"As an owner/director of an early learning center, I am so happy with the commitment that The Smart Start Early Education Substitute Teacher Program has to its staff, its clients and to the early education field as a whole. I have been impressed with the well-trained, professional staff that I make contact with. I have also had the opportunity of hiring several of their substitutes. The Smart Start Early Education Substitute Teacher Program has provided professional and efficient customer service staff that have been able to fill most of my substitute staffing requests. On a number of occasions in the past, this program has provided us with long term substitutes, which helped us maintain continuity in the care we provided to the children. Two of those long-term subs turned into Direct Hire placements. I really appreciate the convenience of The Smart Start Early Education Substitute Teacher Program. I would highly recommend this program any center or school that uses substitutes."
–Felicia Conn-Payton

"I attended the Smart Start Early Education Substitute Teacher Program training in Athens, GA during the week of January 26-30, 2009. I wanted to say thank you so much for the opportunity and the chance to attended in Athens, even though I was from Atlanta. I enjoyed everything that was offered, especially Trudy Friar, one of the program's trainers. I found a job and will start next week. Thanks so much. Your program was great!!"
–Alisha Brown

"I attended the Smart Start Early Education Substitute Teacher Program in January 2008. I am happy to say that I have been employed full time at Eagle Springs Children Center in Centerville, GA for the past year thanks to your program. "
–Program Graduate

"It was a blessing to actually get into the program and I don't take it lightly. Thanks to Smart Start Early Education Substitute Teacher Program I was able to get a substitute teacher position from Oct. through May with Coastal Plain Headstart. Prayerfully, I will be hired as a permanent teacher for the '09-'10 school year. I love my job so much, I have decided to go back to school for my Associates in Early Childhood Education. Thanks for making this possible!!!Demetria Waters"
–Program Graduate

"I graduated from the Smart Start Georgia Early Care and Education Program in August of 2007. One month later I was hired by Bright Horizons as a Subsitute. The experience has provided me with a vast amount of knowledge as too what it takes to provide quality child care. I've had a very positive experience and I have worked pretty regularly. However, my daughter started Pre-K this year and I am unable to work within the scheduled hours. I have referred other women that I know to the program, who do not have the restricted hours that I have. I just wanted to provide some sort of feedback on the outcome of participating in the program. Thank you."
–Program Graduate

"I wanted you to know that I was able to obtain a full-time job at a daycare center after taking your training which is what I was hoping and praying for. Thanks so much for this wonderful class!! "
–Program Graduate

"Thank you for allowing me to participate in the Smart Start Early Care and Education Substitute Teacher Program. You have an impeccable training program enlisting top notch trainers in the field of Early Childhood Education. The professional development certificate coupled with the wealth of resources provided is priceless! The program further enhanced my previous knowledge of ECE. The trainers were dynamic, each having their own teaching style, which made this a most memorable learning experience. I am encouraged and hopeful that I will be able to utilize the resources provided to assist me in navigating my professional and educational pursuits here in the state of Georgia."
–Program Graduate

"I just wanted to say that I absolutely loved the Smart Start program and I think anyone who has any desire to work with children should take this course! Including expectant mothers!! I have received a phone call and/or email every day for substitute jobs! I have just taken a lead teacher position in the mobile infant room in a church preschool. Thank you again! I have already recommended this class to several people! "
–Program Graduate

"Thank you for putting on this program. I've learned a lot of useful information that I can use in the future when I continue my career as an early childhood educator. Keep up the good work, you are providing a much needed service in the community."
–Program Graduate

"Unlike any other service, the teachers come prepared to work, with all their documentation and lots of ideas. The Smart Start Early Care and Education Substitute Teacher Program is not only the best substitute program available. It also provides the highest quality training for entry level teachers. As a NAEYC accredited program, quality and consistency is very important to us. Smart Start Georgia substitute teachers help us maintain our high standards for our children."
–Vanessa Johnson

"I wanted to keep you updated on how much the Smart Start Program has proved to be a blessing! :-) The qualifications that Smart Start provided assisted in making it possible for me to get hired the day I went in for an interview. I just wanted to share the wonderful news! Plus, I've come to realize I have a passion in advancing the opportunities for children from such a tender age. Therefore, if there is ever anything I can do to assist in this program, or any other, It would be my pleasure!"
–Program Graduate

"First, I would like to say thank you for the opportunity. It was a pleasure meeting our trainers, Dr. Penny Elkins and Ms. Shelia Lewis. They were exceptional. This program is excellent and should be a requirement before working in a childcare facility. The training was intense but overall very informative. I feel very comfortable going back into a classroom with the knowledge you provided through this free program. Again, thank you for the opportunity. "
–Program Graduate

"I just finished your Smart Start program and I just have to say that it was awesome! Thank you so much for that wonderful opportunity."
–Program Graduate

"As a Smart Start Georgia Substitute Teacher graduate, I must say I am impressed with the quality of the professors/instructors and their presentation of the program. I feel that I have acquired important information to enhance my previous knowledge and experience in the career of Continuing Childcare Education as a substitute or permanent employee. The results of the program are encouraging and the referrals are an added bonus as part of completing the program. I appreciate the opportunity to participate in such an extraordinary program."
–Program Graduate

"Thank you! I am subbing on a regular basis four days a week. I have found out a lot about 3 and 4 year old children, and I am glad that the opportunity has come to me. The program was a surprise and has been a delight to know how things have changed over the past 30 years."
–Program Graduate

"I have benefited so much from this program. It helped me to discover my natural abilities and it is very satisfying knowing that at the end of the day you have made a difference in a child's life. I would like to share this with everybody and encourage people to give it a try. I am glad that I had this training and I can walk into any classroom very confident."
–Program Graduate

