Ranked among the top 10 childcare centers in Springfield. Fewer than half of all centers in the city reach this level across our full 11-dimension scoring.
Best Extracurriculars
Earned the highest extracurricular score in Springfield. This dimension covers enrichment programs — languages, STEM, yoga, cooking, field trips, and other activities beyond the core curriculum.
Full Ranking Detail
childcare
Smart Start Academy Child Care & Learning Center II is an Ohio-licensed childcare center at 444 W Harding Rd in Springfield serving infants through school-age children up to 12 years old. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms with current materials and equipment, separate groupings for each developmental stage, and staff trained in child development, CPR, First Aid, and communicable disease protocols. Hours run Monday–Friday 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and the center accepts PFCC vouchers to support working families. The learning approach emphasizes hands-on activities, independence, and curiosity-driven development. Some parent feedback has raised questions about staff communication, warranting a direct conversation with the center about its team dynamics and responsiveness to family concerns.
Safety5.0
Curriculum7.0
Art / Music5.0
Infant care5.0
Kindergarten readiness6.0
Teacher quality7.0
Compassion6.0
Management7.0
Culture6.0
Extracurriculars6.0
Programs & curriculum
Curriculum & approach: Learning and development approach focusing on keeping children busy with hands-on activities, fostering independence, curiosity, and positive self-esteem. Age-appropriate groupings from infants through school age.
Programs & activities: Age-appropriate classrooms with latest materials, toys, books and equipment. Separate classes for Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, and School Age (ages 6 weeks to 12 years).
What sets it apart: Hours Monday-Friday 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM. Staff trained in child development, CPR, First Aid, and communicable disease protocols. Warm, caring and stimulating atmosphere.
Recognition of Excellence — Website Badge
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Top 10 in Springfield
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Top 10 in Springfield</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Ranked among the top 10 childcare centers in Springfield. Fewer than half of all centers in the city reach this level across our full 11-dimension scoring.</span>
</span>
</a>
Best Extracurriculars
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: Smart Start Academy Child Care & Learning Center Ii -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/ohio/major-cities/springfield/smart-start-academy-child-care-learning-center-ii/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-extra.jpg" alt="Best Extracurriculars - Smart Start Academy Child Care & Learning Center Ii - Springfield, OH" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
<span>
<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Extracurriculars</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest extracurricular score in Springfield. This dimension covers enrichment programs — languages, STEM, yoga, cooking, field trips, and other activities beyond the core curriculum.</span>
</span>
</a>
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.
