FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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We offer childcare for infants as young as six weeks to children age 12.

Smart Start is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. We do require that children arrive by 9 a.m. More details and instructions for reporting doctor’s appointments, etc. is provided in the Parent Handbook. 

Smart Start makes every effort to be open on days of inclement weather, even when public schools are delayed or closed. We notify parents via our app, Brightwheel, in the event of a closing or delay. 

Smart Start is closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. If the holiday falls on a weekend, Smart Start may observe the holiday by being closed either the preceding Friday or the following Monday. 

Tuition is based on age group and for school age children, it depends on the hours of care. Please contact the location where you are interested in enrolling your children for an accurate calculation, accepted methods of payment, etc. 

7074 Harrison Avenue, Cincinnati Ohio (513) 353-2700

10135 West Road, Harrison Ohio (513) 202-0193

90 Edgebrooke Drive, Springboro Ohio (937) 748-2034

Every employee at Smart Start Childcare must pass a fingerprint background check and have a high school diploma. All Smart Start teachers are certified to administer CPR and first aid. Most of our teaching staff have additional education or training in childcare as well as experience. 

Smart Start is a Step-Up-To-Quality rated program, which means we adhere to certain standards. 

Safety is our top priority at Smart Start Childcare and it is part of everything we do, from procedures and technology to the materials and furniture we use. During a tour of our facility, we encourage parents to ask questions and share their concerns. Our staff will gladly explain procedures and precautions specific to the location. 

Smart Start Childcare provides several classrooms and each has an age-appropriate routine that includes, learning, eating, resting and playing. 

Smart Start follows the Creative Curriculum and has specific lesson plans developed for each classroom. Lessons and activities are typically part of our morning routine. 

When weather permits, we enjoy outdoor playtime. We also have many indoor activity centers we can enjoy during free play every afternoon. 

Meals are also an important part of every day at Smart Start. Nutritious and appealing breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks are included in tuition. We consider mealtime as an opportunity for children to learn about the importance of healthy food choices, to socialize and to learn good manners. 

Nap and rest time are required by state licensing to be provided in accordance with the developmental needs of the child. While sleeping is never required, quiet time is scheduled after lunch and may include relaxing and looking at books. 

Yes! Preschool is an important experience for children ages three to five. Our preschool goals are to build self-confidence, initiative, self-control, independence, persistence, and concentration. We offer a multitude of hands-on experiences, including circle time, reading and math readiness activities, science, art, large and small group activities. 

Following Creative Curriculum, we explore art, language, math, writing, reading, technology, music and movement, purposeful play and field trips.

No. At this time we are unable to offer part-time childcare.

At Smart Start, we use a mobile app called Brightwheel that provides two-way, direct communication between parents and our staff. 

Teachers will use the app to provide updates and photos. For example meals, diaper changes and activities can be reported on the app in addition to our daily reports provided on paper. 

Parents can also use the app to ask questions or share any concerns. Brightwheel is entirely optional and parents can also call or speak to our staff in person.