Smart Start Learning Centre - Ajax, Ontario

Chantel Dennis-Persaud

It pains me to even have to write this, but I cannot let this go unsaid. On Friday, October 25, I brought my 2.5 year old son to tour some childcare centres/schools. One being Smart Start in Ajax, the one on Williamson Drive. Prior to our visit, the supervisor emailed me telling me the price, the date that they have a space available, and times for a tour. Great!

When we went. She was greeted us, and took us to the room that the would potentially be my son’s. What I saw was great, I won’t lie. 2 staff interacting with the toddlers, centres, engaged kiddos! Loved it! After our tour, we went to her office to talk, and that is when her bias, racism, and stereotyping was revealed. The whole conversation was guided around subsidy, which I did find odd since I confirmed the tour after she told me the price which was not an issue. But then she said it… “we do prioritize families in need, so have your subsidy people contact me…” I honestly tuned out after that because I honestly could not believe what I just heard. We had ZERO discussion about finances, yet here she was making an assumption, a false one, and having that guided her whole conversation with me.

A few hours later, after I shared my experience with my relatives, which all are extremely upset, I received an email from her as a “follow up” to see if we were interested. I declined, and told her no since she kept bringing up subsidy, which we do not need, therefore I rather leave that spot for someone in need. She sent another email stating “we do not go by subsidy as it depends on parents whoever is applying to the government, not to the day care. Subsidy is not given by the childcare provider. “ … So then why was I told in her office to have my subsidy people contact her? Because she ASSUMED. She saw a BLACK mother, and ASSUMED.

Ms.Ismat, I am not the one. I did not respond to that last email because my email before that clearly went over your head. So let me clarify via google review: Your blatant racism is the reason I will NEVER let my child be in a childcare centre under your supervision. If you felt the need to see me and think “oh subsidy family/government aid family” or whatever else you envisioned when you saw a Black woman walk through your door, I can only imagine the things you say and how you treat the ones already in your care. If you took the time to get to know me instead of creating a story in your head, you would’ve found out I am a teacher for ddsb, I have 3 degrees to my name, I am married, and I LOVE teaching anti-racism and social justice which I have shared many resources and collaborated with our son’s current child care provider. So thank you for your follow up, please take this as your feedback.

Sameer Harji

We have 2 children attending Smart Start, we are very happy with the service and care they provide! We did a lot of research of local daycares and learning centres and Smart Start won us over instantly! The staff is an amazing group, very caring, always involved, looking out for the children's best interest and a very diverse group! The manager and owner are also involved in child care, I see them taking care and playing with kids on many occasions. One of the reasons we chose Smart Start is because of the fresh in house meals! Ms. Joan is an amazing cook, even our pickiest eater loves the food she makes. We are so grateful for being apart of this learning centre. I would definitely recommend Smart start without hesitation!

Soriyya Bawa

We couldn't be happier with our experience at Smart Start - Williamson! We currently have two kids at the centre and they both started in the infant room. Our older one has continued till preschool and it was a no-brainer to enroll our daughter as well despite having moved 25 minutes away. The drive is totally worth it! Both kids are incredibly happy when they come home and the development we've seen with both of them is unbelievable. All of the teachers have been amazing and you can clearly see how much they love what they do. We would highly recommend Smart Start to any parents looking for a warm, welcoming, nurturing environment for their little ones.

Jade Okoeguale

The lady who answers the phone is very unprofessional. There’s no need to give an attitude when someone is inquiring about your daycare. As the person who answers the phone, you’re the first point of contact, you set the tone for the company.

Wedian Ibrahim

Both of my kids attend Smart Start Learning Center - Williamson branch. I have no words to explain how fortunate I am to have my kids under their amazing teachers care. They are professional, loving, caring, and treat my kids like their own. I have a peace of mind when my kids are in there.
I also appreciate that they are not annoyed by my nagging and calling to ask about how my kids are doing lol. They are always updating me with how my kids are doing even without me asking. And they help me and work with me if a problem with the kids came up. I honestly feel they are a family to me and my kids and my kids love them. Thank you very much SS team and will definitely recommend you to all of my friends and family.

Frozan M Juma

My toddler goes here and she loves it. All I can say is WOW to this centre they deserve more than 5 stars. They are simply the best and the staff is friendly and welcoming. Ms. Felisha answers all your questions and concerns so thank you. My daughter’s teachers Ms. Tracia and Ms. Rolanda are very nice I feel really comfortable dropping my toddler to them in morning it feels like dropping her off to her grandparents we appreciate your love, support and patience thank you all!

Parisa and Mom

Onisha L

I have two children attending this daycare. My son has been going there for 2 years and loves going there everyday! My daughter just recently started and I was worried because I've been home with her for 11 months so i didn't know how she or I would adjust. But honestly the teachers in the infant room are doing an amazing job! They send me videos and pictures of her randomly just to show me how well she doing. I would 100 percent recommend this daycare to family and friends!

S I

My daughter attended Smart Start from 2018-2019.
I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a warm and welcoming environment especially if you're having to leave your child in a care facility for the first time. The administration and educators are phonemonal- from Mona and Ms. Ester to Ms. Shazia, Ms. Jade, Ms. Felicia, Ms. Liz, Ms. Stephanie and Ms. Nicole. My daughter thrived here and learned a lot. We are forever indebted to them. Thank you!