Our Program
At Smart Start Childcare and Learning Center, we draw inspiration from the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which emphasizes child-led exploration and engagement. We are committed to providing a rich variety of materials and experiences that foster intentional learning. Our thoughtfully curated curriculum enhances each child’s journey, supporting language development, cognitive growth, fine and gross motor skills, and social-emotional well-being. We believe in nurturing a lifelong love of learning by creating an environment where curiosity thrives and children feel empowered to explore their world.
Activities
At Smart Start Childcare and Learning Center, our activities are thoughtfully designed to promote the physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development of children across all age groups. We focus on eleven key interest areas: Blocks, Dramatic Play, Toys and Games, Art, Library, Discovery, Sand and Water, Music and Movement, Cooking, Computers, and Outdoors. Each area is crafted to engage children in meaningful exploration and play, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience that nurtures their growth and curiosity.
Safety
Smart Start Childcare and Learning Center is proud to have received a prestigious 4-Star Parent Aware Rating, reflecting our commitment to excellence that goes beyond state licensing standards. We prioritize safety, exceed continuing education requirements, and are dedicated to continuous quality improvement.
Our staff is certified in pediatric CPR and first aid, with annual re-certification to ensure they remain up-to-date. We conduct thorough indoor and outdoor safety checks every day, and we create and review a comprehensive risk reduction plan bi-annually to proactively prevent potential injuries.
In addition to having a registered nurse on-site, we welcome a health consultant each month to provide our team with valuable training on various aspects of health, safety, and illness prevention. This holistic approach ensures that we maintain a safe and nurturing environment for all children in our care.
Curriculum
Research shows that the years from birth to age five are crucial for brain development, and we wholeheartedly embrace this insight at Smart Start Childcare and Learning Center. By integrating our curriculum into every activity throughout the day, we ensure that all children are well-prepared for Kindergarten and beyond. Our commitment is to provide a nurturing environment that lays a strong foundation for future learning and success.
Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to create daily routines and meaningful experiences that cater to each child’s unique strengths, interests, and needs. It aligns seamlessly with the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework, as well as state early learning standards. By emphasizing exploration and discovery, The Creative Curriculum fosters confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills that will benefit young learners throughout their lives.
Our curriculum also includes Letterland, a nationally acclaimed phonics program, and Second Step, a comprehensive approach to social and emotional learning. It’s important to note that our local schools utilize The Creative Curriculum, along with Letterland and Second Step, ensuring a cohesive and enriching learning experience for our students.