"I enjoyed the training classes provided at Mercer. The information was very detailed and comprehensive. I look forward to assignments and hope to enter this area as a permanent childcare professional."
–Linda Pearson

"This was a wonderful opportunity for education and employment! I was unemployed for eleven months. I completed the classes. Five weeks later I was employed full time. I have been working now for 2 years and I have obtained the CDA credential. I am now seeking a degree in early childhood education. Many thanks to Smart Start,UWMA, Dr.Penny Elkins, Sheila Lewis and Holly Pavloff"
–Belinda Daniels

"I have received an exceptional amount of volunteer offers with some of the best childcare facilities around. I have no complaints!!! "
–Ashley Randolph-Bennett

"I really enjoyed and learned so much last week at the Smart Start Early Education Substitute Teacher Program training course. Thank you for putting together a really powerful week of great trainers and topics. I now feel that I have a great foundation for taking my career in Early Childhood Education in the right direction."
–Cynthia N. Collier

"Just wanted you to know that I was able to obtain a full-time job at a daycare center after taking your training, which is what I was hoping and praying for. Thanks so much for this wonderful class!! "
–Kim Parrish

"I am writing you personally to say hello, and let you know that I am very happy that I went through the Smart Start Early Education Substitute Teacher Training Program. I am gainfully employed with a great company, which is striving for excellence. I had the opportunity to meet you and receive training from you and I am very ecstatic about what lies ahead in my career path. The spirit that you give off to people is remarkable and profound. Through you, I learned that I can take my job seriously. Childcare is the core of me, and I enjoy every moment of it. Thank you so much for inspiring young women to love the next generation. God Bless."
–LaStadie Taylor

"A week after the completion of the Smart Start Early Education Substitute Teacher Program class, I updated my resume and cover sheet. The following Tuesday, I went to five childcare facilities and dropped off my resume packet. The next morning I received a telephone call from one of the facilities asking for an interview that day. I was hired on the spot full-time as a floater. I start off in the baby room! All because of my certification from The Smart Start Early Education Substitute Teacher Program. I am so excited, I really did not expect to get hired this soon. They were very impressed with the certification. The Director stated that she wished that she had known about the training because she would have sent some of her staff to the class."
–Vicky Y. Pasley

"I hope you remember me from the "Substitute Teacher" group of last year. Fairly soon after that training, I was hired by Gwinnett County Public Schools as a Parent Outreach Liaison at Norcross Elementary, and I enjoy it a lot! Part of my job is to provide training and resources to the non-English proficient parents as well as assisting them by bridging the gap of communication between them and the school, so parents can get involved in their children's education and academic success. I truly enjoy working with the Hispanic community and providing them with education programs. Muchas Gracias!"
–Milena Fuentes, Spanish program graduate

"I, Monique Perrin-Machado, would like to give my testimonial regarding my experience as a graduate of the Smart Start Early Education Substitute teacher Program. My experience was not only extremely gratifying but highly appreciated. After completion of the program, I was placed on a log for schools to draw from, and the contacts were pouring in within 7 days after placement as a substitute teacher on the directory. However, the one phone call that excelled my career was from a highly internationally accredited Montessori school. I was interviewed and offered a position as a permanent substitute teaching faculty staff member. From there, my credentials as a corporate manager from my previous career manifested into a position customized for me to accommodate this school's expectations. I accepted the offer as an Office Administrator/ Substitute Teacher; the combination was a great fit for this school. My hat goes off to all the hard-working supporters of this program. "
–Monique Perrin-Machado

"The Smart Start training was beneficial and informative. I felt that it was an excellent refresher course for me and the instruction was professional and well presented. I look forward to working as a substitute with the Smart Start program and I highly recommend the training to those who are interested in childcare positions. "
–beverly donaldson

"The Smart Start Early Education Substitute Program training has been the most powerful enlightment in my life's path! I learned a lot and feel that I am in a career direction that is most effective to my lifestyle more than before this training! The training, the trainees, and the individuals that I was pleased to have met were enriching!"
–Sunita McGlen

"I must state that the March 2010 training was phenomenal and a great experience! Having had the opportunity to work in an Assistant and Lead Teacher position prior to the training allowed me to understand everything that I had done according to the standards and those things that were done that were inaccurate. The most important statement for me, during the training, was when Dr Bisa stated that "you are told what to do, and what not to do, but never how to do it". It was the most prolific statement made. This training told you the “what and how” to function in a classroom setting, whether it was for infants, toddlers or preschoolers. The training met my expectations and much more – with each trainer bringing their personal touch and being an inspiration as well. During one point of the training, I wished I had taken this course before working in childcare. This training has increased my passion to be an educator and to pursue this field. Again thank you for this program. "
–Courtney D. Taylor

"I recently completed the Smart Start Early Education Substitute Teacher Program in Columbus, GA. Thank you for the opportunity to study and learn from a first class organization. I enjoyed the program immensely and the chance to observe the curriculum of the early learning center during the tour and practicum experience. This program has sparked my interest in early education and working with children again. I have recommended the Smart Start program to a couple of my friends. Thanks again for the opportunity to participate in the Smart Start Early Education Substitute Teacher Program."
–Annie Holt

"Thank You! and GOD BLESS YOU ALL! Just completed the Smart Start Early Education Substitute Teacher Program. I have received valuable knowledge that has enhanced my understanding in working with birth to 5 years olds. Each Instructor was very knowledgeable, passionate and professional. I will be referring others to this program. "
–Tonja P.