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November 2023 by Jessica L.
The best place to send your kid. if you're uncertain about "daycare" this is not a da vibe. it's a school where they teach, love, and care about your kids. it's a no brainer!
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September 2023 by Monica C.
My son graduated from smart start recently and I could not be happier with the experience he had. My husband and I are so thankful for the staff and how much they truly cared for our son. I was initially nervous about sending my son to daycare but the staffs interaction with him was amazing and made me feel so comfortable. My son was always happy and smiling when I would pick him up. My son is currently thriving in Kindergarten and I believe a lot of that has to do with smart start giving him the tools he needed to be successful.
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August 2023 by Marie D.
We had the best teachers here for age 4! Our daughter learned so much and loved each day at school! Highly recommend!
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April 2023 by Sommier S.
Smart Start Academy does NOT care about the children. Initially, I really enjoyed their atmosphere and cleanliness, but quickly realized that is really all that they had to offer... a clean looking environment. There is absolutely no communication between staff/management/owner to parent and NO CONCERN for the child's emotional needs. Furthermore, the disciplinary practices including, but not limited to, the "sad chair" or "relaxing chair" (time out), is not mentioned in the parent handbook, much like the teachers using their cell phones as televisions to play cartoons like cocomelon, is not. Having open lines of communication, with a team working alongside me to care for my child, is something I take very seriously. They lacked severely in this area. It was nonexistent. On a specific occasion, I was checking in with my daughter via the cameras the school gives parents to access... which most of the time aren't working properly. I didn't see my child anywhere, and got concerned, so I messaged the teacher... no response. So, I called the front desk. They then proceeded to tell me that my daughter had a potty accident and a big emotion ensued from this (lots of tears and vocal frustration), that they claim was "inconsolable." They proceeded to put my daughter in a chair, by herself, surrounded by her peers, isolated and shamed... while she "calmed down" alone. This didn't work, understandably, because in such a vulnerable and embarrassing moment for my 3 year old, she needed connection and empathy more than anything. Instead she got sent to another classroom where she knew no one. To sit, alone, in another chair. The fact that a 3 year old is expected to have to have the tools to deal with such new and complex emotions speaks volumes to this establishments lack of real and valuable child education training and knowledge. The lack of compassion, connection and empathy for my child was appalling, to say the least. I picked my child up early that day and politely emailed the school several times, for a week, requesting an IDT meeting to discuss my concerns. I never heard from them. Again, no communication, care or respect. I had to walk in and speak with the owner, Chad. Although he didn't give me the courtesy to speak privately, I was able to voice my concerns and at least get more information on the occurrences of that day. However, after leaving that meeting, I received an email from his wife, Melissa, whom was not present for my conversation with Chad... That they were proceeding with removing my child from the school. That they can't meet my "requests" they assumed I had, considering no one met with me to ever hear them. I was given no courtesy in being involved in this decision... no meeting, no discussion or involvement. It really hurt me for my daughter. She didn't even get a chance to say goodbye to her friends. How abrupt and sad. With this new understanding I now know that a school that is not willing to work with parents in raising children is not one that I want my child in. It appears that Smart Start has a hard structure and care not about each individual child's needs-which says a lot when child care professionals KNOW (should know) how unique each child's temperament is and that each child may require something slightly different from the standard practice. Also including occurrences that don't regularly happen that may require the same flexibility in care. Clearly their priority isn't the "whole child" as they have expressed they are not staffed enough to foster arguably the most important developmental domain- social emotional, needs of each child individually and specifically. For these reasons, I do NOT support SmartStart Academy. I hope parents think twice before enrolling their child here.
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December 2022 by Jessica Schofield
An absolutely wonderful place to care for your children. The facility is clean and bright with staff who are obviously very passionate about what they do. Prices are incredibly fair for the level of care given to the kids. All classrooms are equipped with cameras which I loved at the beginning; it really helps if your child hasn't been away from you very often. My daughter has attended here since August & we are so sad to leave Smart Start Academy. That said, she has a firm educational foundation thanks to these lovely folks!
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December 2022 by Mary Love
Absolutely love this place! Super friendly staff, clean place, they take care of your kids! Both my kids went there. 100% recommend
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August 2022 by Felicia F.
Well,I will tell the honest truth since all this is all about honest reviewsAt first I was so excited that our son was about to start here. He was so excited and all about getting ready for his first day.Well that day came explained to them and his teacher what concerns as a parent I had for our son and that he may need alittle extra help in areas. They understood and told me that everything will be ok and he will be just fine.So that day I go to go pick him up hoping and praying his first day went well, well it didn't. They were very unprofessional the way the talked to me explaining howOur son did not belong there. Wow my jaw dropped I asked why they gave me multiple reasons why he didn't. Also told me he couldn't hold a pencil correctly? Isn't that what you guys are for to help them? They didn't even give our son a chance. I was completely heartbroken and I will never ever recommend this place to anyone. Very unprofessional of them and how dare them push away a child who is starting off in this world! So heartbreaking!
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July 2022 by Domo G.
So sad to leave and graduate!! Hands down the best option for preschool in the high desert. So thankful for the staff and the owners. They are good people that actually care about you and your kids. I'm tempted to have another kid just to put them here lol! God bless this place. They did a lot to accommodate the children and parents during COVID and made it through. I wish them all the best! I wish we could stay forever! We love you guys! Thank you to Ms Bri and Ms Zendy for being with my son Damias, and a big hug to both Melissa and Chad for being so flexible, loving, and sweet! We will miss you guys!
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February 2022 by Karyna T.
This place has been such a blessing to our family! Everyone is always so friendly and helpful. We were very worried to start my son in ANY school But smart start has made it such an easy transition. My son (4) has been going here for 5 months full time now and we plan to Definitely continue. He loves going to school every day and even wants to go on the weekends. He is always coming home with amazing projects/ schoolwork and always feels proud of his accomplishments. Lunch menu always sounds so yummy/healthy and the building not only always smells nice but it looks squeaky clean. I also love that we are able to check in on him on the parent portal cameras through the day while mommy and daddy are at work! I looked into many schools for my little man before picking Smart Start and I most definitely strongly feel this was the best school for our family!
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December 2020 by Nick Vernon
Best preschool, pre-k, and daycare you'll find in the high desert. Friendly reliable staff, safe clean facility, and present and aware owners who are courteous and involved with business, staff, and parents!
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December 2018 by Brenda Lopez
My son will be graduating here next Friday, he has been here for almost 3 years! I have nothing but the best to say about this school. My son is beyond ready for kindergarten and I will miss everyone here very much. I feel like they have become part of my family. I wouldn't have had my son go anywhere else. Thank you smart start for everything!
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December 2017 by Shannon Coleman
Chad and Melissa are awesome. Mrs. Terry is a great teacher! My sons have been going to SmartStart for the last two years. They love it. I especially love that they have cameras in every room in case you want to check in on your kiddos. The facility is very clean and organized. Academic lessons and behavior expectations are taught every day. I've seen so much improvements since my kids have started attending.
