school graduation as a floater. I earned my CDA through the Horizons Teacher Degree Program and then became a K-Prep Co-Lead Teacher! In October of 2021 I switched centers and became lead teacher of the K-Prep classroom. In 2022 I was promoted to Lead Educator and in 2023 I was promoted to Assistant Director!

Isaiah: Like my brother I have been a part of the Bright Horizons family since I was a young child. When my mother worked at the center in Norfolk, VA, she utilized the back-up care for me. Fast forward to 2017, I was hired as an associate teacher (working in Kindergarten Prep), was promoted to a Toddler Lead Teacher, and was promoted again to an Instructional Coach. Recently, I changed roles and I now work as an HR coordinator at Bright Horizons.

How do you feel about our mission and principles at Bright Horizons? What makes us different than other companies?

Greta: I am a strong believer in our mission and principles where children, families, and employees are the priority. Bright Horizons is different from other companies because our stakeholders believe in quality education for all; whether its children or its employees.

Ephraim: I believe Bright Horizons sets itself apart from other childcare companies because our curriculum revolves around the child and what the child is interested in. I whole heartedly believe in our HEART (Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, Teamwork) principles because it helps create an atmosphere of belonging and purpose.

Isaiah: Whether I'm working at a center or for our corporate team, the mission doesn’t change. Bright Horizons continues to uphold their mission of providing the highest quality childcare, education for both children and adults, and a quality work/life balance. Bright Horizons does an amazing job at weaving its HEART principles into every part of the company. The introduction of Discovery Driven Learning is what sets Bright Horizons apart from other childcare facilities. I can’t think of another company that has an entire education and development team that does works extremely hard to create a research-based curriculum, with weekly lesson plans that are meant to build off children’s innate sense of curiosity.

How did you know you wanted to work in Early Childhood Education?

Greta: After graduating from college with my Bachelor's in Political Science, I went to work for my father (who was a practicing attorney at the time) and absolutely hated the day-to-day of working in a law firm. When I became pregnant with my eldest son, I had a hard time finding quality childcare for him. I decided that I needed to have a stake in my child’s education and work in an environment where I could contribute to their education, and that’s how I started with Bright Horizons.

Ephraim: I knew I wanted to work in childcare because I can speak to benefit of early childhood education, as it was the foundation that the rest of my schooling was based on. I believe in the fact that young children need that social interaction to make them better humans and set them up for success in the world that we live in.

Isaiah: I have always been great at working with children, and my mom, Greta, said I should explore the field and apply at Bright Horizons. Once I started working, I immediately knew that this was the right move. I love working for a company that is so committed to providing excellent services and that they invest in the overall well-being of their employees.

Would you recommend Bright Horizons to a friend looking for a new job?

Greta: I am constantly referring friends and former colleagues to work for Bright Horizons. The opportunity for growth and the benefits are tremendous. The support that is offered by every part of the company, from Senior Leadership to Home office staff, is exceptional.

Ephraim: Yes, I would recommend Bright Horizons as a job to a friend. Bright Horizons will pay for your education (CDA, AA, and BA degrees), and to go to school and not graduate with thousands of dollars in debt is all the convincing I need to do!

Isaiah: I would and have referred several friends to Bright Horizons. After I told them about the work culture, explained the many benefits that are offered, and about the growth opportunities, most of my friends were sold and applied immediately.

What’s your favorite part of coming to work everyday?

Greta: The families, the children, and of course my staff. Every day is a new challenge and a new opportunity to be a role model for other staff. I love the hugs from the children.

Ephraim: Knowing that I am a role model to the little boys in my center.

Isaiah: When I was working in a center my favorite part was knowing that I had a role in the development and growth of the kids in my care. Also being able to be silly and have fun with the kids. Currently, in my HR role, my favorite part getting to interact with so many different people on a daily basis, as I help answer their questions or solve issues.

What are some of your career aspirations/ where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Greta: I see myself as a member of Senior leadership in the Education Department or a Regional Manager.

Ephraim: I see myself as the youngest Regional Manager that this company has ever seen!

Isaiah: I see myself being a part of the Senior leadership in the HR department.

We are so lucky to have such amazing people in our company. Learn more about the endless career opportunities at Bright Horizons!