This is a great facility for children 6 and under. Our child started 5 months ago and loves it. He has learned so much and we look forward to his school work that he brings home everyday. This is great for parents that Work a full day job. Their hours are all 7-6 pm to help fit work schedules. Their food is included as well Smart stuff is also very clean and a very save place to have your child attend read more

My daughter has been growing and learning SO much since she's been at Smart Stuff Learning Center. It took her a little while to get used to coming but once she was comfortable with their staff, drop offs were a breeze. I love how understanding and accommodating they've been through my split family coparenting relationship.. it is such a relief to know that you can trust them and the staff truly feels like family. Thank you for everything you do for my daughter , Smart Stuff! read more

Smart Stuff Learning Center - Educational Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

"This daycare is too expensive for the services offered. I expected better value for the price."

My daughter goes there and they've been great with her always very attentive I'm very helpful with our question that I have. I would recommend anyone to go there with their children. read more

I have had my son enrolled for about 6 months and I credit many of his achieved developmental milestones to Smart Stuff. He is there part time but I can see a huge difference in his social skills. Smart stuff is clean and has been genuinely vested in my child's health and well being. The expense is worth every cent for a clean, trusting and close knit environment. We love Smart Stuff! read more

Our son began at Smart Stuff at age 3 after our move to Bridgeport and a horribly negative experience at his last daycare. As an educator of 12 years, I was honestly desperate to find a place where my child would learn to love school and learning after what our family had endured. When I came to visit Smart Stuff, not only was I impressed with the rigor of the activities the preschool room was engaged in, but was moreso appreciative of the time Carla took to sit with me and hear what I was looking for in a school. I walked out of that first visit knowing this was the place for my son, and enrolled him literally two weeks later. In the time we were at Smart Stuff, my son blossomed. He made so many friends, was enamored with his teachers and was learning so much. He came home everyday with a new art project and was counting to 100 within the first two months of him being there. The staff was more than helpful as we broke some bad habits my son had picked up at his last daycare. More importantly, I felt his teachers, as well as Carla, and Erin were so understanding of my seemingly never ending worries about my son. The staff treats the kids like family- the teachers come to every birthday party they are invited to. I fully trusted them with my son's safety and education and now recommend them to anyone I know looking for great childcare. Our next baby will for sure we starting at Smart Stuff when the time comes! read more

Amazing staff. Clean facility. My daughter is always happy when I pick her up. Carla is always available to talk to and answer any of my questions. I can't say enough about this facility. read more

My kid was home with a nanny for 3 years and we were really hesitant to put her into daycare. I visited 5 other south loop daycares and chose Smart Stuff after meeting directly with the owner. The other centers felt a little corporate and I really appreciated that the owner was present and she was a former pre k teacher. The care and quality of her practice shows in the following ways: The classes were smaller than the other day cares I saw. The kids are allowed to move around and it feels like "home." The teachers go above and beyond. My kid still cries every morning I drop her off. This is developmental and normal. The teacher, Ms. Jen always stops what she is doing to comfort my kid which allows me to get to work on time. I cannot put a price on my child's safety or well being. I don't care if my kid is learning to spell her name (which they do teacher her to btw) or if she knows her colors. I care most about my kid being treated with compassion and fairness. The teachers at smart stuff are overly compassionate and have a family oriented attitudes. At other centers I toured I felt the teachers were a little sterile. I notice at smart stuff every teacher knows my kids name - not just the names of their kids in their classes - this speaks volumes about the school community feel that smart stuff offers. Smart stuff feels like a little private school. I get emails about menus as well as emails that let me know what my child is learning. The other parents are also really kind and the over all environment is welcoming and friendly and super clean. The bottom of my child's school shoes are still sparkly Smart stuff was a lower cost than the other places I toured. The price had nothing to do with my choice. But it surely is an added bonus! The other day care close by doesn't have outdoor access. Every day at smart stuff my kid gets to go outside and walk to the playground- giving her much needed excersize and vitamin D! I could go on and on and on about the many reasons why I am so relieved to have my child here- but I think you get the point. If you can get your kid a spot here - especially in Ms. Jens class- you'll be a very happy parent !!! read more

