Smart Start Learning Center

Parents: Tomorrow we are celebrating Mardi Gras at Smart Start. Please dress your child in Mardi Gras colors 💜💚💛and if you have Mardi Gras beads, shirt, mask, hat, etc please dress your child(ren) accordingly.
Thank you and see you tomorrow

We are excited to announce that we now have 20 limited slots available for childcare. We accept family guidance. We also pick up from Dothan City Schools and offer after school care. Please call or email for more information.

Mrs. Sharon D. Myhand Shackleford’s PREK class is excited about starting their Valentine’s Day Crafts .
A Valentine’s Day ladybug paper plate craft teaches 3–4-year-olds many important early-learning skills in a fun, hands-on way:

🧠 Cognitive Skills
• Color recognition (red, black, white)
• Counting spots on the ladybug
• Following simple directions
• Matching and patterns (spot placement)

✂️ Fine Motor Development
• Cutting with safety scissors ✂️
• Gluing pieces in place
• Grasp control and hand-eye coordination

🎨 Creativity & Expression
• Personal design choices
• Pride in creating something independently

❤️ Social-Emotional Learning
• Valentine theme encourages kindness, love, and sharing
• Builds confidence when they complete a project

🐞 Science Connection
• Introduces insects and basic nature awareness

🗣️ Language Development
• Learning new words: ladybug, wings, spots, antennae
• Talking about their artwork

🏫 School Readiness
• Sitting and focusing on a task
• Listening and completing a project from start to finish
Natasha K Scott