2025
ANNUAL
REPORT
Executive Summary
We are deeply proud to say that all children advanced in each of the eight content areas defined by the industry-standard Child Observation Record (COR) Advantage: Approaches to Learning, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development and Health, Language, Literacy and Communication, Mathematics, Creative Arts, Science and Technology, and Social Studies.
Our Language ENvironment Analysis program found that, on average, BBI children in the bottom third of the classrooms achieved 19% a increase in conversational turns per hour, and children below the national median of 15 turns per hour achieved 52% improvement in conversational turns. After completing the 5-week LENA program, 92% of participating teachers felt more confident in their teaching abilities and 84% reported changes in children’s language development. The consistent progress across years highlights the transformative impact of targeted interventions on fostering richer language environments for under-resourced children.
BBI's Mission and Vision
Bright Beginnings’ vision is that all children and families in the District receive the support and resources necessary to thrive and realize their full potential. In support of that vision, Bright Beginnings will implement a two-generation approach to:
Ensure every child experiencing housing instability is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged;
Develop school ready and kindergarten prepared children;
Support families in breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty; and
Partner intentionally to eradicate disparities and remove obstacles to economic mobility.
A Letter from Our CEO
As I reflect on the 2024–2025 program year, I am struck by both the resilience of the Bright Beginnings’ community and the depth of our collective commitment to children and families in Washington, DC. Last year asked much of us. It also reminded us, again and again, why our mission remains as urgent as ever.
Bright Beginnings exists to serve children and families furthest from opportunity, and we do so within the framework of Head Start and Early Head Start—one of the nation’s most effective, evidence-based investments in early childhood education. As a Head Start grantee, we operate within a unique public–private partnership, leveraging federal support alongside critical private investment to deliver high-quality, culturally responsive, two-generation services. The return on this investment is well documented, but its true impact is visible every day in our classrooms, our partnerships, and the growing confidence of the children and families we serve.
This year marked a significant milestone in our organization’s history. With the opening of new Early Head Start classrooms at Garfield and Whitlock Elementary Schools, Bright Beginnings expanded to three campuses and 23 classrooms, strengthening our partnership with DC Public Schools and extending our reach to even more families East of the River. These new sites represent years of careful planning, meaningful collaboration, and unwavering belief in what is possible when systems work together on behalf of children.
Even as we celebrated growth, we navigated ongoing uncertainty. Shifting local and federal funding landscapes, delayed budgets, and the threat of reductions to critical programs—including Head Start and the Pay Equity Fund—created challenges for nonprofit organizations across the city and country. At the same time, inflation, rising utility costs, and policy changes affecting SNAP benefits placed additional strain on the families we serve. Through it all, Bright Beginnings remained fiscally strong, earning our third consecutive clean audit as we continued to plan responsibly for a range of future scenarios. This stability allowed us to keep our doors open, our classrooms thriving, and our focus where it belongs—on children and families.
Responding to community needs remained central to our work. Our Family Services, Health, and Education teams expanded access to food resources, strengthened partnerships with local providers, and created meaningful engagement opportunities for families year-round, including at-home summer programming designed to keep children learning, playing, and connected. Across seasons, our classrooms were filled with joy: cultural celebrations, literacy initiatives, Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) exploration, field trips, and shared moments that built belonging and sparked curiosity.
We also invested deeply in our people. This year, we welcomed new leadership in education and launched our Teacher Career Ladder program, an important strategy in our five-year strategic plan. By creating clear pathways for professional growth and instructional leadership, we are strengthening our workforce and ensuring that children benefit from inspired, well-supported educators every day.
None of this work happens in isolation. It is made possible by dedicated staff, an engaged Board of Directors, committed partners, and generous supporters who believe in early learning as a foundation for lifelong success. Your advocacy, investment, and trust allow Bright Beginnings to weather uncertainty while continuing to grow with purpose.
As we look ahead, challenges remain. But so does our resolve. Grounded in our values, strengthened by collaboration, and guided by the voices of the families we serve, Bright Beginnings will continue to adapt, advocate, and lead, ensuring that every child has the opportunity for a strong, bright beginning.
