Smart From The Start - 79th - Chicago, Illinois

Paul W.

A True Blessing for Our Children – 10/10 Recommendation!

From the moment my son started attending Smart from the Start at the age of 2, I knew we had found something special. Ms. Katrina (the director), Ms. Oshanna (the assistant director), and the entire staff go above and beyond to create a safe, loving, and enriching environment for every child in their care.

What sets this place apart is the energy and warmth that fills the space. The teachers truly care about the kids, and you can see it in how they interact with them. They provide engaging activities, fun learning experiences, and a sense of community that makes every child feel loved, safe, and excited to come back.

One of the biggest blessings as a parent is knowing that your child is happy and in good hands while you're at work or handling responsibilities. At Smart from the Start, I never have to worry. My son absolutely loves it here, and I see the same joy in so many other kids. In fact, they have so much fun they don’t even want to leave—and that says a lot!

If you're looking for a daycare where your child will be nurtured, engaged, and truly cared for, I highly recommend Smart from the Start. Stop by, take a look for yourself, and see why this place is such a blessing for so many families!

⭐ 10/10 – Highly Recommended! ⭐

LaTosha H.

Miss Georgian is amazing! Helped with referrals and resources for my toddler for speech therapy.I love that the classes are separated by age range for age specific activities. Everyone is hands on and helpful. I love the updates through the app on what my child is working on. Everyone works with the children and not just throwing them in front of the TV all day. Glad we made the switch to Smart From The Start!

Keyea S.

My daughter has attended Smart from the start since she was an infant. She is now in the first grade and in the afterschool program where transportation drop her off to school and pick her up so she can enjoy special enrichment’s such as yoga, music and more. Summer camp is great because my daughter was able to attend field trips and engage in indoor and outdoor activities since I couldn’t have time off to do with starting my new job. I recommend Smart from the start to all my friends and family. The Director is so helpful with resources for my family as well. They even gave the whole school free coats last winter.

Devenise S.

This child care facility is top tier. Very professional & polite staff. When I first had my tour , I heard sleep music playing during nap time which I loved , because I have the same ambience at home, when my babies are asleep. I rarely ever hear children crying or having breakdowns, they seem to love it there. And most of all they stand on their Business. They make exceptions & work with parents well, but they definitely Mean BUSINESS, because we all need firm structure, especially when it comes to our children.

Shianne G.

Smart from the start is not just a daycare but a second home to my kids . My kids started SFTS when they were about 10 months , they will be 7 this year this is how you know that we feel safe with the staff and any decisions that they may make. Some of the moments that we fear we may miss as parents has been captured and sent via video & pictures from first steps to first words. Ms. Katrina and Ms.Oshanna do a great job by making sure the kids are safe and have all that they need while looking out for staff as well, these two make sure you always know what is going on with your kids and any changes that occur in the center! Ms.Katrina has caring staff like Ms. Brittany who loves all the kids and makes sure they are academically prepared to go onto Kindergarten ! Ms .Georgia as well she has taught my son lots of gross motor skills like buttoning and unzipping as well as toileting ! They offer transportation to local schools which I am currently using as well as before and after school child care where Ms.Shantell and Ms. Desiree will make sure the kids are being productive .SFTS also offers enrichment classes like yoga ,music ,youth programs and summer camp that all the kids look forward to! The kids will get hot breakfast , lunch and snacks from Ms.Stephanie who is also an educator when she is not preparing delicious meals that the kids brag about . I’ve referred three families here and we are all very grateful.

Brandon P.

I have a daughter and son that go to this daycare . They are always tooken care of . I’ve never had to second guess anything when it came to my children at this daycare . We love the teachers as much as they love our children . Thank you smart from the start .

damaris P.

My son has been going here since he was 6 weeks and he is now 1 and they have been nothing but wonderful ! Ive never had any problems and they love my son and he loves his teachers. He is always happy to be there I recommend them to everyone. Ms Michelle, Oshana & Katrina have been especially wonderful

Kayla B.

I just love and appreciate this place so much. I’m really enjoying the fact that I miss work because I’m so happy and comfortable there. I really love how ms. Brittney, O’shanna, and Michelle treats me like their little sister and always makes sure I’m ok. I love how Ms.stephanie makes me laugh and is always there if I need help. It’s a great work environment with an amazing team and I have the director Ms.Katrina to thank for it. She really created a family within the workplace and I love it so much!