Business Details
35 Years
experience
Your Child's Bright Start with Trusted Early Learning in Middletown
Bright Ideas Preschool is a trusted early childhood education provider dedicated to nurturing young minds through play-based learning. Established in 1991 and privately owned by Shannon and Keith Kelley since 2018, we specialize in creating a safe, stimulating environment for children aged six weeks to five years. Our curriculum aligns with the Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards, emphasizing individualized attention, creativity, and academic readiness. With 30 years of progressive teaching experience and a team of certified educators, we maintain small class sizes to ensure personalized development in social, motor, language, and cognitive skills.Our 7,000-square-foot facility includes age-specific classrooms and custom-built playgrounds designed to inspire exploration. Recognized for our commitment to excellence, we prepare children for kindergarten through a balanced approach of structured learning and joyful discovery. Families from southern Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts rely on our proven track record of fostering confidence and a lifelong love of learning.
Services
Infant Program
Toddler Program
Preschool Program
Pre-K Program
Summer Camp
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We maintain small class sizes for personalized attention
- Our team includes certified early childhood educators with decades of combined experience
- Custom-built play areas promote active, imaginative learning
- Curriculum aligns with Rhode Island Early Learning Standards
- Proven track record preparing children for kindergarten success
Services
Infant Program
Our infant program nurtures trust and language development through warm interactions with experienced caregivers. Equipped with soft toys, books, and sensory materials, we create a secure environment for babies aged 6 weeks to 1 year to explore foundational social and motor skills through daily routines and gentle play.
Toddler Program
Toddlers engage in active learning through music, art, and sensory experiences tailored to ages 1-2 years. Our curriculum develops coordination, communication, and social interaction while encouraging independence through structured activities and free play that support key developmental milestones in a safe, stimulating setting.
Preschool Program
Designed for 3-4 year olds, our preschool program combines curiosity-driven STEM activities with literacy and math fundamentals. Children develop emergent writing skills, phonemic awareness, and collaborative play while building confidence through age-appropriate challenges that prepare them for formal schooling.
Pre-Kindergarten Program
Our Pre-K program for 4-5 year olds focuses on kindergarten readiness through advanced math concepts, scientific exploration, and structured literacy instruction. Children practice complex pretend play, develop spatial reasoning skills, and build academic confidence while maintaining the joy of discovery through hands-on learning experiences.
Summer Camp Program
Summer camp offers themed activities, water play, and outdoor adventures for children aged 5-7 years. Weekly science experiments, field days, and creative projects encourage physical activity while maintaining cognitive engagement through imaginative play and social interaction in our expansive outdoor facilities.
People
Shannon Kelley
Director / Owner
Shannon has 26 years of preschool leadership experience, holding degrees in early childhood education and communication. As co-owner since 2018, she maintains educational standards through curriculum development and staff mentorship while ensuring personalized attention across all classrooms.
Keith Kelley
Co-Owner/Office Manager
Keith supports administrative operations while maintaining full-time employment at NUWC. He contributes strategic oversight to facility management and financial operations, ensuring the school maintains its high standards of care and educational excellence.
Lea Squatrito
Afternoon Supervisor
With 32 years of teaching experience across all age groups, Lea supervises afternoon operations. Her deep institutional knowledge and classroom expertise help maintain consistency in care standards and developmental milestones for children transitioning between classrooms.
CiCi Miller Dunn
Morning Supervisor
A former preschool parent, CiCi brings teaching experience from Texas and program development expertise through youth initiatives. She oversees morning operations, ensuring smooth transitions and implementing creative learning opportunities that align with our educational philosophy.
Melody Chiriboga
Infant One Teacher
Melody specializes in infant development, creating nurturing environments that promote trust and communication. Certified in CPR with years of experience, she fosters early motor and language skills through responsive care routines and developmentally appropriate sensory activities.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve children from 6 weeks through 5 years old, with specialized programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and pre-kindergarten students.
Is summer care available?
Our summer camp program accepts children aged 5-7 years, featuring themed activities, water play, science experiments, and daily outdoor adventures.
What qualifications do your teachers have?
Our staff includes certified early childhood educators, CPR-trained assistants, and a registered nurse. Teachers maintain current credentials and participate in ongoing professional development.
How do you prepare children for kindergarten?
Through structured literacy instruction, math foundations, and STEM exploration, we develop academic skills while fostering confidence through complex pretend play and social interaction.
Are there outdoor play areas?
Our 7,000-square-foot facility includes two large custom playgrounds designed for age-appropriate physical development and imaginative play experiences.
What curriculum do you follow?
Our curriculum aligns with Rhode Island Early Learning Standards, combining academic fundamentals with creative expression through individualized learning plans and daily enrichment activities.