With gratitude,
Erin Fisher
2025 Year in Review
In FY25, Bright Beginnings provided education and wrap-around services at no cost to 313 children and their families living at or below the federal poverty line. Our two-generation approach for long-term success provides high-quality, accredited, and free early childhood education for children while also empowering parents with the knowledge and skills to be their children’s first and best teachers, to have economic stability and mobility, and to be mentally and physically healthy. Access to quality early childhood education is proven to have a positive impact on a range of academic and life outcomes for children, with gaps in learning becoming harder to remedy as children age.
Our health and therapeutic services team served 109 students through various interventions. They provided 172 parent consultations on parenting challenges and family issues, and 177 staff consultations to develop strategies for children with behavioral concerns. The program also offered 95 individual student sessions focusing on transitions, frustration tolerance, self-help skills, and coping mechanisms. Additionally, 13 families were referred to external mental health providers.
To remain compliant with Head Start standards, Bright Beginnings maintained health records for its students, including documenting 312 physical examinations, 146 dental exams, and 82 visual exams.
Testimonial
“Bright Beginnings has been a major pillar in the growth and development of my family. I’m incredibly proud to be part of this community.”
— Kierra, BBI parent and early childhood educator
-
![Young girl with colorful beads in her hair holding a birthday card or craft project. She is standing in a hallway with artwork on the walls.]()
COR Advantage Kindergarten Ready Count
BBI’s education program promotes curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking by using the High/Scope curriculum. The “Plan/Do/Review method,” a cornerstone of High/Scope, allows children to plan their activity, act on decisions, and discuss what they accomplished with a teacher. This method allows each child to develop at his or her own level with the support of trusted adults.
BBI ensures ongoing evaluation of each child's growth and development using HighScope's Child Observation Record (COR) Advantage assessment tool. Child assessment data is used to support curriculum development and to develop individualized instruction and wraparound services to meet the unique needs of each child. In FY25, all children advanced in each of the eight content areas defined by the industry-standard Child Observation Record (COR) Advantage: Approaches to Learning, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development and Health, Language, Literacy and Communication, Mathematics, Creative Arts, Science and Technology, and Social Studies.
Impact: Taking into account the overall average for each content area, 74.7% of Bright Beginnings’ Early Head Start students and 75.4% of Head Start students met or exceeded the national average at the end of the school year.
Out of the 10 students eligible for kindergarten, 8 students were kindergarten ready by the end of the school year.
-
![A cheerful woman and a young boy sitting on a wooden bench under a fall-themed archway decorated with pumpkins and dried corn stalks at Cox Farms' fall festival in 2023.]()
Opening of Whitlock and Garfield Sites
Bright Beginnings proudly expanded its reach with the opening of two new satellite locations, each featuring four classrooms, which strengthened our ability to serve children and families across the District. Our Garfield Elementary site officially opened on March 26, 2025, followed closely by Whitlock Elementary on April 2, 2025.
Each site welcomed families through an orientation session and a soft opening that included a half-day “Sit and See” experience, allowing children and caregivers to become familiar with their new learning environments at a comfortable, supportive pace. This intentional approach helped foster strong early connections between families, educators, and classrooms.
While the openings occurred approximately six months later than originally anticipated due to District compliance requirements, construction delays, and ongoing supply chain challenges, the successful launch of both sites reflects the persistence, collaboration, and commitment of our staff and partners. These new locations represent meaningful investments in access to high-quality early childhood education and position Bright Beginnings to better meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve.
-
![A young girl in a yellow graduation cap and gown holding a certificate on a stage decorated with colorful balloons and a rainbow backdrop.]()
Expanded Leadership Team
Under the strategic leadership of CEO Erin Fisher, Bright Beginnings completed its leadership structure with four key additions that significantly strengthened organizational capacity. Andrea McLean joined as Director of Community Engagement, expanding family partnerships and deepening community connections. Fred Robinson was promoted to Director of Strategic Growth, leading expansion efforts and process improvements to support growth while maintaining high quality standards. Keena Howse joined the organization as Director of Learning and Impact, overseeing outcome measurement and educational effectiveness across all programs.
