Looking back: COVID class of preschoolers graduates from Bright Horizons

Each year, Johns Hopkins Child Care Center Partners celebrate the transition for preschoolers heading into kindergarten.

This year's preschool moving-up ceremony at Bright Horizons, 98 N. Broadway marked a special milestone: Members of the preschool class of 2025 began their journeys as the "COVID infants" born into a world of uncertainty during the height of the pandemic.

Looking back at the grads

"This graduating class is incredibly special as most were in our infant program when I came in as the director," Alby Acosta says. "We have spent the last four years growing together and building wonderful relationships that will last a lifetime. The impact [the center has] on the families—being a small piece that allows them to do the wonderful work they do every day—brings that much more joy and satisfaction to the role we play. I am honored to be a part of the Johns Hopkins community in this capacity," he says. "We don't take that responsibility lightly."

The preschoolers' preparation for kindergarten is a testament to the care and dedication of the teachers, the center's partnership with families, and the support of JHU, Acosta says. "The feeling we experience the strongest is pride," he says. "We are fascinated by how much our children are able to learn and develop in their time with us. There's a lot of work that goes into this, and we know, very confidently, that their readiness for kindergarten reflects the strength of our partnerships with families and the dedication of our entire team."

Looking ahead for your own child

Limited preschool openings are currently available at all four JHU Child Care Center Partners; contact the centers directly to inquire about enrollment.

Financial assistance is available through the university's Child Care Voucher and Scholarship programs. If you have questions about these grants designed to help make child care more affordable, reach out to childcare@jhu.edu.

In a significant investment in the future of early education, the Homewood Early Learning Center is undergoing a transformation, with a new facility slated to open in 2026. This expansion will increase access for families and reinforce the university's ongoing commitment to providing high-quality care and learning opportunities for the children of faculty, staff, and students.