Queens toddlers can now teeter their way into the Smart Steps Child Development Center (SSCDC), a preschool facility that offers a healthy, safe, learning environment for tots.
“Our vision is to be a beacon and resource in the community for all children and all families, regardless of race, religion or income,” said Annette Valerio, Educational Director of SSCDC.
SSCDC, located at 178-36 Wexford Terrace in Jamaica Estates, is an early childhood preschool that offers education plus daycare for children ages two to six. However, Valerio said that by 2011, the facility will open the program to infants and additionally include an after-school program for children up to age 12. Valerio even hopes to implement karate classes and said they are “trying a whole lot of different spectrums.”
Compared to other neighboring centers, SSCDC offers dance and music as part of its everyday curriculum. All teachers are certified, and both a dance and music teacher are on site everyday. Valerio said introducing children to music and musical instruments is integral at a young age.
“The fact that we offer music and dance sets us apart because we offer that over and above the other things which makes us different,” Valerio said. “The kids have really been getting so much out of the whole program.”
In addition to also receiving three hot meals a day, tots engage in an enriching curriculum spearheaded by program director Sanjae Manbauman. Classes include math, art, social studies, reading and language literacy.
Valerio stressed that income should not deter prospective parents from considering SSCDC for their children and emphasized that she works with parents and their income to try and help them afford their services.
“We won’t be the type to turn people away,” she said. “If they can’t afford us, we will work to do our best to try and help parents.”
Currently, SSCDC will beat any price of local daycares or early childhood centers and preschools provided the parent can show proof of what they are paying. Specific discounts are also being offered to parents who work at local businesses interested in becoming business partners with SSCDC.
“We’re still trying to grow the school so we’re willing to work with the community,” Valerio said.
In the meantime, Valerio said she and the rest of the SSCDC staff are happy to serve the community and are readily available to help parents with whatever it is they need.
“We’re reaching out to the community and hope to get the community involved also,” she said.
For more information on SSCDC, call 718-657-8700 or visit www.smartstepscdc.com.
– Alexa Mae Asperin