Haven't written a review in ages, but I need to let the neighborhood know that Smart Stuff is a great little daycare and preschool with caring and capable staff. My child has been there for a year and a half (with time in the baby and 2-3 year room). It's not cheap compared to some other Bridgeport area centers, but the amount of care and work that goes towards each child is worth it. I credit Smart Stuff for every time he uses a new word or sings a new song I haven't heard before, one time blowing my mind by suddenly counting in Spanish on his own. The staff keeps the place super clean and are always coming up with cute projects for the little ones. I think any center with many kids is going to feel a little harried compared to a smaller home daycare or some schools with more specific teaching philosophies, but I'm content with our choice when I see how much my son loves school, his teachers & friends, and how much he learns every day. Lastly, it's true that the kids watch movies/tv sometimes. I know that this is not all they do all day everyday and I'm okay with that. They are also reading books, playing counting games, playing at the park, learning new things all the time. If they watch a movie after a long day of learning, I don't see a problem. read more

The extra star is just that it feels more comfortable than the other daycares I've visited. - Price is too expensive, $700 for 2 kids - didn't have a response back from the "owner/wife" - kids were watching tv when we went in on tour, a few were less than 6 inches from the screen. Teachers weren't paying attention. There should always be a teacher watching the kids no matter what. The other teacher can clean or whatever but a pair of eyes should never leave the kids. read more

Our daughter has been enrolled at Smart Stuff Learning Center for 1 year and we couldn't be happier with the care and attention she receives. The curriculum is well thought out and engaging. The student to teacher ratio is just right. The breakfast, lunch and snack menus change often and are appealing The teachers and management team are knowledgeable and very easy to work with. The center itself is roomy, colorful and overflowing with positive energy. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending SSLC to friends, family and colleagues. Keep up the good work! read more

Smart Stuff was our first experience with childcare. We started when our daughter was 3 months old and as new parents were not excited about leaving our little one in a crowd of children. It still felt like she was too young, but mom had to go back to work. We couldn't have been happier with choosing Smart Stuff. The teachers were all so welcoming to us and our daughter. I was always well informed of all the days events (poops and eats!), and whenever I came in to pick my daughter up at varying times during the day, all of the children were content and well corralled. They seemed to handle discipline with the older kids well, guiding them to appropriate behavior and I never heard any yelling or anything - they were always very patient. The teachers treated the children as if they actually LIKED them all - and spoke about my daughter's day as if they too had enjoyed having her. I also appreciated the cute crafts that were sent home with us frequently - pictures, foot print art, it made me feel like I wasn't totally disconnected with my daughter and that I wasn't totally "missing out." And finally, the owners, Carla and her husband were always friendly and cheerful when greeting me - as well as helpful if I needed help carrying something. Carla was also very prompt in answering my many, many emails. The only reason we had to end our time was because we have a "summers off" grandma, and the location was too far out of our commute. I could go on - seriously, about more instances where they were helpful and thoughtful, going the extra mile to provide quality childcare, with emphasis on the "care!" Thank you Smart Stuff! read more

Both of my kids have been going there for the last two years and I have nothing but great things to say about the facility, the staff and the owners. The price: First, it is average in terms of pricing so lets just get that out of the way. We looked at several other places that charged just as if not more and in all the other places (save for one) we saw the same issues: kids (and workers) looked lethargic and bored, facilities were outdated and the owners were never around mostly because they were chains. The facility: Smart Stuff has continued to expand and improve their facility. It's clean and bright, there are plenty of activities for the kids and there are now four different rooms. They are still somewhat new so the space has been evolving to support the number of children and their needs. The location is nice because the kids get to go to Donovan Park all the time - and - the park has recently been renovated. The staff: They love the kids. They really truly love the kids. My kids talk about the teachers - even teachers that haven't been there in a while - still to this day. They aren't just babysitters, which was a lot of what we saw at other facilities - they are teachers. My son will be ready for pre-school next year and my biggest worry is that the pre-school will be focused on teaching him everything he already knows *sigh*. Kids come home every day with art projects and educational worksheets. Both kids frequently surprise us with the things that they've learned while at daycare. The owners: Mike and Carla are awesome. The fact that at least one owner is there each day makes the real difference here. That is not something that you are going to find at the majority of daycare centers. I can contact Carla any time of day and get a response back. They really truly have the best interests of the children at heart. The schedule: We did notice at first that the number of closed days seemed much, but since they have reduced them. As it stands, the closings align almost exactly to my work closings. Additionally, they aren't using that time for the staff to go on vacation, they spend the majority of the time upgrading the facility and cleaning. Overall, this place is great. I would make the same choice 1000 times again if I had to and would (and have) recommend it to everyone I know. read more

