Bright Horizons’ Tuition-free Degree Program Powers Career Advancement and Financial Mobility for Early Childhood Educators Nationwide

NEWTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun. 24, 2026-- Bright Horizons' Horizons CDA & Degree Program provides full-time employees in Bright Horizons early education centers and preschools the opportunity to earn a CDA ("child development associate") certificate or an associate or bachelor's degree in early childhood education at no-cost and with no out-of-pocket expenses, including tuition, fees and books. The program, which is a first-of-its-kind offering in the early education field, enables educators to advance their careers, increase their long-term earning potential, and continue doing what they love, supporting young learners during their most formative years.

This year, more than 450 early educators earned their college degree or CDA credential through Bright Horizons' Horizons CDA & Degree Program-an investment that goes far beyond education alone. By creating pathways for career advancement and financial mobility, the program helps transform the lives of educators and strengthens the communities where they live and work. Since the program's inception, more than 8,000 educators have enrolled in the Horizons CDA and Degree Program, with nearly 3,000 educators earning their CDA credential or college degree.

"These graduates represent the very best of what's possible when we invest in our people," said Bright Horizons CEO Stephen Kramer. "By removing barriers to education, we're helping create real pathways to career growth and financial mobility-opportunities that transform lives and strengthen the communities our educators serve. I'm incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements and the futures they are building."

For many graduates, the milestone represents both a deeply personal achievement and a powerful step toward greater career and financial opportunity. For Center Director Breckin V., this is especially true. She began her career with Bright Horizons as a teacher in 2012, holding an associate's degree, and after being promoted to Assistant Director, continued to invest in her future by earning her bachelor's degree through the program while advancing in her role. Today, as a Center Director, she has also completed a graduate certificate, further exemplifying the lasting impact of the Horizons CDA and Degree Program.

"I would not be in the role I am today or have had the opportunity to grow with Bright Horizons without the ability to continue my education. It simply would not have been possible for me on my own," said Breckin V., Center Director at Bright Horizons. "We all want to bring our very best to the children in our care each day, and the Horizons CDA and Degree Program has truly made that possible for me. Bright Horizons' investment in education is nothing short of life-changing."

To learn more about the Horizons CDA and Degree Program, visit here.

About Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.

Bright Horizons® is a leading provider of high-quality early education and child care, back-up care, and workforce education services. For 40 years, we have partnered with employers to support workforces by providing services that help working families and employees thrive personally and professionally. Bright Horizons operates approximately 1,000 early education and child care centers in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Australia and India, and serves more than 1,450 of the world's leading employers. Bright Horizons' early education and child care centers, back-up child and elder care, and workforce education programs help employees succeed at each life and career stage. For more information, go to https://www.brighthorizons.com.

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Kaitlyn Reardon [email protected]

Source: Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.