What is Bright Beginnings?
Bright Beginnings is an early intervention program serving at-risk children, birth to
five, and their families. Funded jointly by The Williamsburg-James City County Public
Schools and Colonial Services Board, the program is located at Rawls Byrd Elementary
School.
Children and families served in this program must have a number of risk factors which are
compiled through a family needs assessment and other appropriate assessments. Priority is
given to children with suspected handicaps who have been referred to public or private
preschool special education programs but found ineligible. Priority also is given to
children who have been discharged from preschool handicapped programs because they no
longer meet that program's eligibility criteria. Bright Beginnings receives referrals from
parents, community agencies, and physicians. Once a referral is made, a Bright Beginnings
staff member contacts the parent(s) to set up a developmental screening. If a child is
determined eligible, a staff member and parent discuss developmental service options to
determine which are more suitable for family needs. Bright Beginnings currently has the
capacity to serve 81 students.
Through a variety of services, staff members seek to improve a child's chance of success
in school by providing activities and information to parents for the first five years of
life.
Staff
6 Teachers, including 1 Lead Teacher
4 Teacher Assistants
2 Caseworkers
1 Office Assistant
Bright Beginnings Services
Developmental Screening
Ages: birth to five years
Staff members screen child(ren) and family to determine eligibility. The number and
quality of risk factors determine the type of services offered.
Developmental Monitoring
Ages: birth to two years
Bright Beginnings staff see child(ren) and family a minimum of three times a year. Parents
receive information on a variety of parenting topics and may also be referred to other
community agencies.
Developmental Services
Ages: birth to five years
Parents must be actively involved in all services described below.
Home Visits
Ages: birth to five years
Activities focus on topics relevant to parents of young children. For children birth to
two, there are weekly or biweekly visits. During the preschool years, each child and
family receive at least one home visit each month. Home visits are offered to a family at
a time convenient to them.
Classroom Instruction
Ages: two to five years
Children ages two (as of September 30 of the current school year) through five attend
classes at Rawls Byrd two to five times per week. The High/Scope Curriculum is used in the
classroom. Children follow a daily routine which allows them to freely explore and
experience materials and activities. Literacy development also is a major focus in the
classroom. Parents are required to work in the classroom at least once a month. This helps
parents to understand the daily routine, learn new ways to help increase skill development
in their child(ren), as well as become aware of behaviours to expect from their
child(ren). The school division provides transportation to and from school.
Sharing Centre
Ages: birth to five years
Sharing Centres are group experiences for Bright Beginnings children, their families and
siblings. They are centrally located in family neighbourhoods with transportation
provided. Sharing Centres provide parents the opportunity to meet parenting and personal
needs. They are able to build upon their parenting skills and acquire new parenting
techniques through the interactions with staff, other parents and the children. Sharing
Centre groups meet once a week.
Parent Meetings
Ages: two to five years
Parent meetings target parents whose work schedule does not allow them to come to the
classroom. The meetings serve the same purpose as the class visit discussed above. Topics
are often relevant to parents of children birth to two as well.
Parent Workshops
Ages: birth to five years
Parent Workshops provide information about community resources such as physicians, social
services, and educational and employment opportunities. Workshops are held periodically
throughout the year. Attendance is often required of all parents.
For additional information, please call (804) 253-1904. Mail referrals and/or requests for information to:
BRIGHT BEGINNINGS
RAWLS BYRD SCHOOL
112 LAUREL LANE
WILLIAMSBURG, VA 23185
The Williamsburg-James City County Public School Division is committed to a policy of
non-discrimination based upon race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, disability,
and age.