Our daughter has been enrolled in Smart Stuff since she was 1 years old (she is now 3 1/2). We asked for a bilingual teacher, and they delivered!!!!! When she moved to the 3 year old classroom the Spanish and English instruction continued (even without the bilingual teacher). They are flexible with schedules for the most part and always try to assist in any way they can! Our daughter learns phonemic awareness, which is the first step in literacy! She always comes home talking about new things she's learned!!!!! They're great!!!! SAFE!!!!!! CLEAN!!!! Smart Stuff is a very racially diverse daycare, which was important to us!!!! During down time, they let the kids explore through play, reading, dancing, singing, and watching education movies that tie into what they're learning! As a teacher... I highly recommend them!!!!! read more

Smart Stuff Learning Center - October Party!!!!! - Educational Services Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Our daughter has been attending day care at Smart Stuff full time since she was 6 weeks old and we've been very happy here. They provide quality lessons, activities and art projects for the kids each day as well as healthy meals that are cooked fresh onsite. Throughout our time there the staff has been caring and the facility has always been very clean and well cared for. If anyone's looking for high quality child care I'd definitely recommend checking them out. read more

After touring 10 plus daycares, and reviewing several more online, we visited Smart Stuff. I was very please with the staff, and amazed at the cleanliness of the center. The staff is dedicated, committed, and very well trained. Teachers are hands on, and my daughter is always well fed and clean. Staff is very interactive with the children building and developing an educational platform, cultivating social skills, and promoting creativity. They challenge and stimulate the kids using modern educational techniques. Mike and Carla give immediate attention to all issues and concerns and are always a phone call away. You and your child will fall in love with this place, and even more so with their art projects. (my office has become an art gallery for my daughter's project.) This place offers peace of mind, and at the end of the day isn't that what its all about? read more

My 18 month old has been coming here for a few months now. Upon researching daycares I couldn't find one near my house (Midway area) in which I felt comfortable enough to leave her in. The classes were too big, not enough activities etc. I also looked near Streeterville as it's close to my job but the prices are so high. I stumbled upon Smart Stuff Learning Center and immediately went in to see it (not once but 3 times - Carla never made me feel like I was being inconvenient). I can honestly say I made the right choice. My daughter is so happy when she goes into daycare and anyone that knows her - knows she is not comfortable in most settings. The staff is genuinely so nice - they keep the kids so busy! It's worth driving 30 minutes out of my way - I wouldn't change it for anything. Their prices are the most reasonable ones I found (for a nice daycare...quality NOT quantity...they don't pack so many kids in one class which is why maybe the prices are higher than others but I am OK with this). I love this daycare and can't wait for her to finish her preschool year here. read more

Both of my boys have attended summer camp at Smart Stuff Learning center for the last three years. Both of them loved it and begged to go back, even when summer camp was not in session. That meant a lot to us. We have loved the teachers and staff, it is very clean and exactly what any parent should expect when choosing a place for their child to go and feel welcomed and safe. As a stay at home mom, I have never left them with anyone but family and this was an excellent experience for them and myself. I would highly recommend this learning center to anyone, it has been great and met our needs and kept our children excited about learning, Thank you Smart Stuff!! read more

