Discovery Driven Learning (DDL) is Bright Horizons Family Solutions’ proprietary evidence-based teaching and learning framework for science-informed early care and development excellence. This early childhood education framework is designed to develop lifelong learners and future leaders, innovators, citizens, and stewards who think critically, solve creatively, and communicate and act with empathy at the provider of employer-supported early childcare, educational consulting, and work-life solutions.
This training program supports the goal of attracting and retaining employees as delivering high-quality care, education, and other services is directly related to the company’s ability to attract, retain, motivate, and develop its skilled workforce.
Program Details
Educators employed at Bright Horizons are required to be trained in the DDL method through a comprehensive and leveled online training program with trainings accessible via Bright Horizons’ learning management system (LMS).
The trainings include engagement activities and scenario-based learning strategies to support concept implementation. Depending on needs, roles, and goals, center-based employees progress through the levels, building their knowledge and skills. The design intentionally mimics that of stackable credentials and nurtures learner motivation.
Level one is Essentials and is required for all center-based employees. Essentials includes understanding the fundamental practices of Discovery Driven Learning. Practitioner (Level two) builds on the fundamentals to broaden and expand knowledge and skills. Both levels address the following topic areas:
- Responsive and Nurturing Relationships
- Joyful, Playful, and Inclusive Communities
- Proven Instructional Method
- Learner-Centered Environments
- World Elements
- Meaningful Assessment and Planning Process
The Practitioner design is intentionally flexible and crafted to ensure each learner has a customized experience. It incorporates two strategies to provide credit for previous knowledge and expertise:
- The first item of learning in all topic areas is an assessment that assigns coursework based on a pass/fail rating.
- In recognition of similar training previously completed by employees, training equivalents were determined for some of the courses.
One of the components of Discovery Driven Learning is the Meaningful Assessment and Planning Process (MAPP). This process enables teachers to follow a cycle of observation, documentation, planning, assessment, and communication with families. One communication method is a formalized digital developmental portfolio shared with families twice a year. Training on understanding and completing the MAPP steps is done throughout the Essentials and Practitioner levels.
Evaluation methods for both levels include a survey that allows learners to assess their knowledge and confidence for application. Both levels also include a leader guide with information on behaviors to observe/evaluate and an observation template to support learning transfer.
Training in the Essentials and Practitioner levels was highlighted in Bright Horizons’ Virtual Educator’s Conferences. Center staff were able to progress at both levels and contribute to discussions regarding implementation.
Results
At the end of 2023, 79 percent of center-based employees had completed the Essentials level (a 24 percent improvement over 2022), and 3,741 learners completed curricula related to the Practitioner level. Program results include:
- 2023 saw a 21.7 percent average improvement in digital developmental portfolio completions.
- Offering the Practitioner level assessment and training equivalencies to honor previous knowledge and skills provides a monetary saving by decreasing required training completions. Since its introduction in the middle of 2023, some 2,700 equivalency hours have been awarded, resulting in thousands of dollars of savings.
In 2023, the program helped improve field-based retention by 5.8 percent over 2022.
