NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 18, 2000-- Bright Horizons Creates New Back-Up Division Bright Horizons Family Solutions (NASDAQ: BFAM), now the nation's largest provider of work-site back-up care, has created a new division, Bright Horizons Back-Up Solutions, dedicated to providing high-quality back-up child care at work. With 37 back-up programs, Bright Horizons created the new division to dedicate resources and expertise to this rapidly growing segment of the business. The division is headed by Susan Brenner, Ed.D., a well-respected leader in early childhood education with more than 20 years of experience in the field. In addition to regular back-up care, Back-Up Solutions operates a variety of special programs, including "School's Out," snowy day care, and travel care.

Forbes Names Bright Horizons One of "200 Hot Small Companies"

Forbes magazine has named Bright Horizons one of the "200 Best Small Companies." Strong financial performance, profitability and growth over the past five years led the magazine to include Bright Horizons as number 155 in its first year on the elite list. With its strong financial analysis and strict performance standards, Forbes ranked Bright Horizons 50th for sales growth and 57th for profitability.

Bright Horizons Saluted for Breaking Glass Ceiling

Bright Horizons was one of only 25 New England public companies to receive The Boston Club's 1999 Corporate Salute Honors for having more than three women directors. Nearly 600 professionals gathered at the breakfast recognizing Bright Horizons for making important strides in the advancement of women executives. Bright Horizons' women directors include Co-Chairmen Linda Mason and Marguerite Sallee; JoAnne Brandes, Sr. Vice President Johnson Professional Wax; and Dr. Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, Professor of Education at Harvard University.

Brown To Be Honored at Chicago Awards Ceremonies

The Chicago Metropolitan Association for the Education of Young Children will recognize Roger Brown later this month with their annual "Service to Young Children Award." Brown is being honored by the organization for his national leadership to promote child care in corporate settings and for demonstrating that corporate-sponsored child care programs are good for business and families.

Bright Horizons Opens Online Store

The entire catalog of Bright Horizons Family Solutions clothing and other premium items is now available on the Web at www.brighthorizons.com. Bright Horizons brought the company store online in time for the 1999 holiday season and saw brisk sales in the first few weeks of operation. All profits will support a fund dedicated to teacher development, allowing teachers to attend educational seminars and conferences.

www.brighthorizons.com

Bright Horizons Family Solutions is the nation's leading provider of employer-sponsored child care, back-up care, early education and work/life consulting services. The company manages 291 family centers for more than 220 clients in 34 states and the District of Columbia. Among Bright Horizons Family Solutions' clients are many of the nation's leading companies, including 68 Fortune 500 companies and 42 of the "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers," as recognized by Working Mother magazine.

     CONTACT:  Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Nashville
               Ilene Hoffer, 617/577-8020