Smart Start Learning Center

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” Dr. Seuss

IT’S READ ACROSS AMERICA WEEK!

We are excited about Read Across America on next week. There will be lots of games, reading, treats and fun. Please dress your child according to the day of the week described.

Parents: Tomorrow we are celebrating Mardi Gras at Smart Start. Please dress your child in Mardi Gras colors 💜💚💛and if you have Mardi Gras beads, shirt, mask, hat, etc please dress your child(ren) accordingly.
Thank you and see you tomorrow

Facebook help us wish one of Smart Start Learning Centers best toddler room teachers,
Amy Swain, a very Happy happy birthday 🎊 We pray you have a great birthday and many more to come ❤️

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY ❤️😘😍

A Few of our After School Program crew wanted to take Valentine’s photos also! So here we go! Happy Valentine’s Day to each of you from our school age children! ❤️❤️

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about candy and cards. It’s about teaching our children how to love with kindness, inclusion, gratitude, and respect. When we teach love the right way, we shape the next generation.

It’s about:
❤️1.
• Loving your family
• Showing appreciation to friends
• Being kind to classmates
• Caring for teachers and community helpers

When we teach love as respect, kindness, and generosity, we build emotionally healthy children.

⸻

💕 2. It Builds Emotional Intelligence

Valentine’s Day gives children language for feelings:
• “I appreciate you.”
• “You matter to me.”
• “Thank you for being my friend.”

Teaching children to express love in healthy ways strengthens:
• Communication skills
• Confidence
• Empathy
• Self-worth

And as you know from years of working with children, emotionally secure children grow into emotionally secure adults.

⸻

🌎 3. It Encourages Inclusion

When children are taught that Valentine’s Day is about including everyone, it prevents isolation.

Instead of:
❌ “I only give cards to my friends.”

We teach:
✅ “Everyone in this class is valued.”

This builds community, something you stand for both as a leader and as an entrepreneur.

Happy Valentine’s Day from a few of our little Smart Start Learners

We are excited to announce that we now have 20 limited slots available for childcare. We accept family guidance. We also pick up from Dothan City Schools and offer after school care. Please call or email for more information.

Valentine’s Day Party. We Can’t wait for the fun and games ❤️🥰😍🎊

Mrs. Sharon D. Myhand Shackleford’s PREK class is excited about starting their Valentine’s Day Crafts .
A Valentine’s Day ladybug paper plate craft teaches 3–4-year-olds many important early-learning skills in a fun, hands-on way:

🧠 Cognitive Skills
• Color recognition (red, black, white)
• Counting spots on the ladybug
• Following simple directions
• Matching and patterns (spot placement)

✂️ Fine Motor Development
• Cutting with safety scissors ✂️
• Gluing pieces in place
• Grasp control and hand-eye coordination

🎨 Creativity & Expression
• Personal design choices
• Pride in creating something independently

❤️ Social-Emotional Learning
• Valentine theme encourages kindness, love, and sharing
• Builds confidence when they complete a project

🐞 Science Connection
• Introduces insects and basic nature awareness

🗣️ Language Development
• Learning new words: ladybug, wings, spots, antennae
• Talking about their artwork

🏫 School Readiness
• Sitting and focusing on a task
• Listening and completing a project from start to finish
Natasha K Scott

I am so proud of the Smart Start kitchen staff. They make sure everything concerning our kitchen is up to par. Thank you kitchen staff for all you do.
Amy N. Swain
Sharon D. Myhand Shackleford