BrightPath Manchester Child Care Center

"We love BrightPath daycare. Educators are great, very professional and responsible." - Margaryta Terentyeva

Welcome to BrightPath Manchester Early Learning & Child Care, formerly Educational Playcare Manchester, a NAEYC-Accredited daycare, preschool, and pre-k center located conveniently at 452 Tolland Turnpike. With more than 30 years of experience in early childhood education, we offer an exceptional environment where children aged 6 weeks to 12 years can learn, play, and thrive.

BrightPath Manchester is uniquely positioned off a quiet street, away from busy roads and shopping plazas, providing families with peace of mind during drop-offs and pickups. Our center welcomes families with colorful landscaping, ample free parking, and spacious, naturally-lit classrooms that promote curiosity, creativity, and comfort. Families frequently express appreciation for our vibrant enrichment room,

  • 452 Tolland Turnpike Manchester, CT 06042
    Get Directions
  • Open 7 am – 6 pm
  • Call for Enrollment: 888.711.5437
  • Licensed for 211 children

Center Programs

Infant

Infant

(6 weeks to 12 months)

Our program nurtures recognition of familiar figures, motor skill development, and sensory exploration, among other enriching experiences.

Toddler

Toddler

(12 months to 33 months)

Our program encourages exploration, physical development, and communication to foster independence and emotional growth.

Pre-Schooler

Pre-Schooler

(33 months to 4.75 years)

We nurture preschoolers with theme-based, interactive learning and cultivate creativity, problem-solving, and independence through hands-on experiences.

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Center Offerings

CT Care for Kids
Yoga
Healthy Meals & Snacks
Dance & Movement
Qualified Educators
Music
Transitional Kindergarten
Military Discount

Our center proudly accepts CT Care for Kids. Our Center Director can provide more information regarding financial assistance and they can assist you with the process as well.

Our Yoga program enriches our preschool curriculum, fostering young minds and bodies for lifelong mental and physical well-being through fun, themed sessions.

All our centers are completely nut-free, and we work with families with children who have other food sensitivities and allergies to ensure their safety and well-being.

Our dance programs blend solid technique with fun and creative choreography, fostering both technical skill and expressive, individualistic style in our little ones.

Our Educators are passionate about delivering early years education that empowers and inspires children to create their futures.

Our music program offers a researched, systematic approach to nurturing children's social skills and musical development, including singing in tune and rhythmic coordination.

Our transitional program preps children for kindergarten with enhanced activities aligned with Connecticut's KEI, focusing on language, literacy, numeracy, and social skills.

We're proud to offer a standard 10% U.S. military discount for families in active duty as our way of saying thank you for your service!

Explore Our Center

Center Director

Katrina Meli has been dedicated to the field of Early Childhood Education since 2012. With a rich background that spans roles from teacher and mentor to activity coordinator and assistant director, Katrina has demonstrated a deep commitment to child development. She joined BrightPath Manchester in 2017 and has since earned her Director’s Credential and Head Teacher Certificate. Katrina's extensive training and workshops underscore her expertise and dedication to her role.

Katrina’s favorite

Portrait of the BrightPath Manchester  Director
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We’re proud to be recognized as a 2025 Winner for the Culture at Work Award and the 2024 Winner of the Kudos Culture Leader Award.

ADP winners

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Virtual Tours:

If you would prefer a virtual tour, please call us to schedule one.

Latest Blog Posts

Why Buffalo Families Love Our Summer Camp Programs at BrightPath

Why Buffalo Families Love Our Summer Camp Programs at BrightPath

Mar 24, 2025 2 min
Cultivating Curiosity: How Inquiry-Based Learning Fuels Lifelong Growth
A young boy sitting on a table playing with dirt beside a box of plants, learning through curiosity and exploration.

Cultivating Curiosity: How Inquiry-Based Learning Fuels Lifelong Growth

Mar 21, 2025 4 min
Supporting Chicago Families: The Value of Full-Day Child Care at BrightPath

Supporting Chicago Families: The Value of Full-Day Child Care at BrightPath

Mar 17, 2025 2 min
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Fun Ways to Decorate Your Home for St. Patrick’s Day with Your Kids

Mar 13, 2025 4 min