Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Smith.
Hi Nicole, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always had a passion for children, even as a child. When I was five, I was asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I would say, “Pediatrician, teacher, and mother of 10 children”. As I grew older, the answer remained the same. I remember saying in college that I wanted to have ten children. (laughing)
Well, I do not have ten children of my own. I had one child who is now 22. My first major in college was nursing, but all the science classes were overwhelming for me. A few semesters later, I transferred to education and completed my associate’s degree. Before receiving my degree, I began working as a preschool teacher assistant at Baltimore City Community College. I became a before and aftercare teacher in my professional field. I was promoted to director and Headstart teacher Sub assistant until graduating in 2014 with an Early Childhood Dev. Degree.
While working in various jobs and attending college, my mom gave me the idea to open a daycare in my home. Here’s a little backstory. My mom was a Family childcare Provider and Owner of “Joy of Toddlers Daycare” for 20 years, so I grew up learning about family childcare. I also became a babysitter for some of her family for evening care.
I can admit that I was nervous about operating a Family Child Care. I prayed about the decision, asking God to show me and let me know it was a good idea. God put in my spirit to start the process. I started the process the following day, in 2013. By the time I graduated in May of 2014. I was licensed on June 1. I enrolled my first two children just a few days after opening.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Operating a Child Care has been one of my greatest challenges, but I have successfully managed it for nine and a half years.
We’ve been impressed with Nicole’s Fun and Learning Family Child Care LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I operate a Family Childcare Business in Howard Co. Nicole’s Fun and Learning Family Child Care LLC cares for children from infant to school age Mon-Fri. My degree and profession are Teaching. I provide a school readiness program to prepare young children for school by teaching essential learning, writing skills, school expectations, and problem-solving.
We go on many field trips, both educational and fun—our educational trips follow up from a unit lesson. Teaching the children about community involvement and family engagement is very important in my Program. Parents can be involved by attending field trips, our Holiday Christmas Party, recitals, summer outings, donating to various organizations and community events, bringing new ideas to our Program, and attending parent-teacher conferences, to name a few.
My brand is created on Trust, communication, and creativity! What makes my business stand out is the creativity. The location in my home is temporary and minor, but big things happen here. A few weeks ago, the children learned about different community jobs. I booked a presentation from landfill recycling to come to us and teach the children about recycling. Also, the Fire Dept visited our school and did a fantastic job engaging with the children.
Our Motto is “Where we are: Creative, learning, and fun! We provide three meals, a caring environment, school readiness, a quarterly newsletter, outdoor play, and field trips, and children are free to express their creativity and personality, affordable Care Prices, and much more! We are open M- F, 7:45 am- 5 pm (currently). We provide a fun summer camp as well. Check the website soon for camp information as it unfolds.
How do you think about luck?
With all due respect, I wouldn’t say it was good luck. It was based on my faith in God, dedication, determination, sacrifices, discipline, etc.
I was inspired and encouraged by those who entrusted me with their children (our future), letting me know they trusted my vision, integrity, environment, profession, and program. It means a lot that I don’t take for granted.
Contact Info:
- Website: funandlearningllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funandlearningllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1806348806263784/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-smith-01b64575/
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/DM31wVPM-gM?si=GjBMcuH7lNpm58Ir
Image Credits
Nicole Smith of Nicole’s Fun and Learning Family Child Care