I was looking for a place for my son for almost six months, I would visit multiple facilities and talk to a lot of people. I would talk to my friends and my family doctor about how often do kids tend to get sick when they start attending day care and what conditions are popular. I heard of kids being sick for 5 months straight including all kinds of bacterial infections in the throat, mouth, skin etc... I really believe in hygiene and from experience I know that most of sicknesses can be prevented by simply disinfecting the premises. I know from experience that day care facilities, schools, park districts have a set of procedures among which they are told what solution to clean with - so I was aware that anywhere I go I might smell bleach. Along the years as much I would love to be environmentally friendly, when I face a choice of getting fungus by using stuff that cost but doesn't do the job - I choose bleach! I also have a feeling like there is a set of rules on where Day Care Centers can be open and I'm sure it has to be close to a busy street - so if you don't like to see cars outside your child's day care you have to hire a nanny. I should have said that in the beginning, that I'm also a business owner and I can easily recognize which business is going to be successful. The owners of the Smart Stuff are always on the run! Example, I only see Mr. Mike cleaning, Ms. Carla has every answer that comes to my mind within seconds away; she know when the kid ate, went to the bathroom, was happy, sad etc... We are only in the center for 2,5 months and my son smiles already when we approach the door. I travel longer than I should to get to Smart Stuff but so far I will not change it; my son has never gotten sick and this was priority to me as I am single - working mom. I hope my son will learn how to talk, play, maybe even read and more importantly how to respect others. I can't advise on these subjects yet as he is only 14 months old, but from looking at the work ethics of the owners and their personnel I'm sure they will excel in this either. I'm very happy so far and I wish all working parents who love their babies to death to find a place as great as I did! read more

Please look through all reviews on yelp - they seem to only show the 4 or 5 star ones as preferred rating while keeping the 1 or 2 star reviews hidden. They aren not factored into the overall rating. Disappointed that yelp is doing this. Scroll all the way to bottom and click link to see all reviews to get the best idea of what the place is like. read more

I am very happy with the service, cleaniness, and the activities this learning center/day care provides. They have the good amount of teachers/assistants ratio to children so they pay very close attention and work closely with every children. I always get a full day report on my daughter' which is important to me as I like to know how my daughter is progressing and behaving. They have a great variety of curriculum from math, art, music, tutoring, etc. Their hours of care fits my schedule as work schedule as well. read more

We started the learning center for our daughter at 2 years old and I have not had a concern when leaving her with her teachers. I was very nervous because she had been cared for by grandmother so this was a big change in her life. Honestly, the transition took about 2 weeks but afterwards my daughter accepted and welcomed the care and attention her teachers offered her. The teacher in the 2yr old class did an excellent job with accommodating to my daughter's needs as she was shy and needed extra reinforcement to participate in the class. In no time she was an active student helping other children. I cannot say enough good things. She is currently in the 3-5 yr class and her teacher recently stepped into the lead and has been amazing; planning, playing, and simply caring for these little ones. They are super attentive and make sure each child is receiving individualized care. They ask questions and care about the answers to make sure your child is happy - healthy - and growing! These ladies keep everything CLEAN. The school is very clean, shoes off when you enter, wash hand, wash baby's hands... it's fantastic!! The directors have been responsive if a question or issue ever arose and are overall amazing. I am happy to say we will continue ongoing relationship as our daughter will move on to the same preschool our director's daughter currently attends. Thank you everyone at smart learning who has made a tremendous impact on my daughter's development and happiness into the beginning stages of learning. read more

My daughter started in the preschool program 3 years ago when Smart Stuff Learning Center was located in it's original location. She went into kindergarten knowing all the basic skills needed to excel as well as reading at a middle of the year kindergarten level. She is still performing above grade level. We owe this to the dedicated staff at Smart Stuff Learning Center. My family highly recommends this facility. Now that they have moved into the new location their program has grown to include full day services. If you are looking for a truly unique experience in child care this is the place to be! read more

My son and daughter went to this center and , I would highly recommend this learning center to anyone. I can't say enough nice things about Mrs. Carla and her husband, they are always willing to work with you and your child's needs. The place is very clean and is exactly what you should expect when you are choosing a place for your child. My son coming from a previous horrible daycare just loved it, and I saw what an improvement he made with his education. read more

