Give Your Child a Smart Start
Nurturing Care
Flexible Options
Enriching Programs
Choosing a child care center you can trust with your child is a big decision—
at Smart Starts Child Care in Idaho Falls, ID, we make it easy.
Caring For Children Is Our Chosen Profession
Children are special to us and their well-being is our main concern. We truly enjoy talking and playing with each child while meeting their physical and emotional needs. Every child is loved and treated as a uniquely special person while in our care.
At Smart Starts, our goal is to create a space that encourages learning, developing, and lots of love. We provide child care, preschool, and before and after school care for children up to age 12. Our summer program includes regular trips to various parks, swimming pools, the library, zoo, and movie theater. Meals and snacks are provided, and we offer transportation to all schools in the Idaho Falls Joint School Districts and Shelley School District!
“Every child is a different kind of flower, and all together, they make this world a beautiful garden.”
Events Calendar
Autism Awareness Day
Annual Easter Egg Hunt
April 19, 2019
5:30 – 6:30 PM
Open to the public!
Call 208-528-0219 to RSVP.
Preschool Graduation
May 23, 2019
Why is Smart Starts the Right Choice for Your Child?
Resources
Infant Enrollment Packets
Fill out these forms to begin the enrollment process for your baby (0-12 months)!
Child Enrollment Packets
Fill out these forms to begin the enrollment process for your child!
Employment Application
Interested in working with us?
Fill out an application today!
About Us
In 2004, friends asked Amy Jones to care for their little fella while they worked. She began taking care of him and continued to do so after the family learned that he had some hearing impairment, speech delays, and autism. Amy cared for him throughout all of the testing, and his family felt comfortable entrusting their son to her.
Amy received so many referrals that she had to get licensed by the City of Idaho Falls, and she began caring for several children at a time, all the while gaining even more referrals from happy families. She received an upgrade in city licensing and began offering preschool and fun summer activities. Eventually, she leased a building for her child care center, and today she and her team are professionals striving daily to provide children with the very best care, treating them like the special little friends they are!
Amy
Owner & Director
Amy is the owner and director of Smart Starts. She has a passion for children and loves to watch the minds of children work! She is friendly, strong, and loves to be among her little friends. Talking with the children and listening to them is a huge talent she has. The children trust Amy, and every time she walks in the room, the children stop what they are doing and give her hugs and tell her about their hair-do’s or shirts or brand-new shoes. Their excitement gives Amy warm fuzzies and the strength to continue. Amy is a wife to Jason and mother of two daughters, ages 15 and 12. She loves her children and will do anything for them.
David
Food Program Specialist and Office Manager
David is our Food Program Specialist and Office Assistant. He grew up in the Southwest but moved to Idaho Falls during high school. He is finishing his master’s degree in Historical Resources Management and loves history, teaching, and working with children. He has over eight years of child care experience, working mostly with school-age children. If you have any questions about enrollment, billing, child nutrition, or scheduling, you can ask him or another member of management.
Alexis
Head Infant Teacher & Assistant
Alexis has many years of experience caring for children and she is expecting her first child in a few months! She strives to make sure children in our center are happy while in our care. She loves to see all the children grow and learn every day.
Destaney
Lead Toddler Teacher and Evening Supervisor
Destaney is from the Bay Area in California. When she was eight years old, she moved to Idaho and has lived here most of her life. She studied social work and psychology at Snow College and at ISU for a total of two years and has focused on working with children of various dis(abilities). She enjoys the outdoors, reading, music, concerts, and spending time with loved ones. Here at Smart Starts, she is the lead teacher of our toddler class. In her class they enjoy coloring, music time, playing on instruments, singing, dancing, bubbles, blocks, and all things fun. As the lead teacher, she works very hard to keep the children safe, happy, and smiling.
Kelli
School-Age Teacher
Kelli was born and raised in Idaho. Whether it be to go camping, hiking, or take photos, she loves being outdoors. She also loves reading, art, listening to music, and being a mother. Kelli has always loved children, and she loves being able to work with them every day. When she grows up, Kelli wants to be an elementary school teacher. Kelli is the school-age teacher. Her class enjoys participating in the different activities and crafts she plans each week.
