ATTENTION
Families of current students requesting grab-and-go meals are asked to contact their center directly to make arrangements.
SmartStart Nature Academy: The SMARTER Choice for Your Child
The name, SmartStart, reflects our cherished belief that inner city children deserve a smarter start to life than their surroundings often allow.
At SmartStart Nature Academy we develop the whole child. Our nature-based curriculum is dynamic and learner driven; it stimulates the curiosity and creativity in young minds.
Our goal is to equip your child for school readiness; while giving him/her a smart foundation for a successful future. Thanks for making SmartStart your choice.
Our Mission
We exist to provide a childcare environment that teases out the unique genius in inner city children and gives them a smarter start for maximizing their life chances.
Our Motto
Each child is a Genius waiting to happen!
Our Watchwords
Embrace, Excite, Inspire!
Experience Our Amazing Children in the Gallery
Check Out Our Blog!
Read our latest articles and insights in education, family life, and more.
Summer Camp Resumes In-Person on July 13th
July 7, 2020Dear Parents/Guardians: DOHMH has just tonight issued notice to reopen in-person daycare operations in NYC on Monday July 13, 2020—something most of you have been eagerly awaiting! So as of Mon 8:00AM we will be welcoming our families and children back to our centers at Great Oaks (4718 Farragut Road), Canarsie (10315 Farragut Road), and … Read More
SmartStart End of Year Slideshow 2019 – 2020
July 7, 2020Our scholars successfully completed an unprecedented academic year and we are so proud of them! Join us in celebrating these little ones today and every day as they learn and grow.
Remote Learning Update
April 7, 2020Dear parents/guardians: Yesterday Dept of Education advised against use of Zoom platform for online/remote instruction citing security concerns. In order to facilitate that advice/concern MOHDC has begun searching for an alternative option that is equally efficient and user friendly- while not requiring paid subscription or changes to computer operating systems in the short or long … Read More
SmartStart Online Learning
March 26, 2020Dear Families, We hope your loved ones are safe and well, despite these unprecedented and challenging circumstances. We are grateful for our community of incredible families and educators for showing ongoing commitment to offering a robust remote learning experience for our students. During the last two weeks we have been considering the most effective strategies that … Read More
All SmartStart Centers Closed on Monday
March 15, 2020IMPORTANT UPDATE: Due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency, all MOHDC SmartStart Nature Academy centers will be CLOSED on Monday March 16, 2020. We will provide our families with timely updates as the situation unfolds.
March is Women’s HERSTORY Month!
March 2, 2020Hot on the heels of Black History Month, MOHDC SmartStart Nature Academy is now celebrating Women’s HERSTORY Month. We use the term herstory instead of history to put the emphasis on women’s accomplishments.
Valentine’s Day for Children
February 14, 2020Our scholars made Valentine’s Day cards in class. Each card was a hand-made, one-of-a-kind original unlike anything else that’s been made before. Better, in our opinion, than anything that could have been mass-produced and purchased in a store. Each card was made with a colored piece of construction paper with a red heart affixed to … Read More
Pre-K Make and Share Projects
February 10, 2020What do you get when you mix ice cubes, paint, brushes, water, baby oil, glitter, soap, and a room full of curious children? You get fun, experimentation, learning, and class projects. Yes, there was a little bit of mess, but it was all worth it for the lessons learned.
February is Black History Month!
February 3, 2020February is Black History Month! This year, make your Black History Month a richer experience by looking beyond the common heroes like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Frederick Douglass, and Harriet Tubman. Expand your mind with the accomplishments of other heroes and notable figures of the past, like Fannie Lou Hamer, Shirley Chisholm, Carter G. … Read More
Hello Panda Festival
January 2, 2020Friends and families, are you looking for a great cultural experience this holiday season? There is an amazing attraction called Hello Panda Festival that promises a sensory experience and greater cultural appreciation. You and your child, or even other family members, can enjoy a variety of lantern exhibits, shop from an extensive souvenir market, eat … Read More
Our Hyde Holiday
December 19, 2019On Wednesday December 18,2019 Our 3K and PreK classes were invited to witness the art and magic of the holidays in a production of The Lion King at Hyde Leadership Elementary Charter School.
Sneak Peek of Our Holiday Decorations
December 11, 2019We’re getting festive! The staff and students at MOHDC SmartStart Nature Academy have been busy preparing holiday decorations to display in our centers. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store!
Learning About Sight in 3K
December 6, 2019The focus area for the week of Dec 3rd to Dec 6th was Sight. The class read the book “The Eye Book” by Dr Seuss. Tuesday morning’s question was, “What part of your body do you use to see?” After discussing the question, the scholars were given mirrors to look at themselves and share what … Read More
Are You Still Thankful for Last Year’s Things?
November 27, 2019We hope you read the two previous articles: “What Are You Thankful for This Year?” and “Who Are You Thankful for This Year?.” Today we’re asking if you’re still thankful for last year’s things—the things you said you were thankful for.
Who Are You Thankful for This Year?
November 26, 2019Previously, we asked “What Are You Thankful for This Year?” Today we want you to think about who you’re thankful for. We all live and interact with people, or are influenced by people, or know people. There’s a popular song that says, “People Make the World Go Round,” and those people impact us all.
Testimonials
My son really loves learning Sign Language! He’ll continue taking lessons even after Pre-K!
My daughter doesn’t want to leave school! I thought it was because of a toy but I’m happy to know it’s because she’s excited about learning!
My son comes home excited every day with something new to tell me.
Carolyn F.You are the best. Thanks for never giving up on our son. We are very thankful for that. We know you have worked tirelessly with him, however you always got my baby to the next step. And for that we thank you!!!
Rasheena H.I LOVE the time and effort all the staff put into the kids. My daughter never wants to go home. The staff has become her family.
Tanasia F.Everyone is great here! I feel safe leaving my child there knowing that he will learn and be loved!
Tia T.My son loves the center, the teachers take good care of him and I feel satisfied with all their good and quality effort they put to their job as teachers always watching the kids protectively.
Arlene P.