We had a great experience with Smartie Pants Daycare. We were referred by another parent and my daughter went there for about a year and a half when we moved out of the neighborhood. Ms Kinney was always attentive, loving and sweet with my daughter and so were the rest of her staff. We still go back on occasion and she's always welcomed with open arms and my daughter always looks forward to it and comes home happy. I'd definitely recommend this daycare!!! read more

Miss K and her team are the best. They potty trained my son and taught him a lot about socializing. We still drop off the kid from time to time even though he is now going into Kindergarten. Smartie Pants is a great value and great resource for all parents. read more

We are so thankful we found Smartie Pants and the wonderful caregivers there Ms. K and Ms. Olivia. My daughter had been going for almost a year and a half now since she was just over 1. My son who goes to preschool has also been able to go on days his school is closed. This flexibility is one of the reasons we are so thankful for this daycare. But what we really love is the fun, safe and caring environment they have created. We never have to worry for a second when we drop off our kids that they will be loved and cared for every second they are there. They were incredibly helpful with potty training our daughter when it was time as well. You really can't ask for anymore when it comes to childcare! read more

Two of my kids have gone here from ages 4 months - 3 years old, directly prior to going to preschool/TK. The attention to detail and cleanliness, especially during the insanity of the COVID-19 pandemic , kept my kids safe and well taken care of. In addition, having diapers included in the cost of daycare was a relief! And the daunting task of potty training was approached with patience, and the key differentiator was potty training alongside other toddlers at the same time. This helped out SO much since it was a crew all learning to use the potty together. My daughter actually met her best friend here, which Miss K (owner, Linda Kinney) first told me about how they played so well together at Smartie Pants Daycare. We ended up becoming great friends with their whole family, and now we brag that our daughters have been best friends since they were 1! Miss K and Miss Olivia have the patience of saints and really enjoy the adorable things kiddos do and say at this special age. My kids absolutely love them both, and are excited to go to Smartie Pants Daycare every day which gives me confidence in the constant care and love shown to the kids. Also, I really appreciated the flexibility Miss K offered when my mom wanted to watch my daughter/son just one day a week. It's priceless to be able to give my mom that time with her grandkids, save a bit of money, and still keep the routine of daily interaction with other toddlers around the same age. Thank you for everything you've done for my family over the last 5+ years. read more

Miss K and her whole team are terrific childcare providers. Our two year old goes multiple times a week and has a wonderful time, and we never have to worry. Great value as well, we couldn't be happier! read more

Best daycare I could have ever asked for. They have been there for my family almost 11 years now! We trusted them with both our children when they were very young and now still send them over the summer and school breaks as needed. They love my children- and that's what I love about them. This isn't a clinical, strictly educational type of setting. These women are caring, kind, squeeze your kiddo in a big 'ol hug when it's been a while since seeing them type of folks. My kids are better people because of them. They made my life easier in the early days, basically taking care of potty training, just leaving me to follow up and keep it consistent. They make my life easier even now, knowing I have someone I trust completely when I need someone to look after my 10 and 5 year old. Their holistic approach is impressive- they truly take the whole little person into account and meet them where they are at. If you want a place where your kid will be taken care of the way someone that loves them would take care of them, this is your place. Also, they are chill AF. As an adult, I like MY interactions with them. read more

I feel so grateful for Ms.K and all the teachers at Smartie Pants. They have become like family for my daughter, who loves coming to school every day. Their home is a perfect set-up for little ones - they've got a beautiful outdoor play area (with a potty outside), a cozy napping room, and organized indoor play space. Ms. K keeps things interesting for the kids with various toys, crafts, and activities. (My daughter particularly loves the bounce house.) And though this technically isn't a preschool, my daughter has learned so much from her teachers. She recognizes numbers and learned how to spell her name at just two years old. If you want to feel like you're dropping your child off with a loving family member who truly cares about your child's academic and social development, choose Smartie Pants. We cannot speak highly enough of Ms. K and her staff. read more

I feel so fortunate to have found Smartie Pants Daycare when we moved to the neighborhood. Our son is 2 years old and has been going to Smarty Pants for the past year. He is the most well-adjusted, happy, and social little boy. I am so proud of his development while in the care of Miss. K and her staff. They truly love and treat the children like they are their own. They do the cutest projects with the children, they teach them songs in English and Spanish. I recommend Smarty Pants Daycare wholeheartedly and I encourage anyone looking for quality childcare for your little one to check them out! read more

My son started going to Smartie Pants just before his second birthday, after our first visit ended in a crying fit all the way home because he didn't want to leave. I thought that was a good sign... and it continued! He goes to Miss K's school twice a week, and usually starts asking to go a couple days before we're supposed to. If he knows we are going to Miss K's, he will often refuse to eat breakfast at our house since he wants to 'share with Miss K and the kids'. The healthy food given to the kids surprised even my mother, an elementary teacher, because my son learned how much he loves pomegranate. Pomegranate! Everyone who has come with me to visit has been impressed. My mother commented 'how bright and friendly' the kids' spaces look, and another friend said 'I have never been in a facility for kids that smelled this fresh'. The large back yard has a tall, kid-proof fence and a marvelous canyon view (complete with a direct line to airplanes!). While we work hard to teach our son social skills, polite words, and calm reactions, Smartie Pants has really helped us with all of these! Miss K makes sure the kids learn to relate to one another in a positive manner and care about one another. Washing hands, cleaning up, using napkins, and brushing teeth are just some of the things that are part of the routine at Smartie Pants and that makes them so much easier to reinforce at home. A great place to send your child! read more

