Located in the Redmond Ridge neighborhood in Washington state, Brightonview Montessori reflects the diverse backgrounds and cultures of the community it serves. Since 2023, this early learning center has served more than 107 children in its Montessori classrooms, emphasizing self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play.
Brightonview Montessori recently received $650,000 in Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account grants – administered by Enterprise's Pacific Northwest team – to help expand its footprint in Redmond Ridge and create a model that can be replicated in other locations.
Bringtonview's CEO and Founder, Tiffany Aprecio, discusses the power of partnerships and the importance of community engagement in achieving the best possible outcomes for children and their families.
Tell us about Brightonview’s expansion plans.
Brightonview Montessori's expansion will transform an existing commercial building into an early learning center in Redmond. It will create 96 Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) slots, which are prioritized for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years. The location is strategically situated in a walkable, high-density affordable housing area that is adjacent to key educational and family resources, which makes it ideal for supporting working families. This expansion has been supported by various funding sources, including the Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account (PSTAA) funding, and aims to complete construction and licensure by May 2025.
How has the PSTAA funding helped turn your vision into reality?
The grant funding has been instrumental in enabling us to purchase our existing operational facility and initiate a major renovation. These renovations are crucial for transforming the space into a state-of-the-art early learning center, preparing us for a four-rated Early Achievers program, and increasing our capacity to serve more children in the community.
What type of programming will be offered once the project is complete?
Our program will offer an extended day Montessori program – from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. – catering to infants (6 weeks to 12 months), toddlers (12-36 months), and preschool-aged children (3-6 years). The enhanced facility will feature a new commercial kitchen providing nutritious meals, an upgraded outdoor playground, and outdoor classroom space. These improvements will support our holistic approach to early childhood education, fostering the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development of all children.
What goals, impacts, and outcomes do you envision for the larger community once the project is complete?
Our goal is to provide high-quality, accessible childcare services that meet the diverse needs of the Redmond community. By expanding our facility and increasing the number of WCCC slots, we address the critical shortage of childcare options for local families. The impact of this project will extend beyond the immediate childcare needs, fostering a stronger community where families feel supported, and children have access to the best possible start in life. We envision our center becoming a model for early learning excellence, contributing to the overall well-being and success of the families we serve.
What advice would you give to other organizations looking to open and operate their own early learning facilities?
My advice would be to prioritize securing strong partnerships and funding sources early in the planning process. Collaborating with local governments and securing grants like the Early Learning Facilities funding can provide the financial stability needed to undertake significant projects. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that your facility meets all health and safety regulations, as this will protect the children in your care and build trust within the community. Finally, having a clear, detailed renovation and development plan that addresses the needs of the community can guide your project to successful completion.
Do you have plans to expand to other communities in the future?
Yes, we plan to expand Brightonview Montessori to other communities in King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties. Our success in Redmond is a blueprint for future expansions, allowing us to provide high-quality early learning opportunities to more families across the region.
Would you like to add anything else about your program and this grant funding?
We are deeply grateful for the grant funding that has allowed us to embark on this transformative expansion project. The renovation will not only create a state-of-the-art early learning center in Redmond but also set the stage for future expansions. The support we’ve received ensures that our facility will meet the highest standards, providing a secure, healthy, and nurturing environment for the children in our care. This project exemplifies the power of community collaboration in achieving shared goals for early childhood education.