A woman and two children baking together at a table with baking ingredients and utensils, in front of a colorful wall with handprint decorations.

More than a Preschool -

A Family Legacy of Learning Since 1984

Bright Beginnings was born in 1984 when Kathe Petchel, a former public-school teacher and new mom, couldn’t find the kind of preschool she dreamed of for her daughter. So she built it herself—right from her home. What began as a morning preschool quickly grew into three vibrant locations serving hundreds of families across Crozet, Forest Lakes, and Mill Creek.

Two women sitting on yellow armchairs in a living room, smiling at the camera.

Rooted in Love. Growing with Purpose.

Kathe combined her classroom experience as a kindergarten teacher in Albemarle County and parenting values to build a preschool that felt like home—where learning was joyful, family connections mattered, and every child was seen and celebrated. That legacy continues today with her daughter, Molly Hichens, now co-owner and CEO, leading the next generation with heart and vision. Together, they ensure every child and family receives exceptional care at Bright Beginnings, Charlottesville’s trusted early childhood leader for over 40 years.

Five children playing on a wooden playground structure outdoors under a blue sky with clouds, surrounded by green trees.

We believe childhood should be BRIGHT!

At Bright Beginnings, we:

  • Nurture curiosity through hands-on, play-based learning

  • Support families with flexible schedules and open communication

  • Build relationships that last a lifetime—with students, parents, and staff

Our core values guide everything we do:
 Nurture - Play - Learn - Trust - Communicate - Family

Light blue cartoon birds with heart-shaped cutouts in their bodies, varying sizes, facing right, with small wings and joined by a small tail feather.

Kathe’s Why: “Why I still love it after all these years!”

A family of six posing outdoors on a grassy field, smiling and standing close together.

Kathe Petchel, Leo Hichens, Rob Hichens, Poppy Hichens, Molly Hichens, and Bob Petchel

As the oldest of 4 children, I have always wanted to teach! When I was 8 years old I set up a pretend classroom to teach my brothers and sister- I was an early success too: 1 brother is a hospital CFO, 1 brother is a pro football coach, and my sister is a Licensed Family Therapist! After I graduated from college with a degree in Early Childhood Education, I taught kindergarten and 1st grade in the public schools in Charlottesville. But after I had my first child, Meghan,  I learned that there were no quality preschools in Charlottesville. This gave me an idea- why not start my own? 

So I did. In starting Bright Beginnings I personally developed our comprehensive and progressive curriculum but also added the things I enjoyed doing with my own children like cooking, field trips, outdoor classrooms and lots of hands-on fun!  Bright Beginnings is my passion- my days fly by and I can’t wait to go to work each morning! I love to watch what I created in 1984 grow, change and get better. I love to learn about best practices from all around the country and am active in many professional development groups. It’s unbelievable to me that I’ve personally nurtured over 1,000 teacher’s careers and impacted  over 10,000 children! Watching my former students come back to Bright Beginnings as parents or to work with us is an honor. Having my youngest daughter, Molly, learn alongside me and my husband, Bob, makes my job especially rewarding.  

When you enroll here you become part of our family for life! Communication is one of our core values.  Have a suggestion? Want to volunteer? We want to hear all about it and get to know you! 

  • Our 4-year-old has been at Bright Beginnings for a year, and we love it! He has had wonderful teachers in the Tiger and Cheetah rooms, and is always telling us about what he has learned at school. He is particularly fond of the nature trail near the school.

    —Hodges-Kluck Family

  • "Our experience with Bright Beginnings Daycare has been nothing short of amazing. The staff is incredibly kind, patient, and genuinely invested in each child's growth and happiness. From day one, we felt welcomed and confident that our child was in loving, capable hands. The daily structure is thoughtful and balanced—filled with learning, creativity, outdoor play, and social activities. We especially appreciate the clear communication from teachers and staff, and the regular updates we receive throughout the day bring so much peace of mind. Most importantly, our child absolutely loves going each day. We've seen such growth in their confidence, language, and friendships since starting here. It’s clear that Bright Beginnings isn’t just a daycare—it’s a place where children thrive. Highly recommend to any family looking for a nurturing, high-quality early learning environment!""

    —Bixler Family

  • "We started bright beginnings over a year ago. Our now toddler has thrived in their environment. The staff is loving and kind and taken all of his needs into consideration. They always put him first."

    —Gibbs Family

  • "Highly recommend. My two children were at Bright Beginnings for 4 years and the day it was time for them to move on to a different school, we all cried along with my children’s teachers because we would miss them so much. It is challenging to find reliable childcare wherever you go, and I can say that we have been truly blessed to have our children grow with this preschool. Forever grateful for all the care they provided."

    —Malinda

Testimonials
Emily & Matthew - Mill Creek

“Andy had a wonderful experience at Bright Beginnings. I felt so comfortable with him in the infant room as he started when he was just a few months old. The best thing about Bright Beginnings was how Andy’s teachers truly cared for him like family! Thank you, Ms. Jessie, Ms. Nancy, and all the Bright Beginnings teachers!”

– Emily Privette and Matthew Miller, Andy’s Parents (Infant)

Julia Evatt - Mill Creek

“Bright Beginnings has exceeded my expectations in every way!”

– Julia Evatt, Emma’s Mama (Infant)

Cori Catto - Mill Creek

“Ms. Jessie and Ms. Ann were very loving toward Henry. I really loved how the two directors knew my name and all about my child. Lauren and Brooklyn were very sweet and helpful.”

– Cori Catto, Henry’s Mama (Waddler)