Smart-Start strives to make each child feel loved, valued, and capable. Although play is valued as an important aspect of childhood and children are given many opportunities to participate in creative, child initiated activities, intentional teaching is also an important component of our center. Research indicates that the first 5 years are the most important time to stimulate a child's interest and capacity to learn. In both the childcare center and in the pre-school, children will have opportunities to develop in these areas: Pro-social cooperative interaction with others, language development, literacy and alphabet knowledge, counting and number concepts, creative expression through art. music, and movement, large motor coordination and balance, fine motor and writing readiness, dramatic play, and science and nature awareness. 

SSQCC desires that there be a safe, positive and nurturing environment for all children who attend our facility. SSQCC believes that most children desire to "please", and misbehavior is generally a sign that they need attention and acceptance. For this reason, we try to ignore most mild misbehaviors and give attention to those children who follow the rules. The students learn quickly that the best way to get noticed is to be cooperative and obedient. We want each student to feel safe and accepted and that the childcare environment is fun, rewarding, and positive. For this to happen, we enforce the following rules:

 
1. Be Kind! People are not for hurting! Neither children nor staff are allowed to "touch" or "talk" to another person in an unkind way.

2. Be Safe. Use walking feet indoors. Only take reasonable risks.

3. Be Neat. Take what you need, use it wisely, and put everything away when you are finished.

 

 
When a child forgets one of these rules, they are invited to either change their behavior immediately or go to their seats until their brain remembers and a teacher can give them a guidance session to teach them a better way to handle their problem. Guidance sessions will always occur when there is a conflict between two or more children involving physical aggression or disrespect for another person's rights. We do not believe in "punishing" a child for misbehavior, but rather teaching them the right way to behave. We believe in guiding a child as firmly as necessary but as gently as possible. Our staff is trained to use positive child guidance techniques. If a child becomes belligerent/dangerous to others and the staff is not able to console or help the child regain control, a parent will be called and asked to take the child home. If a child has to be sent home three times, a request is made to make other child care arrangements. SSQCC will work with you in helping your child to learn the joy and happiness that comes from being cooperative and obedient.