Horizons Teacher Degree Program is a Family Affair for Teachers at Bright Horizons Vita Kids Learning Center

September 15, 2021 – When Kelly Krueger, a teacher at Bright Horizons Vita Kids Learning Center in Palmyra, WI, heard about the Horizons Teacher Degree Program, she knew that the program was a great opportunity for herself and her mother and fellow teacher, Carol Krueger, to earn their degrees in early childhood education.

The Horizons Teacher Degree Program is a no-cost degree program for all full-time employees in the Bright Horizon’s early education centers and preschools. The program allows employees to earn an associate and bachelor’s degree in early childhood education for free. Bright Horizons employees participating in the program do not have to pay for any expenses out of pocket, including tuition, fees and books.

“My mother inspired me to give teaching a go,” said Kelly. “After hearing about the Horizons program, I told my mom that we should do it together to help support each other.”

Carol has been a teacher at Bright Horizons Vita Kids Learning Center for seven years and has always had a passion for teaching young children. Prior to Bright Horizons, she ran her own in-home daycare.

“After talking with my daughter who assured me, I could do this, I decided to enroll,” said Carol. ”I was super nervous because I had been out of school for so long but I knew I had the knowledge to succeed after being in the early childhood education field for so long.”

Through the Horizon Teacher Degree Program, Kelly and Carol enrolled in Rasmussen University’s Early Childhood Education Associate of Science - Child Development program. Rasmussen University is one of five higher education institutions that supports the Horizons Teacher Degree Program

Kelly and Carol both credit their great experience in the program to their advisors at Bright Horizons EdAssist Solutions, which manages the Horizons Teacher Degree Program.

”I had a great experience in the program,” said Kelly. “EdAssist Solutions helped me get started and I had an amazing student advisor that would help me any time of the day. I was blessed to have her.”

Kelly and Carol recently graduated with honors earning their associate degrees in early childhood education.

“Receiving my degree was a big accomplishment,” said Carol. “Not only did I pursue this in my later years, but I had to adapt myself to the different style of teaching. So this has made me very proud!”

To learn more about the Horizons Teacher Degree Program, visit here.