Our Reviews
As an MCPS Elementary School Principal and educator for nearly 20 years, early childhood learning has always been a top priority for me. Still, as a first-time parent, the thought of leaving our baby in someone else’s care was daunting. We explored nanny options and visited several centers—but the moment my husband and I walked into SmartKids, we immediately felt at home.
Ms. Damaris and Ms. Vivi are not only incredibly knowledgeable, but they lead with love and passion. They prioritize each child’s safety, while also nurturing their growth and development in ways that truly amazed us. Every day at pick-up, we receive a warm, thoughtful update—a quick chat at the door, a detailed daily report, and consistent communication that makes us feel like true partners in our daughter’s care.
From the very beginning, SmartKids has stood out for its genuine sense of community, collaboration, and commitment. Our daughter absolutely lights up when she sees Ms. Damaris and Ms. Vivi each morning. She has grown tremendously—socially, emotionally, and developmentally—and we’ve learned so much from them about how to support her learning at home.
The thoughtfully structured routines, including art, play, outdoor time, bilingual learning, and even home-cooked meals, continue to blow us away. We feel incredibly fortunate to have found SmartKids, and plan to keep Sophie there until she heads off to kindergarten. I have no doubt that the foundation they’ve helped build will set her up to thrive! ​
Ilana Carr (September 25,2025)
“_We had a wonderful experience with Smart Kids. My son was there from ages 6-24m. He was well cared for, ate healthy home-cooked meals, learned Spanish, made great friends, and picked up so many new skills. We’re so grateful for the loving, supportive environment provided by Damaris and Vivi._”
Samantha Brownstein (May 1,2025)
“_When we enrolled in Smart Kids, we knew our daughter would get the early, full exposure to another language that we wanted, but we could never have predicted the degree of community, love, and support that Damaris, Vivi and her team bring every day to childcare. Our daughter understood and began using the language she was learning almost immediately, with “leche” (milk) & “agua” (water) becoming the terms at home she’d use. By the age of 2, she had learned the idea that English & Spanish were two different languages and could switch between the two & learn both with us every time we introduced new words in English & in Spanish. But at the same time, she also was also learning how to walk, drink from a cup, potty train, eat with utensils, explain her feelings, and generally how to interact with other kids. The social/educational events, the parents, and the friends our daughter made created a community that has kept us busy with birthday parties & playdates. If you’re thinking about enrolling your child here, you’d be making an excellent choice. Your child really will be a Smart Kid!_”​
Karen Abouhamad (April 30, 2025)
“My 3 year old and 1 year old daughters have attended Smart Kids the past year and I strongly recommend it for families looking for a caring, personal, fun, and learning-oriented environment for their children. This is my family’s 3rd daycare experience and the best yet. Their facility is very well set up and outfitted for a variety of play and activities, both indoors and outside in the yard. They serve delicious, home cooked, and healthy meals daily that my toddler loves. Damaris and Vivi are excellent educators for both babies and toddlers/preschoolers, and adored by my daughters. It truly feels more like a school than a typical daycare—even for my 1 year old. Their strengths include helping my baby with extra support to work towards her milestones, focused development of fine motor skills and penmanship with toddlers, facilitating an approachable bilingual curriculum, helping children with social and emotional development, and maintaining a fun and engaging environment with music, dance, and creative play”.
Michelle Clark (April,2024)
“Smart kids is our second family. My toddler LOVES her childcare. They are wonderful teachers who do everything with their heart. My little one has learnt tons and her Spanish is perfect! They always make home made healthy food for them! Smart Kids Facility has a lot of space for them to play, always clean and have been really careful and responsible during this hard coronavirus time. Always keeping our kids happy and healthy! Best childcare ever!_
Diana Nichols (June 28,2020)
“_My son joined Smart Kids after attending a large, well known center in Bethesda that was bursting at the seams. Prior to joining Smart Kids, due to the lack of space in the licensed daycare, he would come home with bumps and bruises on his head daily. However, since joining Smart Kids, in the two years that my son has been with Ms. Vivi and Ms. Damaris, he has been safe, clean, happy, and thriving. As a veteran teacher and staff development teacher in the Montgomery County Public School System, I have worked with thousands of students and teachers over my 16 year career at MCPS. I have stepped into many school buildings and can assess the safety, culture, climate of the school, as well as recognize quality educators that are passionate about the overall well-being of the child. With my background in education, I can say with certainty that Damaris and Vivi intentionally create a safe school for all of the children under their care. They are expert teachers; able to attend to the varying needs of students while helping the students grow socially, emotionally, and academically._”
Rachel Tedesco ( March 6,2020)
“_Smart Kids an amazing learning center, and a perfect fit for our family. Our children have grown and benefited greatly from their educational experience here._”
George Verá (May 7, 2020)
“_We love this childcare. My son comes happy every day and he stays happy too. He gets excited and starts clapping when we get there._”
Laura Aguilera, (March23, 2018)
“_Smart Kids Center offers a wonderful environment, where kids learn and develop through fun activities. The daycare is beautifully decorated and meticulously maintained. More importantly, the teachers are very attentive and caring. I really appreciate the peace of mind that comes from knowing that my son is in good hands while we're at work. He loves going to the "escuela" in the mornings and doesn't want to leave in the afternoons. We couldn't have asked for a better place. Thank you!_”
Yaima Lightfoot (April 14, 2016)
“_Smart Kids, Genius Decision
We spent a month looking at daycares in the area before we decided to go with Smart Kids. We hit the jackpot! Our son LOVES it. I could not think of a better, kinder, cleaner, and more caring environment to leave my chid to......and that says a lot coming from a control freak like me. Lol My son is more social, behaving, and analytical from his time there. Viviana and Damaris: thank you so much for giving our little guy your love and affection. You will always have a place in my family's heart._”
Daniel Mahanger (March 10, 2016)