About Us
Smart Start was founded in 1996 by two sisters who valued quality education and knew that a strong foundation would lead to a child’s successful future. Carolyn Capizzi, an experienced Early Childhood teacher and Rosemarie Amzallag, an experienced business owner decided to combine their professional expertise and open a preschool that represents the diversity of New York City. The diversity of our staff and students gives families a feeling of a home away from home. You may even find a staff member that speaks your language. In addition to providing childcare for 2 and 3 year old’s, Smart Start has been providing NYC funded Pre-K since 1999.
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Start Early Childhood Center, Inc. is a developmental early childhood center. Our approach to education accommodates different intellectual abilities, physical abilities, interests and needs. While providing a safe, warm and nurturing environment, our qualified staff addresses the intellectual, emotional, social and physical needs of your children. This is called “whole child” development. The teachers provide opportunities for children to engage in activities that are developmentally appropriate, thus avoiding stress and encouraging a positive sense of self. We strive to keep alive a child’s natural curiosity and love of learning. At Smart Start Early Childhood Center, Inc. we also believe children learn through play. “Child-initiated, child-directed, teacher supported play is an essential component of developmentally appropriate practice.” (Bredekamp 1987,54). Our learning centers include art, music, block building, dramatic play, language arts, puzzles and manipulatives, sand and water exploration, the science center and math discovery center. Each center is designed to encourage independence, creativity, curiosity, and development of the “Whole Child,” while having a lot of fun.