Smart From The Start Childcare
About Us
Our Holidays

2024 Closed Days

January 1st: New Year’s Day

January 15: MLK Day

May 27: Memorial Day

June 19: Juneteenth

July 4: Independence Day

September 1: Labor Day

November 27/28: Thanksgiving Weekend

December 25: Christmas Day


Keystone Stars
Keystone STARS is an initiative of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) to improve, support, and recognize the continuous quality improvement efforts of early learning programs in Pennsylvania.

The Keystone STARS Performance Standards provide the foundation for the program. The Performance Standards are grouped into four levels: STAR 1, STAR 2, STAR 3, and STAR 4. Each level builds on the previous level and utilizes research-based best practices to promote quality early learning environments and positive child outcomes. The standards address staff qualifications and professional development, the early learning program, partnerships with family and community, and leadership and management.

Keystone STARS is managed through a partnership of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and the Pennsylvania and Regional Keys.

For more information go to www.pakeys.org


CACFP Food Program Clifton Heights Only

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

SFTS provides Breakfast, Lunch and a morning and afternoon snack.  Our food program (CACFP) is subsidized by the State of Pennsylvania and anyone that is enrolled at SFTS is eligible.  SFTS will not discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, sex, national origin, or ancestry against any enrolled child or family or applicant for enrollment when it comes to the food program. Additionally, our policy is to allow children or their parents equal access to services even if they have Limited English Proficiency (LEP).

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

  1. mail:
    S. Department of Agriculture
    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
    1400 Independence Avenue, SW
    Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
  2. fax:
    (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
  3. email:
    [email protected]

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.


Our Philosophy is based on a safe, nurturing environment where creative play is encouraged so that children have the greatest opportunity to grow and develop. The creative play philosophy is based on the premise that the more a child’s emotions are included, the more sensory information is received and the more easily learning takes place. We strive to develop opportunities for play that are appropriate, stimulating and build upon each child’s current abilities. We hope that our parents also see the importance in play as a learning tool by visiting your child’s classroom and keeping the lines of communication open between home and the school.

Our schools utilize the following learning centers to invoke play:

  • Writing
  • Math & Numbers
  • Art
  • Dramatic Play
  • Manipulative Play
  • Sand & Water
  • Computer
  • Science & Nature
  • Blocks, Puzzles & Legos
  • Gross Motor Skills

Smart from the Start Childcare is seeking full-time and part-time candidates with AA or BA degrees in Early Childhood Education at both Clifton and Chester Heights locations. Candidates must possess a degree and have at least 2 years experience in the childcare field. Paid vacations, holidays and personal days are available to full-time employees.

Please email resumes to [email protected]