For over thirty years, Bright Beginnings has provided education, care, and support to thousands of children and their families experiencing housing instability. Through its family-centered approach, children from birth to five establish a solid foundation for school while parents are connected with post-secondary education and employment pathways to build their economic independence. On site during the day and in the evenings, children develop their early literacy, math, and communication skills using an evidence-based curriculum, in addition to receiving free therapeutic, medical, and nutrition services. Fathers attend their own comprehensive, culturally responsive program designed to give them a support network and build their career and relationship skills. Mothers of all ages participate in prenatal yoga, education and birthing classes, and support groups. By supporting families in a holistic, trauma-informed way, Bright Beginnings creates long-lasting impact for generations to come.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 6

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; Bright Beginnings, Inc. serves homeless families from every ward in the city from our office in the Perry School in the Sursam Corda neighborhood near North Capitol Street, New York Avenue and New Jersey Avenue in northwest.

Age Groups Served: Infants (0-2); Pre-K (3-4)

Ethnic Groups Served: African American; Other

Awards & Recognition

--5-year accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (received 2009). Only 8% of early childhood education centers nationally receive this accreditation.
--an approved Head Start and Early Head Start program that has been recognized by the Department of Human Services, Office of Early Childhood Development as operating a “gold standard of excellence” early childhood development program.
--designated as the District of Columbia’s 2010 representative in the Head Start Centers of Excellence in Early Childhood program, which recognizes high-performing Head Start and Early Head Start programs that exceed program performance standards, implement innovative approaches in early childhood education and deliver positive, measurable outcomes in serving children. (2009)

Press

Budget (FY2023)

  • The current budget for Bright Beginnings is: $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

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