Imagine, if you will, a heart with strings running straight from every teacher, staff member and administrator to your child every day. That’s what life is like for every single child at SmartStart. At least, that’s what life has been like for both of my sons at SmartStart. With that many talented people loving my children and skillfully supporting them through every moment of their day, how could they not thrive and become the very best they can be? I have a 6-year old who began in the early intervention program and progressed through the inclusion preschool, and now he is in first grade, 100% main-streamed with no signs at all of his early days of language delay, sensory integration difficulties and motor coordination challenges. SmartStart lovingly and brilliantly supported him and our family through all the stages of his growth and development; and I count our blessings every day that we ended up at SmartStart and not somewhere else. My second son attended the early intervention program, and he is in the inclusion preschool right now. He is having the time of his life, and growing in leaps and bounds!  SmartStart is aptly named for it is the smartest place a parent could start their child’s journey for independent personal growth and education.

The English lexicon lacks the exact words to describe the brilliance and insight that DanaKae Bonahoom has to offer the world, and especially a parent of a child at SmartStart. I have attended every Parent Training that DanaKae has offered, and after each one I am stunned; I emerge more in love with my children than I have ever been. I consider myself to be a conscious, diligent and passionate parent; and yet, at each training, I am empowered to go deeper – to be better – to give more – to make every moment with my children count. DanaKae’s Parent Trainings are a profound gift to all parents and their children. I wish she would offer them every week, all year long, for the rest of my life. Or, at least, until my children are 30!    –  Dana Halstead

As I just got back from Eli's kindergarten class (volunteering), I am filled with joy and gratitude. Gratitude to you and your amazing school. We gave you a 2-year old who couldn't talk, point, jump... and many other things that we took for granted with our typically developing daughter. And you gave us back a 6-year old who is a miracle child. As I was walking by his kindergarten yard today, I was observing his play with his peers in the yard during his recess time. I could hardly believe this is my child, the one whom I was so worried about. Now I see him climbing the equipment instead of sitting down in a corner and eating his snack. I see him interacting with the other boys and running around with them, instead of going off by himself into his own world. He still takes his alone time at home, listening to music and dancing (rap!!) But, at school he's more engaged with his friends. Also, thanks to your school and your amazing staff, he's reading like a 2nd grader. Your phonics program worked wonderfully. We are still blessed to receive floortime therapy through Smart Start and thankful to have that connection with your school, our second family. You will always be our family and we will always be grateful for everything you have done for our "miracle child". As we always have said, you and your staff have been the angels in our lives. Thank you    –  Katia

(We’d like) to show our deepest gratitude to the director and teachers at SmartStart School. Especially to the teachers of our daughter, Isabel, because this year has been a great year for her. We have had peace of mind just to know that she is at SmartStart. Thanks to Isabel’s teachers who make her feel loved and welcomed and her classmates who are positive peer models, Isabel enjoys going to school every day. It’s such a relief to know Isabel is safe. Thank you very much to the SmartStart staff from the Guardado family.

When Morgan first came to SmartStart, I marveled at the warmth and expertise shown by the staff. I believed that Morgan was some sort of special student, and that he received extra attention from the teachers. It turns out I was right—he does get an amazing degree of attention—but so does every student there. The degree of attentiveness and understanding the kids receive indicates that the staff is big-hearted and knowledgeable. I'm growing as a parent, too, as a result of Morgan's time at SmartStart. I have more hope. I have a better understanding of Morgan's capabilities and interests and I continue to improve my ability to nurture him and address his sometimes-perplexing needs. My deepest thanks to the SmartStart staff for their stellar work.    -  Jason Henninger