About Our Program

Our Philosophy

The corazon (heart) of our philosophy is our passion to provide a positive learning environment that improves self-esteem, dignity and self- worth.  We recognize that each child is unique.  We strive to build and enhance each child’s emotional, physical and social development.    

We believe that children learn best in a positive environment that fosters interactive play and hands-on activity.  Our model of care seeks to provide a nurturing environment rich in Spanish language, materials and activities.  Daily, we use our indoor area for play as well as field trips to Alki Beach Park or playground to explore, learn and play.    

Research, on brain development, shows that positive, supportive relationships are essential during the earliest years of life.  We believe that children achieve their fullest learning and development potential through stable, loving relationships and interactions with their child care staff.

We work in partnership with families and we recognize that parents and guardians are the experts concerning their children.

Creative Curriculum

Our Program is based on Creative Curriculum for Preschool. Creative Curriculum is a research based curriculum that has been used to implement developmentally appropriate preschool programs for over 30 years. Creative Curriculum promotes rich and creative learning opportunities in all developmental areas: social emotional, physical development, cognitive development and language development. These activities and teaching methods enable every child to become confident, enthusiastic and creative learners. Our program and classroom is focused on the following interest areas:

• Blocks - where children develop small muscle coordination, learn about sizes, shapes, numbers, order, patterns, learn how to work together and exchange ideas and viewpoints.

• Dramatic Play - an imaginative time where children deepen their understanding of the world by engaging with others, recreate life experiences, learn to cooperate with their peers, share ideas and solve problems.

• Toys & Games - a fun time where children practice eye-hand coordination, counting, make puzzles, do matching games, learn to take turns and develop confidence in completing a task successfully.

• Art - a creative time where children create, explore materials, express themselves and their feelings, develop fine motor skills, and convey their individuality and originality.

• Library – a peaceful time where children can relax and have quiet time looking at picture books, learning about different people and places, learning pre-reading skills such as left to right eye coordination, understanding symbols, develop listening skills, and use small muscles for writing and illustrating.

• Sensory & Science- an exciting time where children utilize their senses, touch, texture and explore their curiosity of how things work.

• Music & Movement - an energetic time where children explore their rhythm, dance and singing together.

• Outdoors - an adventurous time where children can enjoy the fresh air, see wildlife and let their energy out!

Child Care Objectives

 The programs and policies at Smarter Kids have been designed to accomplish the following objectives:

            1.   Provide a safe, non-violent, emotionally supportive and nurturing learning environment for all children.

2.  Develop each child’s intellect, creativity, self-esteem, and self-worth.

3.  Provide a culturally diverse environment that respects individual customs and traditions.

4.  Provide activities and enhance each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.

5.  Build an ongoing positive and mutually supportive working relationship with the families of the children in our care.

6.  Promote and encourage continual staff development in the areas of professional child care, respect and teamwork.

Nutrition

We provide healthy snacks to build healthy children.  We strive to provide nutritious elements such as water, milk, juice, fruit, crackers, veggies, whole grains while children are in our care.

Our program includes 2 snacks and a lunch.

If your child requires a special diet you may provide your own food in an insulated container (cold or hot).

A Creative Curriculum helps a children acquire the social competence and skills needed to succeed as confident learners. Creative Curriculum focuses on meeting the child’s basic needs, fostering social-emotional development, developing relationships, and supporting cognition and brain development.

At Smarter Kids we believe that children learn through play, interaction, exploration and we strive to create a developmentally appropriate environment to help them do just that. The goal of our curriculum is to help children develop their curiousity, personality, social skills and knowledge in a safe and healthy place. 

Providing early, positive interactions with caring adults can give young children the confidence they need to enjoy their day-to-day discoveries and development. 

Diana, the Founder and Educational Director of our first childcare program is one of the most sought after teachers in the area.  Diana is a proud mother and the toddler/pre-kinder teacher.  Her daily program includes art, exploration, exercise and learning activities based upon fun and creativity.  Diana grew up in Acapulco, Mexico where family was central to her upbringing.  Formally working as a lead teacher at West Seattle Bright Horizons and the Green Lake La Escuelita Child Care Center, Diana discovered that parents are interested in bilingual education, consistent, affordable and trustworthy care. Diana completed the advanced Child Development Associate (CDA) program provided by Central Seattle C.C. and La Escuelita.  Working as a lead teacher at Bright Horizons, her commitment to loving attention and quality care resulted in numerous compliments and personal requests for individual care and employment.  Diana left to pursue her goal of developing an exceptional and affordable child care program of her own. She has taken her experience and best practices of center care and created Smarter Kids in-home childcare.  She opened Alki Beach Child Care in 2013 with the community and working families in mind and worked together with her sister Nadia.  Their Vision is to develop smarter and healthier, bilingual children by providing center quality professional care in a more private and caring environment.  Diana realized she could create an immersive learning environment and save parents  thousands of dollars per year compared to her previous employers.   Nadia is proud to continue to serve the West Seattle community at Gotitas de Colores with her immersive Spanish and educational program that continues to develop Smarter Kids!