What makes us special

“Going green” is becoming more of a priority to many people as environmental awareness increases. There are several advantages to going green. Green facilities contribute to an improved environment as well as better health. This is especially essential for facilities such as child care centers. Green child care centers keep children from coming in contact with potentially harmful chemicals and substances. We are taking intitiatives to turn our center into a green child care center so that children are provided with a safe atmosphere in which to learn. -Excerpt from Kayla Lowe-eHow contributer

At Smarties, we build relationships with each child and their family. Being family-focused means we understand family values and respect each person.

Our program focuses on healthy eating and exercise. We offer opportunities daily for music&movement, outdoor play, as well as a weekly preschool gym class with a variety of sports, tumbling, Zumba, and yoga.

Fundraising

Throughout the year the center will hold fundraisers. Some of them are to raise money for the center, like playground improvements. We are involved with a number of charities. In the past we have held a walk-a-thon for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and collected food and gifts for a family in need. We believe it is important to teach children the value of working together to help others.

Parent/Teacher Communication

A monthly calendar/newsletter will be sent. This will provide information about curriculum topics, special events, special requests, and reminders.

A daily log will be kept on the Brightwheel app to keep you informed of your child’s day. It will include an overview of your child’s day such as nap/rest, mealtime, bathroom/diapering, centers played at, general mood, and any miscellaneous information about your child’s day.

A Facebook page is available for families to see what we are up to during the day.

Portfolios

We use the Maine Early Learning Guidelines and the focused portfolio system to document the development of your child and do two parent conferences a year. The portfolio is a comprehensive guide that looks at all domains of development to help track the progress your child is making. Curriculum is based on each child's goals.

Parent Involvement

We encourage all parents to get involved with our childcare. We would love to have you come in and do a demonstration on a special skill you may have. Furthermore, anything you can add to our program is welcome as this makes the transition for your children much easier. Please let us know if you have a special skill, recipe, or book you would like to share. What you can share with us is not limited to these activities, so please be creative. We have a Family Involvement Committee which is parent-led. See Marti FMI. Your participation is key to your child’s success within the program. For those of you that can’t get actively involved, please ask for some other ideas as everything you do to help your child feel welcome is important.

Family Get-Togethers

We plan times for the families of Smarties to get together for an event such as a dinner, beach day, or art show. This is a nice opportunity to get to know teachers and other families outside of the classroom. We typically have pot- luck style picnics/ dinners. We encourage participation in these events.

Military Appreciation

We offer a military discount for those who serve our country to keep us safe. Coming from a military family, this is something I highly value.

Teacher and Nurse Appreciation

I work with teachers and nurses schedules as best as I can. Inquire if you need accommodation for these professions.