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Myles Gordon, 3, rides a scooter on the playground at Bright Futures Daycare, which is located on The University of New Mexico-Gallup campus, on May 1, 2025.

Parents praise Bright Futures Childcare Center

Categories: Students   Faculty   Staff   Community  

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Daycare offers critical service for GMCS employees and �ƹ���Ƶ students

By Richard Reyes, Tuesday, May 13, 2025

GALLUP, N.M. — At the end of a cloudy day in early May, 3-year-old Myles Gordon was enjoying playing in the sand box and riding a scooter around the playground of Bright Futures Childcare Center when his mom Calista Autrey came to pick him up.

Autrey is a nursing student at The University of New Mexico-Gallup, which gives her access to childcare services provided at Bright Futures. As a nanny herself, Autrey said it was important for her to find quality childcare for her son.

Two years later, the daycare continues to offer services to GMCS certified employees and administration as well as �ƹ���Ƶ students and administration.

Praise for Bright Futures

Gallup Middle School teacher Anastasia Mataya said she’s been impressed with Bright Futures. She said her daughter NikiAnn Hudgeons, who turns 2 in May, has hit many milestones while enrolled at the childcare center.

“The fact that she’s almost 2 and recognizes letters and comes home happy just shows she’s thriving up there,” Mataya said. “I can’t say enough good things. I think the program is one of the most beneficial that we have in town.”

Parent Leah Kayonnie, whose 3-year-old son Kent Kayonnie is enrolled at the daycare, praised the staff and teachers for being amazing.

“The teachers are very nice, and they’re pleasant to engage with every morning,” Alfred said. “The staff is great too."

Alfred described Bright Futures Director Rebecca Brandt, Co-Director Brittany Gutierrez and administrative clerk Missy Garcia as shining faces in the front office.

‘It’s just a good place’

For Brandt and Gutierrez, every day at the daycare is different.

“Some days there’s a lot of kids and a lot of activity,” Gutierrez said. “Other days, the kids are quiet and calm. It’s a good healthy environment for them to be in. They’re safe and they’re learning and growing — physically and emotionally. It’s just a good place.”

Gutierrez said the children learn primarily through play. They learn shapes, colors, numbers and hand gestures while singing songs.

The kids are also getting used to being in a classroom setting and adapting to a daily routine of snacks, play time, naps and lunch, which prepares them for school later.

Inside the childcare center, there are three separate classrooms for different age ranges plus an activity room. The Honeybee classroom is for children 6 months old to 1 year old. The Caterpillar room is for children 1 year old to 2 years old. And the Butterfly room is for children 2 years old to 3 years old.

The daycare has 42 total spots available for children. As of May 1, there were 21 children enrolled at the daycare, so there are spots available for GMCS and �ƹ���Ƶ parents seeking childcare going into the summer and fall semesters.

Bright Futures accepts enrollment applications for children ages 6 months old to 3 years old. Parents can pick up applications in person at the childcare center, which is located at 700 Lion Hall on the �ƹ���Ƶ campus.

If children will reach the age of 36 months old before Sept. 1, they should enroll in their local preschool.

The hours of the daycare are 7:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The center follows the GMCS school calendar for days in session.

For more information about the childcare center and enrollment, contact Missy Garcia at 505-721-4231.

This June 2024 file photo shows the Bright Futures Childcare Center located on The University of New Mexico–Gallup campus.