Ebonie
School-Age Teacher
Ebonie is 18 years old. She loves children and always has. She has always wanted to be able to work with children and care for them. Ebonie hopes to have her own children someday. Ebonie knows ASL and we are happy she has accepted her position here at Smart Starts. She says Smart Starts is a wonderful place to work and that we care for the children and our staff as if they are family.
Kathy
Assistant Director
Kathy has had 51 years’ experience in childcare. She cared for other people’s children for many years before she decided to continue in this line of “work.” Kathy has her Administrator Certificate as well as an associate degree in Early Childhood Professions. Kathy taught in the Early Childhood Professions class at Skyline High School in Idaho Falls for 25 years. She worked with teen parents and the school district employees’ children. Kathy taught the high school students proper childcare habits and basic tasks such as how to change a diaper and feed a baby/child. Kathy loves children and watching them progress, learn, and grow. Kathy is an advocate for teaching and learning about brain development in infants to adults. She feels that teaching children from birth about their world and supplying/planning age-appropriate activities is a number-one priority. Kathy has three children, two granddaughters, and a fur baby! She loves all of them and is very proud of her children!!!
Lacey
Business and Marketing Transportation Specialist
Lacey was born and raised in Idaho. She has her degree in Business and Marketing Management. She is the oldest child of 15 kids and a mother of four amazing children. She feels she has years of experience in childcare. Her own children started attending Smart Starts in 2010 and Lacey says, “Smart Starts has always felt like family.” She joined our team in 2013 and absolutely loves her job!
Kristi
Infant Room Provider
Kristi is dedicated to her family and her position at Smart Starts. She loves children and has always wanted to care for them as a profession. She made a career change after being at Taco Bell for 16 years. Kristi is the second oldest of five girls and a mother to two sons. We are excited to have Kristi share our love for the children we all care for together.
Mayce
Head Preschool Teacher & Billing
Mayce has been taking care of children for a long time. She has helped raise her younger siblings for as long as she can remember. Mayce has worked with Smart Starts for almost three years. She has two little boys that remind her everyday to embrace her inner child, and she tries to help her preschool class remember that as well.
Elena
Preschool Teacher/Room Assistant
Elena grew up in a small town in Arizona. She moved to Idaho about a year and a half ago. She is 22 with a 2-year-old son and another one coming soon. Elena loves doing outdoor activities and enjoys waterparks and swimming. She currently works with children 3-5 years old but has worked with children of other ages as well.
Analee
Childcare Provider
Analee joined our team in 2018. She’s a hard worker and has a soft and calming influence. She is the third child of four. We love Analee and look forward to working with her more!
Ellie
Childcare Provider & Assistant Toddler Teacher
Ellie is a mom of three girls. She likes to sing and dance with kids. She believes that movement encourages learning. Ellie loves art and crafts. She also loves reading books. Ellie has a big heart with
Amy
Owner & Director
Amy is the owner and director of Smart Starts. She has a passion for children and loves to watch the minds of children work! She is friendly, strong, and loves to be among her little friends. Talking with the children and listening to them is a huge talent she has. The children trust Amy, and every time she walks in the room, the children stop what they are doing and give her hugs and tell her about their hair-do’s or shirts or brand-new shoes. Their excitement gives Amy warm fuzzies and the strength to continue. Amy is a wife to Jason and mother of two daughters, ages 15 and 12. She loves her children and will do anything for them.
Kathy
Assistant Director
Kathy has had 51 years’ experience in childcare. She cared for other people’s children for many years before she decided to continue in this line of “work.” Kathy has her Administrator Certificate as well as an associate degree in Early Childhood Professions. Kathy taught in the Early Childhood Professions class at Skyline High School in Idaho Falls for 25 years. She worked with teen parents and the school district employees’ children. Kathy taught the high school students proper childcare habits and basic tasks such as how to change a diaper and feed a baby/child. Kathy loves children and watching them progress, learn, and grow. Kathy is an advocate for teaching and learning about brain development in infants to adults. She feels that teaching children from birth about their world and supplying/planning age-appropriate activities is a number-one priority. Kathy has three children, two granddaughters, and a fur baby! She loves all of them and is very proud of her children!!!
