About

🌻 Mrs. Smiley 🌻

Hi there! I'm Mrs. Smiley. Growing up in Orem, I found my passion for education early on. After graduating from Orem High in 2001, I embarked on a journey fueled by my love for teaching. I married my high school sweetheart, Jess, and together we've been blessed with four incredible kids: Noah, Evelyn, Grace, and Penny.

Education has always been a cornerstone of my life. I pursued my Bachelor's in Elementary Education at UVU, where I also obtained my Early Childhood license. With 16 years of teaching experience, I've had the pleasure of nurturing young minds in first grade, kindergarten, and preschool settings. Nothing brings me more joy than witnessing the wonder and growth in children as they navigate the world of learning.

Can't wait to meet you and your kiddos – let's have some fun learning together!

 Itsy Bitsy Preschool 

Preschool Philosophy

Welcome to Itsy Bitsy Preschool, where every day is an adventure! My philosophy is simple: I believe in creating a magical space where little ones can thrive socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically. As your child's guide, I take my role seriously, but my main job is to ensure they're giggling, playing, and soaking up knowledge for their big kindergarten debut!

At Itsy Bitsy, I'm all about letting kids be kids! Get ready for a whirlwind of singing, dancing, and wiggling—all while diving into the alphabet that'll have your child learning and laughing at the same time. I strongly believe that a child's most important work is play!

My goal? To make your little learner fall head over heels for learning, to instill a deep respect for others, and to ensure that each day is brimming with smiles and laughter. Because here, being silly, being smart, and being happy are all part of the curriculum!

Class Dates and Times

School begins the last week of August. We will have an open-house the week before school starts. A calendar will be sent home at the beginning of each month describing the upcoming events, themes, show & tell, birthdays, and snack assignments. 

PreK (4 years old) Monday, Wednesday, Friday class: 9:30-12 noon and 12:30-3:00 PM.

3 years old, Tuesday and Thursday class: 9:30-11:30

Schedule

9:30-9:40: Free playtime and Name Work

9:40-10:00: Circle Time (Read aloud, sing songs, calendar, nursery rhymes, etc.)

10:00-10:30: Literacy Block (Alphabet practice, writing practice, cutting skills, etc., thematic crafts and games)

10:30-10:40: Snack

10:40-10:55: Recess/ Free playtime

10:55-11:05: Show & Tell, Pledge of Allegiance, Weather

11:05-11:25: Math Block (games, songs)

11:30: Dismissal for T/Th

11:30-11:55: Kindergarten Readiness

12:00 Dismissal for MWF

Tuition

Tuition is due the first week of each month. Tuition is $125 per month for the Tuesday and Thursday class and $145 per month for the Monday, Wednesday, Friday class. Tuition is based on the entire school year--shorter months, spring, fall, and Christmas breaks, etc. are all taken into account in the calculation of the yearly tuition cost. Payment can be made by Venmo (@mikelle-smiley), cash, or check (please make checks payable to Mikelle Smiley).

Show & Tell

Show & Tell will be once a week and it will be noted on the calendar what to bring for each time. Your child will be assigned a specific day during the week to bring Show & Tell. Please bring Show & Tell on your assigned day and only bring what is assigned for the week. If your child brings a toy to school for Show & Tell please help them to know that they are to get the toy out only when it is time for Show & Tell and then they will need to put it back away. 

Birthdays

We will celebrate ALL students' birthdays in class. Summer birthdays will be celebrated mostly in April and May. On your child's birthday you may send a treat to share. We will sing to your child, ask them some questions about themselves, and make them a balloon hat. Their day to celebrate will be listed on the monthly calendar. 

Lunch Bunch

Several times throughout the year we will have Lunch Bunch. The kids may bring lunch from home. The last 30 minutes of class we'll eat lunch and either play outside or watch a short movie. 

Home Folders and Book Bags

Please do not send backpacks. Backpacks are too bulky and just get in the way. I will provide a cute book bag for your child. I will also provide a home folder. The home folder serves as a communication folder to send home all important papers and notes for you to read so you are well informed about what is happening at school. Please check your child’s book bag daily to see the fun things we are doing. Talk with your child and review the concepts they are learning in school.

Snacks

We will have snack every day. I will assign you and your child snack every month or two. The kids love it when it is their turn to bring snacks. They will be assigned the job of snack helper. They will help me with the hand sanitizer and handing out the snack. We also have the job of table washer. We will have water to drink. I will let you know if there are specific allergies in your class. Thanks for your willingness to help in this area. 

Drop off/Pick up & Late Policy

Please be respectful of arrival and pick up times. I will be waiting at the front door at 9:25 each morning as the kids are dropped off and I will bring the kids out when it is time to pick up. If you are late dropping off your child, text me and I will run out to get them. If anyone other than you is picking up your child, I need to know prior to the class time. This is for your child's safety. 

Holidays

Holidays will be observed as they arrive. Some holidays will be party days. We will follow the Alpine School District schedule for the year. We will get out a little early for Christmas break and approximately a week early before public school ends. The monthly calendar will have the dates and reminders on it. 

Supplies Needed

Any supply donation is GREATLY appreciated.

-3-4 oz paper cups

-tissue boxes

-disinfecting wipes

-gallon sized ziploc bags

-sandwich sized ziploc bags

-large glue sticks

-crayon boxes

-toys or treats for the treasure chest

-hand sanitizer

-bathroom hand soap