Mattel and Bright Horizons Celebrating 30 years of Care, Learning, and Supporting Families

October 11, 2024 –  In 1994, Mattel opened the doors to the Mattel Child Development Center on their corporate campus in El Segundo, CA. The child care center, managed by Bright Horizons, has been an office amenity available for Mattel employees and their families for thirty years. Today, the center cares for and educates children from infants to five-years-old (Transitional Kindergarten), and recently celebrated this incredible milestone with a party for current and alumni families. Guests even included children that had attended the center over 20 years ago.  

“Mattel, known internationally for being a global leader in the toy and family entertainment space, should also be recognized for being a forward-thinking company when it comes to workplace benefits by their long commitment to supporting their working parents and their families for thirty years.” Stated Bright Horizons CEO Stephen Kramer. “As the country faces a trilemma when it comes to childcare (access, quality and financial support), Mattel should be commended for creating such a culture of caring.” Kramer continued.

“Throughout its existence, Mattel has been at the forefront of shaping children’s lives through the power of play. Mattel’s partnership with Bright Horizons provides an invaluable resource for our employees with convenient, reliable childcare, while helping Mattel serve its important mission” Stated Keith Saucier, Mattel’s VP of Global Benefits. 

In a recent parent survey, 100% of Mattel’s center parents reported that having the center on site helped reduce stress in managing personal and professional demands, and 91% said that they were satisfied with the skills and knowledge that their child receives at the center and believe that these skills will help them succeed in school and life. 

The Center staff has had tremendous longevity. The Center Director, Amy Fougy, has been at the center for twenty-two years, Lillian Rafael and Orema Meggs, the Lead Educators for the program have each been with the center for twenty-three years, and preschool teacher, Cynthia Schorer has been in her position for twenty-seven years. “I feel incredibly thankful for the time and dedication the teachers and admin team pour into the curriculum, the families, and their profession,” shared current parent Fryda Gonzalez, Manager of Hair and Face Design at Mattel. She continued, “Their passion is not only visible, but it is also felt!”

Another current parent, Donna Alexander, a Senior Designer at Mattel noted, “Among the myriad of things she (my daughter) has learned, I have to say the continuous emphasis on patience, empathy, and kindness have by far had the most long-lasting impact. My daughter made lifelong friends at Bright Horizons, and I have too. There is a very familial feeling between the teachers, kids, parents, and co-workers that makes building friendships a natural part of the daycare experience for both you and your child.”

Investing in employee well-being has and always will be a top priority for Mattel. For three decades, the Mattel Child Development Center has been caring for and educating children while providing essential support for their parent workforce. As Mattel “empowers generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential,” supporting so many of their employees and their families with this meaningful benefit, this impactful 30-year partnership with Bright Horizons has proven to raise the bar for what is possible in quality early education and support for working parents.