Lacey
Business and Marketing Transportation Specialist
Lacey was born and raised in Idaho. She has her degree in Business and Marketing Management. She is the oldest child of 15 kids and a mother of four amazing children. She feels she has years of experience in childcare. Her own children started attending Smart Starts in 2010 and Lacey says, “Smart Starts has always felt like family.” She joined our team in 2013 and absolutely loves her job!
Mayce
Head Preschool Teacher & Billing
Mayce has been taking care of children for a long time. She has helped raise her younger siblings for as long as she can remember. Mayce has worked with Smart Starts for almost three years. She has two little boys that remind her everyday to embrace her inner child, and she tries to help her preschool class remember that as well.
Alexis
Head Infant Teacher & Assistant
Alexis has many years of experience caring for children and she is expecting her first child in a few months! She strives to make sure children in our center are happy while in our care. She loves to see all the children grow and learn every day.
Destaney
Lead Toddler Teacher and Evening Supervisor
Destaney is from the Bay Area in California. When she was eight years old, she moved to Idaho and has lived here most of her life. She studied social work and psychology at Snow College and at ISU for a total of two years and has focused on working with children of various dis(abilities). She enjoys the outdoors, reading, music, concerts, and spending time with loved ones. Here at Smart Starts, she is the lead teacher of our toddler class. In her class they enjoy coloring, music time, playing on instruments, singing, dancing, bubbles, blocks, and all things fun. As the lead teacher, she works very hard to keep the children safe, happy, and smiling.
David
Food Program Specialist and Office Manager
David is our Food Program Specialist and Office Assistant. He grew up in the Southwest but moved to Idaho Falls during high school. He is finishing his master’s degree in Historical Resources Management and loves history, teaching, and working with children. He has over eight years of child care experience, working mostly with school-age children. If you have any questions about enrollment, billing, child nutrition, or scheduling, you can ask him or another member of management.
Kelli
School-Age Teacher
Kelli was born and raised in Idaho. Whether it be to go camping, hiking, or take photos, she loves being outdoors. She also loves reading, art, listening to music, and being a mother. Kelli has always loved children, and she loves being able to work with them every day. When she grows up, Kelli wants to be an elementary school teacher. Kelli is the school-age teacher. Her class enjoys participating in the different activities and crafts she plans each week.
Ebonie
School-Age Teacher
Ebonie is 18 years old. She loves children and always has. She has always wanted to be able to work with children and care for them. Ebonie hopes to have her own children someday. Ebonie knows ASL and we are happy she has accepted her position here at Smart Starts. She says Smart Starts is a wonderful place to work and that we care for the children and our staff as if they are family.
Kristi
Infant Room Provider
Kristi is dedicated to her family and her position at Smart Starts. She loves children and has always wanted to care for them as a profession. She made a career change after being at Taco Bell for 16 years. Kristi is the second oldest of five girls and a mother to two sons. We are excited to have Kristi share our love for the children we all care for together.
Elena
Preschool Teacher/Room Assistant
Elena grew up in a small town in Arizona. She moved to Idaho about a year and a half ago. She is 22 with a 2-year-old son and another one coming soon. Elena loves doing outdoor activities and enjoys waterparks and swimming. She currently works with children 3-5 years old but has worked with children of other ages as well.
Analee
Childcare Provider
Analee joined our team in 2018. She’s a hard worker and has a soft and calming influence. She is the third child of four. We love Analee and look forward to working with her more!
Ellie
Childcare Provider & Assistant Toddler Teacher
Ellie is a mom of three girls. She likes to sing and dance with kids. She believes that movement encourages learning. Ellie loves art and crafts. She also loves reading books. Ellie has a big heart with
Request a Tour
Let our team show you why Smart Starts is so special, and how we can help your child grow!
Give us a call today at 208-528-0219, or fill out the form below to request a tour!
Smart Starts Child Care
450 W 18th St
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Contact Us
Phone:
208-528-0219
Email: smartstartschildcare2004@msn.com
Hours
Monday – Saturday
5:30 AM – 10:30 PM
