What Is BrightStart For Families???
BrightStart™ is a fun experience for the whole family. Parents who are expecting, or have a child 4 years old or younger and older children up through 8 
years old are invited. Other care-givers are also welcome! BrightStart is a family time; it's a place to create memories and bonds and to learn in new ways. It is a shared family experience in our local community, where children see familiar faces and the families can build a supportive group of peers.
Our Learn & Play Kid’s Program is play-based and offers infants through 8 year olds opportunities to learn and have fun while developing listening and attention skills. BrightStart™ is offered by Building Healthy Families, a nonprofit organization in Manchester, CT. The workshop is typically offered two times per year, in the Spring and Fall.
Next BrightStart For Families
Our Fall 2023 BrightStart will be in-person in Manchester.
Sign up here to join the contact list for BrightStart. We use a double opt-in process to be sure we have your correct email address. Check your spam or junk folder if you don't get a confirmation email within a few minutes. You will not be subscribed until you confirm your email address.
When you join the contact list you will receive information about the start date for BrightStart and an opportunity to enroll. BrightStart is offered free of charge. Families receive a children's book or toy each week as well as free diapers every week.
Building Healthy Families has created a digital version of much of what we share at BrightStart For Families called BrightStart for Parents. Watch this video to learn more. If you are interested in accessing the online digital version of BrightStart call us at 860.375.0121 or email
Thank you!
Learn more about the 8 topics in this video.
What is the Imagination Playground?
The Imagination Playground events are held at 20 Hartford Road and at special events in Manchester and our surrounding area. Watch for the signs outside or follow us on Facebook to know when it is open! Interested in hosting an Imagination Playground event at your school or church?
About Circle of Security Parenting
As parents, we are the center of our young child’s world. How we respond to them has an enduring impact. When they are little we can spend so much time trying to meet our children’s physical needs that we don’t have space to think about what they need from us emotionally. Circle of Security Parenting Groups are designed to give parents a 'map’ for understanding and responding to their children’s emotional needs. Research shows that parents who are able do this in a loving and consistent way give their children an amazing start in life. Read more to Subscribe or Enroll.
Community Garden News
Four new raised bed gardens have been added to the Community Garden at 20 Hartford Road. These gardens are for families with young children who would like to grow some of their own food. Don’t worry if you’re new to gardening. We can help you get started through several experienced volunteer gardeners you can turn to for instruction and advice. This is a great opportunity for families who live in an apartment without their own space. BHF is looking for families wishing to garden a half or full 4’X8’ box. It will be first come first served. Here are a few reasons gardening is a great opportunity for families with young children. We'll be adding more play feartures for young children this Spring.
- It's an activity that children love to do with their parents.
- You get to enjoy your favorite fresh vegetables all summer.
- You make new friends and you save money!
- Opportunities are available to learn from a Master Gardener.
Interested? Please contact us through FaceBook to learn more.
We hope to offer the Imagination Playgrond on a regular schedule this summer so families can tend their garden while their children enjoy the playground at the Frank Cheney Mansion. You can request the application by emailing us at