I was looking for a day care for my daughter who is two. Naturally I had some hesitation when it came to deciding on a daycare and really tried to do my homework when it came to picking the right spot. After reading some of the reviews here I thought I would give smart stuff a try. Big mistake. I came in asking questions about the daycare but it seemed the director was only concerned with securing a deposit from me. I felt pressured and cornered by her. Her personality is just off. I already didn't like what I was seeing after meeting her. She gave me a tour of the "facility" with these" gorgeous views"? the windows didnt give a gorgeous view its right down Halsted. Suffice to say I was not impressed. Secondly, I understand this is a daycare with children, but even more important to stress the safety of the children. It was as if they were just using bleach to cover the dirt because that's the only thing you can smell ! My daughter has terrible asthma so I could only imagine the difficult time she would have just breathing in there because it was making MY eyes water. The rooms were so tiny and very cluttered, I spotted several children falling and teachers being unresponsive because they were cleaning. If this wasn't enough craziness the director told me on top of the very expensive price to keep my child in daycare I was also responsible for providing her food and cleaning supplies? Um...no. She also mention how many days the daycare was off. This daycare is way too expensive to begin with you would think that would be included. What would I be paying for? The 3 days a week you might be open? The straw that broke the camels back was the kids running around like animlas and no one is watching them. What I saw only scared the hell out of me that places like this could even still be open. DONT SEND YOUR KIDS HERE! This place is a sham! read more

I agree with the post written by Armanda. When we visited the facility, she didn't explain too much what ativities given to the kids rather she explained very long about the payment and asking what we're doing for life.... Too embarassed!!!!...I wouldn't recommend put your kids in to this day care read more

My son has been going to Smart Stuff for the last year and would highly recommend it to anyone who asks. The pricing is inline with other centers I researched, the location was an added bonus for me. It is very clean and has a small school feel, which I liked vs. the bigger centers that were more corporate in nature. All of teachers smile when you speak with them and listen to me when I speak. Mike and Carla, the owners, are great! read more

Had to take my daughter out of pre k because my wife was in hospital fighting cancer and decided to use Smart Stuff to look after her. Was a great choice. Mike and Carla are awesome, the staff is very friendly and most of all my daughter loved going. It was nice knowing my daughter was happy and learning in a pleasant environment while dad was at the hospital. Would highly recommend. read more

Smart Stuff is a fantastic family-operated daycare with a committed, warm and professional staff. Our son thrived there. He clearly loved his teachers and would come home talking about them and about his friends. He and the other children always seemed happy when I arrived there. My son's friends would give him hugs, etc etc. Smart Stuff does a really good job of creating at atmosphere that's really friendly while also keeping the kids engaged and learning. I also like how they make a point of taking the kids outside and getting them to make pretty complex projects, not just doodles. I'd like to contradict two points made by an earlier unhappy reviewer: this place has plenty of space for the children, not to mention easy access to a nearby park (1/2 block) with a good playground. And it is by far the cleanest daycare we have seen (we've seen many). Cleanliness actually seems to be a point of pride at Smart Stuff. I'd recommend this place to anyone, and have done so to multiple friends. Daycare is a big decision and this is one is a great choice. read more

I have to say I am very grateful for Smart Stuff Learning Center. My two children needed summer camp while I worked during the day at a learning center as well. My children are too old to attend my center, so I had to search for a new place other than where they had gone previously. As a teaching assistant, I know what to look for as far as a good curriculum and safe environment for my children. A co-worker suggested Smart Stuff and I ventured to their establishment and was very pleased with what I saw. It was very clean, which as a parent and considering its a social environment, clean is what you must have!! The teachers went above and beyond to create an exciting and educational atmosphere . The other employees were very kind and welcoming to my children. They went on field trips, played at the park everyday, went for walks, and explored new territory with my children as far as science and math go. My kids were never interested in those subjects until they met their teachers. Everyday the kids were eager to attend and had a smile on their face when I got there to take them home. They were kept safe and sound as well as keeping their minds and thinking processes sharp for when school started back. If you didn't like this place you must have showed up with a bad attitude everyday. As for me and my family, we hope to attend summer camp next year and look forward to seeing all the teachers and employees again, if not before then. Thank you for the awesome experience Carla and Mike!! Your place rocks Cassidy says... read more