My daughter started going to Smartie Pants Daycare last fall. Miss K is great with the kids and comes from a professional education background. She has every single detail set up for the kids. Toddler-sized potty, sink, table and chairs...all sorts of educational and fun toys. There are lots of small pottys for the kids to learn to use and Miss K takes the time to work on it with them. She pays close attention to hygiene and has the kids wash their hands and brush their teeth throughout the day. Every area that is set up is safe and clean. She even has a professional cleaner come by every week to keep germs to a minimum. The kids do little art projects, learn to draw cirlces to prepare for writing, learn shapes, colors, letters and numbers and Get lots of outdoor play time. The back yard is set up for play and is very safe and clean. There is a sand box, ride on toys, cars, shopping carts and a few other fun things. Each child is assigned a highchair, pack n play or crib and potty when they start going to Smartie Pants. It is super convenient for my family, it's priced fairly, the food program is healthy (although my daughter is super picky) and I feel confident in Miss Kinney's skills and ability to care for my child. She is very nice and loves the kids. She even celebrates all of the birthdays of each month and has a party for the kids. My daughter talks about her and the kids all of the time and I can honestly say I am very happy to have Smartie Pants to care for my child. Thank you. read more

Smartie Pants daycare has been such an awesome experience for us. My three year old potty trained so quickly with the help of everyone at daycare. We couldn't have done it without them. The staff goes out of their way for every single child there, and the love they show all of the kids makes me so thankful we chose Smartie Pants. They've worked with us when things got unpredictable with scheduling, and everyone is just so helpful. My toddler talks about Miss K, Miss Rose, and Miss Olivia all the time, and is excited to see them every morning. We love Smartie Pants Daycare :) read more

My son began going to Smartie Pants Daycare over a year ago now and it has been an amazing experience, not only for him but for us. My son has learned manners, good hygiene (washing his hands and brushing his teeth are no chore at all!). When we decide it was time to potty train, Miss K (Linda) helped us while he was with her and he had in down within days. The focus on education is fantastic, my son was counting and doing the alphabet all on his own, in what seemed out of nowhere. He is constantly surprising me with new songs he knows, knew animals he knows and words. My son wakes up in the morning asking to go to daycare to see his friends and Miss K (and her mother that my son affectionately calls Mimi). We feel so safe and comfortable with him there all day because not only is he learning, but he is also enjoying himself greatly. I cannot recommend this daycare enough and cannot imagine sending my son anywhere else. read more

Can't say enough great things about Smartie Pants Daycare, Linda (Miss K), Miss Olivia, Miss Rose and Mimi! My 2 yo son began attending earlier this year and LOVES it here. From the early stages, Linda was helpful with an initial tour and answering all of my questions. As my son had been home with me, she gave special care and attention to ensure he transitioned smoothly. She sends frequent updates, is flexible, and very responsive. During our time at Smartie Pants, my son has become much more verbal and communicative - - learning letters and numbers and loves all of the crafts and activities. They are also incredibly supportive with potty training; very patient and kind. We feel so fortunate to have found this place! read more

I can't overstate what a positive experience my son has had at Smartie Pants with Linda ("Miss K") and her mother "Mimi." Our son attended from age 15 mos. to 2 years. Since attending his vocabulary has exploded, his peer social skills have improved and he's started potty training before 2!!! In addition to the 5 star care, Linda is the most reliable childcare provider I have ever had in six years and two kids. She NEVER closes unannounced which for a working parent is invaluable. We are leaving Smartie Pants due to a cross-country relocation and Smartie Pants is definitely one of the things I will miss the most about San Diego. read more

We love smarty pants daycare. Linda and the rest of the staff are great with the kiddos. They do fun activities , celebrations, crafts. The kids all seem very happy there and I trust the team to care for my little boo bear. She gets a lot of attention And care, And has a great time with her little friends so I don't have to worry. The daycare diapers but also helps with the potty training transition. They have toddler size toilets which are pretty cool. They give snacks and meals. My toddler seems happy going to school. So grateful we found such a nurturing daycare . read more