In June, we also welcomed Lynnette Gonzalez as Director of Education. She brings extensive Head Start program experience and national-level policy expertise through her participation in the prestigious National Head Start Fellowship Program. Her hiring was especially timely as Bright Beginnings launched two new locations and continued its organizational growth.
-
![A teacher and two young children standing near a whiteboard in a classroom. The whiteboard has a message welcoming students on their first day of school, Monday, November 16, 2025. The teacher is smiling and wearing a black vest with yellow text. The children are pointing at the whiteboard, one with a blue shirt and the other in a pink hoodie.]()
Launch of Teacher Leadership Pipeline
Investing in our staff is one of Bright Beginnings’ priorities, and we continue to see the impact of that commitment. From earning a “High Quality” designation through DC’s Capital Quality Rating and Improvement System in April 2024, to achieving a 74% retention rate among our education staff, to strong ITERS and CLASS ratings, our investments are making a difference. One example is the launch of our comprehensive Teachers Career Ladder program, designed to address the historical lack of formal career advancement channels in early childhood education and our challenge of retaining assistant teachers. This initiative creates structured pathways for professional advancement through Teaching Fellow positions that enable collaboration in curriculum development and classroom management. The program supports the fellows to specialize in literacy, STEM, or social-emotional learning, providing both personal growth opportunities and enhanced educational quality. Four fellows are on track to complete the inaugural year program in July 2026.
-
![A woman sitting on the carpet reading a book to a young boy who is lying next to her on the floor, inside a room with glass doors.]()
Strengthening Early Literacy Through the Bookshelf Project
Bright Beginnings partnered with the Bookshelf Project to strengthen early literacy instruction across our classrooms through an intensive, six-month professional development series. Beginning in November 2024, 13 early childhood educators participated in twice-weekly, hands-on learning sessions designed to deepen their understanding of early literacy development and enhance classroom practice.
The series focused on foundational literacy skills such as oral language development, phonological awareness, print awareness, and narrative comprehension, while emphasizing play-based learning, culturally responsive teaching, and family engagement. Educators explored practical strategies for creating literacy-rich environments, supporting diverse learners, and fostering a lifelong love of reading and writing in young children. Through interactive workshops, collaborative discussions, and ongoing reflection, educators gained research-based tools they could immediately apply in their classrooms. Pre- and post-assessments, along with optional classroom observations and follow-up resources, helped ensure that learning translated into meaningful practice.
This partnership with the Bookshelf Project represents an important investment in educator growth and instructional quality, strengthening Bright Beginnings’ ability to support strong literacy foundations and long-term academic success for the children and families we serve.
-
![A person with long braided hair holding a young child with a shaved head, resting their head on the person's shoulder in a colorful classroom setting.]()
Building Autism-Inclusive Practices Through Targeted Training
During the 2024–2025 program year, Bright Beginnings partnered with Pathfinders for Autism to strengthen staff capacity and family support around Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This comprehensive training initiative provided educators and caregivers with practical strategies, safety-focused guidance, and access to high-quality resources to better support children with autism across our programs.
The project included a series of virtual and in-person sessions for staff and families focused on understanding autism, addressing wandering and elopement risks, and implementing effective, compassionate responses in early learning environments. Staff also benefited from a virtual parent panel led by Pathfinders for Autism team members who shared lived experience, answered questions, and connected participants to resources spanning the lifespan.
To further strengthen classroom environments, the partnership included a virtual sensory review, offering individualized feedback on sensory spaces and classroom design. Families and staff received safety kits, tip guides, behavior cards, and sensory materials to support children both at school and at home.
This collaboration reflects Bright Beginnings’ ongoing commitment to inclusive practices, staff professional growth, and ensuring that all children, especially those with diverse learning and developmental needs, are supported in safe, responsive, and affirming environments.
-
![Child reaching up to dunk a basketball into a miniature basketball hoop in a playroom.]()
Experiential Learning through Arts and Physical Education
Bright Beginnings strengthened its commitment to experiential learning by expanding high-quality arts and physical education programming across both our daytime and evening care programs. These hands-on experiences support whole-child development by engaging children’s creativity, movement, and curiosity while equipping teachers with lasting instructional tools.
