Recognition of Excellence · Newark, CA · 2026

Smart Start Creative Learning Center

6020A Robertson Ave, Newark, CA 94560
https://thesmartstartpreschool.com/
🏆 Ranked #10 in Newark · 6.0 / 10 overall
Awards Earned
Top 10 in Newark
Top 10 in Newark
Ranked among the top 10 childcare centers in Newark. Fewer than half of all centers in the city reach this level across our full 11-dimension scoring.
Best Infant Care
Best Infant Care
Earned the highest infant care score in Newark. This dimension focuses on caregiver ratios, responsiveness, feeding and sleep routines, and parent feedback specific to infant rooms.
Full Ranking Detail
childcareinfantpreschool

Smart Start Creative Learning Center is a CCLD-licensed provider at 6020A Robertson Ave in central Newark, serving ages 18 months through 1st grade. Operating since June 2012 with a capacity of 48 children, it is part of a multi-site operator that includes a Livermore location, demonstrating institutional stability. With only one Type B citation across four years of inspections (2021–2025) and established presence reflected in 29 Yelp reviews, the center maintains a solid regulatory and operational record. Hours run Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–5:30 PM, which is shorter than some competing Newark centers closing at 6:30 PM; families needing later pickup should verify compatibility before enrolling.

Safety6.0
Curriculum6.0
Art / Music5.0
Infant care7.0
Kindergarten readiness6.0
Teacher quality6.0
Compassion6.0
Management6.0
Culture6.0
Extracurriculars6.0
Recognition of Excellence — Website Badge
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Top 10 in Newark
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Best Infant Care
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: Smart Start Creative Learning Center --> <a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/california/sf-bay-area/newark/smart-start-creative-learning-center/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-infant.jpg" alt="Best Infant Care - Smart Start Creative Learning Center - Newark, CA" width="120" loading="lazy"> </a>
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This recognition is awarded independently by Creative Minds Montessori based on publicly available parent reviews and public records. Centers do not pay for or request these rankings. Scores reflect editorial synthesis of verified parent experience — not center marketing materials. Rankings are updated periodically as new reviews are analyzed.

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