Because my 16 month old son would not adjust after the 3rd day of daycare, Miss K called my son "stubborn" and "spoiled". She also said he was stubborn because he was a Taurus?!? I also learned that one of their methods to deal with crying is just to let them cry. She told me that he was tapping his fists together and putting his fingers in his mouth but she did not know what that meant. My son knows a few words in sign language and was signing for "more" and was pointing to his mouth for "eat". I was very disheartened to think he was left there crying and hungry with no one responding to him. I also did not appreciate that another parent gave my son candy so he would calm down. After the 3rd day, we reached out to meet with Miss K to discuss ways to make the transition smoother. As soon as we arrived, she did not have to say anything. Her body language said it all. With a defeated look, she said to my son, "crying again?" How do you expect my son to be happy when his care giver is making a sad face and is not happy? She was vague on what they tried to do to help him adjust if at all and did not give us any suggestions on what we could do at home to help him. She just replied, "I don't know." After only 3 days, It seemed like she already gave up on him and didn't want him there anymore. This decision became more apparent when I learned he was not allowed to join the daycare on a birthday celebration day because Miss K said he couldn't handle it. When I picked him up on the 5th day, she already had his bag packed and said she couldn't watch him anymore. I am disappointed in the lack of respect, compassion, communication and professionalism of this daycare. read more

Linda runs the best daycare! She has it professionally cleaned each week, so the kids have a safe, clean and healthy environment to play in. I love the childproof backyard and huge indoor play area. Washing hands and brushing teeth is a priority that is kept up before and after each meal. Keep up the awesome job! read more

I have been sending my 3 y/o son to Miss K for about a year now. She does great with keeping the kids on a fun schedule. Her daycare is always clean and tidy and the best part is how much space there is for the kids to run around and play, especially outside. Her and her mother who both supervise the kids do a great job in caring for them. You can tell its more than just a job for them, they really do seem to enjoy caring for children. I would recommed to all, its a great place! read more

My son is a bit older now, but he still talks about Smartie Pants & Miss K! He loves it there and I always felt like my son was in a safe, supportive, and caring environment- not to mention he always had fun! And honestly, I still call Miss K to see if he can come spend time with them when his pre-k program is closed for a day! I really have nothing but wonderful things to say about her program. Thanks for taking such good care of my little man! read more

Miss K and "Mimi" were my sons favorite caregivers. We have sent him other places and he was just too much to handle for less-than-qualified providers, but not these ladies! They handled him with love and care, and allowed him to be a leader and a helper, which is exactly how to handle a child like mine who is independent and wants to feel like he's contributing. Miss K snuggled him and made him feel loved everyday. (I know this because not only does he tell me, but also because she always smells good and he comes home smelling like her. ) Their home / daycare facility is very clean, safe, and well-kept. You can tell they take pride in what they do. Unfortunately, my sons last day was last week, because he's going to a full-time public preschool. He will miss all of the friends he made and especially Miss K and Mimi. I would recommend this place to anyone who wants a clean, safe, and loving environment where their children will learn, socialize and develop strong bonds with their very nurturing teachers! read more

The only reason that I wrote a review in the first place was because I was offered a free day (worth $50) with my review. My son went to Smartie Pants Daycare for about three months; things started to get interesting when he started to get diaper rashes on a nearly weekly basis, which never happened before. Then, I payed in advance for three days and, when he stayed home sick, was charged for those days anyway. The icing on the cake was when I brought him in and he had a diaper rash and light diarrhea- when I picked him up, his diaper was literally FULL of diarrhea- it was leaking into his pants and down his legs and he walked up to me this way. I highly suggest you find another location for your child- I am never bringing him back here again. read more

Best child care place I know!! Checking on licensing it has a way better review compared to other daycares. I would highly suggest it to other parents!! Kids do arts & crafts, they read them books, have a bouncy house, kiddy pool (during the summer/hot days), celebrate the kids birthday's, karaoke machine, do laundry when the child has potty accident, potty training & everything at no extra cost besides the fee for each day. Food and diapers are provided I greatly appreciate the fact that I don't need to spend extra for that either. I absolutely love that my child has learned so much here!!! My child is an only child which makes it a great way of interacting with other children. Thank you Ms.K :) read more

Linda has created an environment at SPDC that children can thrive in! Just think about this for a minute: It's so important who has influence on your child's life, especially at a young age. You want them to have the best care and attention possible! You will find that here. The amount of blood, sweat and tears put into this home-based childcare center is highly apparent! The children receive quality education and social skills that will prepare them very well for school in the future! I cannot say enough wonderful things about the staff at SPDC! read more

We sent our son to Smartie Pants Daycare for just over a year. Sadly, we had to switch to a daycare that was closer to home, otherwise we would have sent both of our sons there as long as possible! Miss K (the lead teacher) is organized, calm, patient, and super flexible. Our son started with Miss K doing "drop in" days, since my work schedule was super random at the time. Miss K was easy to get ahold of and was understanding when our schedule changed (which it did a lot, at first!). The center has a great backyard play area, which our son loved to play in. I loved picking him up and finding them all dancing to music outside. Our little one was always well-fed and tuckered out when we picked him up :). All of the staff at the daycare are kind, compassionate, and treated our son like family. Mimi, Miss Rose, Miss Olivia, and Miss K (the lead teacher) are all very trustworthy and sweet; they gave our son lots of hugs and love when he was there. I never had any concerns regarding his safety, as the center is located in a great neighborhood. I cannot sing their praises enough!!! We will miss them so much! read more