Locally founded child care center offers programs from infancy through pre-K focused on confidence, play, relationships and each child’s individual strengths

ROSEVILLE, CA, UNITED STATES, September 15, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — BrightStart Learning Academy is welcoming its first families in Roseville, offering families in Roseville, Granite Bay and surrounding communities a new approach to early childhood education centered on recognizing and developing the individual strengths of every child.

The locally founded child care center and preschool, which opened Aug. 31, serves children from 6 weeks through age 5 with programs for infants, toddlers, 2-year-olds, preschoolers and pre-K/TK students.

Founded by educator and mother Ira Santiago, BrightStart was created around a simple belief: Children thrive when educators begin by recognizing what is already strong in them.

“We want children to know from the very beginning that they are capable,” said Santiago, owner and founder of BrightStart Learning Academy. “A 4-year-old who spends every free minute stacking blocks is telling us something. Our job is to notice what makes each child light up and then build learning experiences around it.”

Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach, BrightStart educators observe children’s interests, abilities and emerging strengths and use those observations to help shape hands-on learning experiences.

The curriculum incorporates early literacy and numeracy, STEM, art, storytelling, movement, outdoor exploration, problem-solving and social-emotional development. The approach is designed to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond without rushing childhood.

A Different Vision for Early Learning

BrightStart grew from Santiago’s experiences as both an educator and a mother.

She envisioned a school where children could experience the joy and freedom of childhood while developing the confidence, independence, communication skills and academic foundations they will need as they grow.

That vision has influenced BrightStart’s learning philosophy, intentionally small classroom sizes, family communication and thoughtfully designed learning environments. The smaller classroom setting is intended to give educators greater opportunities to observe each child’s interests and development, build meaningful relationships and provide more individualized attention.

The academy emphasizes strength-based, play-rich and whole-child learning, with teachers observing how children communicate, solve problems, create, collaborate and care for others.

“We don’t believe children need to fit into one definition of what it means to be smart or successful,” Santiago said. “One child may be an incredible problem-solver. Another may express themselves through art or movement. Another may naturally connect with and care for others. We want children to discover those strengths and build confidence from them.”

BrightStart also emphasizes relationships between teachers and families. Parents receive ongoing communication about their child’s day and development, while educators work to create an environment where families feel connected to the school community.

Becoming Part of the Roseville Community

As BrightStart welcomes its first families, the academy is also establishing roots in the broader Roseville community.

BrightStart Learning Academy is a member of the Roseville Area Chamber of Commerce and will participate as a Community Partner Sponsor of the city of Roseville’s Fall Family Fest on Saturday, Sept. 19. The free community event will take place from 2-5 p.m. at Vernon Street Town Square and feature children’s activities, live entertainment, games, community booths, local vendors and food trucks.

As part of the event, BrightStart will host a community partner table featuring hands-on children’s activities inspired by the academy’s play-rich approach to learning. Families will also have an opportunity to meet the BrightStart team, learn about the academy’s programs and inquire about limited trial class opportunities.

The event gives BrightStart an opportunity to introduce its educational philosophy while building relationships with families and organizations throughout the community.

“BrightStart is more than a school,” Santiago said. “We want it to be a place where children thrive, families belong and meaningful relationships are built. We are incredibly excited to welcome families and become part of the Roseville community.”

Families attending Fall Family Fest are invited to visit the BrightStart table, meet the academy’s team and learn more about its programs.

About BrightStart Learning Academy

BrightStart Learning Academy is an early childhood education center serving families in Roseville, Granite Bay and surrounding Placer County communities. Serving children from 6 weeks through age 5, BrightStart offers infant, toddler, early preschool, preschool and pre-K/TK programs. Its strength-based, play-rich approach focuses on recognizing each child’s individual strengths while supporting social-emotional development, communication, early academics, creativity, problem-solving, independence and a lifelong love of learning.

Ira Santiago
BrightStart Learning Academy
+1 916-260-8931
ira@brightstartlearningacademy.com
Visit us on social media:
Instagram
Facebook

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

Media gallery

About The Author