Arts education returned to our classrooms through artist-in-residence partnerships with the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts and Guerilla Arts. Wolf Trap teaching artists led residencies in all 13 daytime classrooms, while Guerilla Arts brought arts programming to our evening care program. Through dance, music, creative movement, and drama, children explored new ways to express themselves while strengthening social, language, and motor skills. Just as importantly, these residencies built staff capacity: 78.5% of teachers reported they plan to continue using arts-based strategies developed during the program in their ongoing classroom practice.
We also saw powerful results from our physical education program, launched in the prior year. Assessment data from May 2025 showed significant gains in children’s physical development and health, with scores increasing by nearly one full point since November 2024. The program served 86 children across eight classrooms and delivered more than 11 hours of structured, age-appropriate physical education each week. These consistent opportunities for movement supported growth in gross and fine motor skills, confidence, and overall well-being. To further enrich physical learning, eight classrooms participated in field trips to Sky Zone. These experiences complemented the PE curriculum by introducing children to new physical challenges and helping them build confidence in dynamic movement environments.
Together, these arts and physical education initiatives demonstrate Bright Beginnings’ holistic approach to learning, one that nurtures creativity, strengthens bodies, and supports joyful, meaningful experiences that help children thrive.
Testimonial
“BBI jump-started my career. They not only cared for my son—they encouraged me to chase my own dreams.”
— Mikea, BBI parent
Our Stories
“Marcellis”
-
Marcellis attended Bright Beginnings, Inc. for three years, where both he and his family received critical support. Around age two, Marcellis began experiencing frequent tantrums at home and school. His mother also shared concerns about co-parenting challenges and delays in his speech and language development. The BBI Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) recognized that communication delays and challenging behaviors often overlap and moved quickly to support the family.
Following developmental screenings, Marcellis was referred to early intervention due to low language scores. With his mother’s consent, he began services through Strong Start and received an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). A Speech Language Pathologist worked with Marcellis in natural settings, integrating speech development into classroom and playground activities while also supporting his teacher and mother with strategies. Before age three, the MDT Coordinator helped the family transition services to Early Stages. Thanks to strong family advocacy, Marcellis was able to continue working with the same therapist for two years, supporting steady growth. His plan will follow him into kindergarten, where he can receive services under an IEP if needed.
“John”
-
John, a PreK4 student with sensory processing challenges, initially struggled to participate in physical education. He relied on sensory supports such as weighted vests and chewable necklaces, was highly sensitive to loud noises, and avoided social interaction. The bright colors, varied equipment, and high energy of the multipurpose room made PE an especially overwhelming environment for him.
Recognizing John’s needs, PE teacher Mr. Chris developed a personalized, supportive approach. He worked one-on-one with John, focusing first on building trust and creating a sense of safety. Activities were introduced gradually and at John’s pace, allowing him to engage without pressure. With consistent support over two months, John began to show remarkable progress. He started smiling during class, modeling exercises alongside his peers, and eventually gained the confidence to verbally explain activities to other students.John’s growth soon extended beyond the PE classroom. His teachers began offering opportunities for him to lead gross motor activities during regular instruction, helping him stay engaged throughout the day. As a result, John continues to demonstrate increased social interaction, communication, and classroom participation. John’s transformation highlights the impact of intentional, inclusive physical education programming.
“Kierra”
-
When she first connected with Bright Beginnings in 2022, Kierra was a first-time mother seeking guidance, resources, and support. Through the Maternal Wellness Program, she found not only stability, but a community that believed in her. Staff members walked alongside her during pregnancy and early motherhood, helping her navigate a new chapter with confidence.
That support opened doors to opportunity. While pursuing her Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, she joined Bright Beginnings’ CDA Internship Program, completing more than 480 hours of hands-on classroom experience. Through the program, she strengthened her skills, grew in confidence as both a mother and an educator, and discovered new strategies to support children with diverse needs—especially those who are neurodivergent.
