FAQ

Nothing is more important in a child's early life than the time spent learning and playing with his or her parents. A child is ready for preschool only if you, as a family, are ready for it. When a child shows increased interest in playing with other children, when you begin to sense in your child an urgency to explore, to try new things and test physical skills, and when your child becomes clearly interested in exercising his/her independence (doing things for him or herself) he or she will probably enjoy preschool and thrive in this environment.

Smart Beginners creates a challenging and enriching multicultural environment where traditional and contemporary styles of teaching are carefully integrated to produce an engaging, yet safe setting for learning.

Smart Beginners promotes the fulfillment of each person’s potential by identifying the individual’s needs and goals and inspiring them to strive for excellence. In fact, during their time in our school, all children will be endowed with experiences of success and self-esteem; essential components in the physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of young children.

Smart Beginners is part of Education First Inc, a company owned by a family that is passionate about education and has been involved with it for over 20 years.
Education Fist Inc (Edu1st) owns and operates different schools in Florida and internationally.
In Florida, Edu1st has four nationally accredited preschool programs that serve families with children of one to five years of age. It operates year round and offers extended hours. Internationally, Edu1st co-owns two IB World accredited schools that serve children from preschool to high school ages.

We take children as young as twelve months old and we do potty training in our school.
Potty training is a crucial developmental stage for all children. Motor and language skills, self confidence, independence, attention, following of directions and many other skills are involved in making potty training a positive and successful experience.
Potty training should not be a discouraging experience; on the contrary, it is an extraordinary achievement that needs to be celebrated and enjoyed by every one in the family and school.
As every child is unique in the way they learn, at our school, we understand potty training is not easy for parents. We offer conferences and we are always open to help and work with every parent in partnership relation.

Yes, our curriculum is based on developmentally appropriate international standards of education for young children. All activities are age appropriate. Learning objectives are set for each student according to individual needs. Smart Beginners promotes fulfillment of each child’s potential while striving for excellence.

Yes. We create a challenging and enriching environment for learning where traditional and contemporary styles of teaching are carefully integrated.
Your child will be challenged in all developmental areas and teachers will keep record of your child's achievements.
All his or her learning will be fun and exiting as our program is based on a high quality play approach.

Smart Beginners employs loving, bilingual teachers who do not only have a degree in Early Childhood Education but who have also been specifically trained in delivering an International Curriculum. Our teachers are facilitators in-charge of guiding children in their process of discovering the world. Teachers are in a permanent quest to get to know each and every one of the children's needs, styles, and interest in order to better provoke and inspire them to learn and search for solutions to their own inquiries. Our teachers also understand the importance of encouraging a clear set of values, skills, and knowledge in an inviting, loving and friendly way.

Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday. 7 AM to 6:30 PM and these are the schedules:

• Two days tuition, from 8 am to 4 pm
• Three half days, from 8 am to 12 pm
• Three full days, from 8 am to 4 pm
• Five half days, from 8 am to 12 pm
• Five full days, from 8 am to 4 pm

We offer extended times too.

Yes, in our computer lab your child will find age appropriated software to ensure that he/she develops to the best of his or her ability.

Yes, they are offered to all children three years and older. You will receive the field trip schedule in advance so you can know when each trip will take place for your child's individual class.

Your child's birthday is a very special time for us and we enjoy celebrating it with his or her classmates. It is also a great momment for parents to visit the school and interact with their child and the rest of the class. Plan to come in and read a story to the class, share something special that you do, play a game with them, or do any other activity that you find special. Some parents enjoy making a contribution by purchasing a book for the class library in honor of their child’s birthday. If you choose to do this, please inscribe the book donated and have the “birthday child” talk about it. Food items that are easy for children to handle may be brought in. Hard candy, small games that come apart, and other items in party bags can be hazardous to small children. Please give at least one week notice to your child’s teacher so that the necessary arrangements can be made.

Yes, there is a mandatory school uniform: Navy blue t-shirt with the school logo and khaki pants.

Children are required to wear the school uniform at all time. Please understand children need to be in comfortable clothes, appropriate for both indoor and outdoor activities.

In the interest of safety, sandals, flip-flops, jellies, or boots may not be worn to school. We recommend that all children wear sneakers. To foster independence, parents are encouraged to purchase clothing that the children can easily manipulate. Children must keep a complete change of clothing on hand at school for spills and other emergencies. These clothes, as well as those worn to school, should be labeled with your child’s name (including socks and shoes). Getting “dirty’ is a part of learning, so don’t be upset if your child comes home “painty” or “sandy”. Extra school t-shirts can be purchased at the office.

Children should not wear expensive jewelry to school or items that hang form their neck or ears. Other children are curious and in the course of play, these items may be lost or broken. Hanging items are also a safety hazard as children can catch them on playground equipment or have other children pull them from their neck or ears.

We are open year round, we just close on national holidays and some days for planning. We offer winter camp, summer camp, and spring camp. So we are open almost every single day of the year.
Smart Beginners Preschool will observe the following holidays:

• New Years Day (January 1st)
• Martin Luther King
• Memorial Day
• Good Friday
• Independence Day (July 4th)
• Teachers’ curriculum days
• Labor Day
• Teacher Convention Day
• President Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Holiday 
• Christmas Eve (December 24th)
• Christmas Day (December 25th)
• New Years Eve (December 31st)

Yes, dont worry about the food. We have daily nutrition lunches and snacks for kids.