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“The goal at the Bright Beginnings preschool in Southeast Washington is a simple one: to ensure every child who attends is ready for kindergarten by the time he or she leaves. Sometimes, there are challenges along the way. “The main challenge is at the core of why Bright Beginnings w...

“For nearly 30 years, Bright Beginnings has sought to provide a safe, nurturing space for homeless children in our nation’s capitol. The center serves children from birth to five years old, preparing them for kindergarten and working with parents to transition families out of homelessne...

“‘Mama needs to get in the picture,” someone said as the wails of a child echoed down a hallway at the Bright Beginnings preschool. “That’s the only way it’s going to work.” “And so Mama was summoned to join her little one alongside Santa and Mrs. Claus. “...

“There’s a new student at Bright Beginnings, a preschool in Southeast Washington. She’s called LENA, and while she doesn’t say much, she’s very attentive. “LENA isn’t a person. It’s a machine, a little gadget smaller than a cellphone that students wear in a pouch in a smo...

“CaShawn Thompson is an assistant teacher of 2-year-olds at a preschool in Southeast Washington called Bright Beginnings. When we met, I asked her: What do you and your fellow teachers hope to accomplish with your students? ‘I know you expect us to say we want them to know how to count ...