Today, she is proud to serve as an Early Childhood Educator at Bright Beginnings. What began as receiving support has come full circle into giving it back. Her family has experienced meaningful growth along the way, from access to resources and quality childcare to increased financial stability and employment opportunities for both parents.
Her story reflects what’s possible when families are supported holistically—and when investment in parents creates brighter beginnings for children, families, and the future.
Head Start by the Numbers
-
![Simple line drawing of a smiling baby's face with a small tuft of hair, on a dark blue circular background.]()
313 Children Served
-
![A dental icon showing a tooth with a checkmark, indicating dental health or approval.]()
146 Dental Screenings
-
![Blue circular icon with a light green outline of a stethoscope.]()
312 Medical Examinations
-
![Simple line drawing of a smiling child's face with a bow in their hair, set against a dark blue circular background.]()
94% of Eligible Children Served
-
![Outline drawing of an apple with a leaf, set against a dark blue circular background.]()
56,761 Meals Provided
-
![Neon sign with the letters ABC, blue background]()
100% of Students Made Progress Toward School Readiness
-
![Icon of a human brain outlined in light blue against a dark blue circular background.]()
21 Children with Developmental Concerns Served (by Referral)
Looking Ahead
-
Bright Beginnings is preparing for its five-year NAEYC reaccreditation in 2026, reaffirming our commitment to high-quality early childhood education. Teams across the organization engage in reflection, documentation, and continuous improvement aligned with NAEYC standards. Classroom practices, family engagement, health and safety procedures, and administrative systems are reviewed to ensure consistency and excellence. Staff participate in targeted professional development, strengthening developmentally appropriate practices across all programs. NAEYC accreditation reflects our dedication to accountability, equity, and positive outcomes. As we approach the 2026 review, Bright Beginnings remains focused on sustaining strong practices that support children and families.
-
Our Director of Learning and Impact is receiving specialized training in the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) and the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale (ITERS) through KJ Consulting. This strategic investment will establish in-house expertise in these essential quality assessment tools. The added capacity complements the expertise of our Director of Education, a HighScope-certified trainer, creating a strong internal leadership team for instructional quality and professional development. Together, this dual internal capacity will reduce reliance on external training contractors, ensure consistent and high-quality professional development across all sites, and accelerate progress toward achieving High Quality Designation at all three locations in 2026.
-
Bright Beginnings is entering the final year of its current 5-year strategic plan. Drafted in 2021, the plan has come to fruition most notably through our focus on human capital and asset growth and sustainability. Our leadership team has initiated preparations for the next strategic plan by participating in facilitated leadership training. This foundational work will steer the organization into its subsequent phase of growth and impact. This endeavor provides an opportunity to reflect on our achievements, evaluate evolving community needs, and define a clear direction that upholds our mission, vision, and values. Through inclusive engagement with staff, families, partners, and community stakeholders, the process will help us strengthen program quality, deepen family support, and ensure long-term organizational sustainability. As we look ahead, this strategic planning initiative will position Bright Beginnings to continue responding thoughtfully to the evolving needs of children and families while remaining grounded in our commitment to equity, excellence, and lasting impact.
-
Due to funding constraints, Bright Beginnings was unable to complete Phase III of the back garden area—our Garden of Respite and Learning—in 2025. We are actively pursuing new funding sources and have secured significant funding from a Head Start carry over grant—funding that went unused in our last fiscal year due to the roughly six-month delayed openings of Whitlock and Garfield satellite locations. Head Start carryover policy allows grantees to move unspent, unobligated funds from one budget period to a subsequent one to complete previously approved, unfinished activities.
Testimonial
“Kids don’t see color or gender at their age, they just gravitate to where the love is. For black boys, it is important for them to see me in this field so that they don’t grow up carrying their own stereotypes about male teachers thinking that this is a ‘woman’s job’.”
— Mr. Javar, early childhood educator
The BBI Family
Give Now
Testimonial
“The teachers are really helpful and show a lot of love towards the kids. My son doesn’t respond well to separating from his parents but loves going to see his teachers. When [my son] missed a day the advocate reached out and helped us and made me feel much better.”
— BBI Parent, Whitlock site
