by on 18/09/2020 1641
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SmarTrees Early Learning Centre in Kemuning Utama offers playschool, daycare and preschool programmes for children ages 18 months to 6 years. Previously named Kidtime Childcare Centre, they have been operating since 2014.
Callyn Teow, founder of SmarTrees Early Learning Centre, realised her passion for early childhood education after having her first child. She took that interest seriously, first venturing into Montessori teaching and then establishing her own centre for young children. Showing a true commitment to the field, she undertook a bachelor’s degree in Early Years Education—despite having a first degree in a different line.
SmarTrees is a modern preschool; a centre that aims to foster a real love for learning from a young age. This is crucial for kids, as curiosity developed in little ones can stay with them for a lifetime—helping them excel even once they’ve left kindergarten.
The centre uses an integrated Montessori curriculum, where students are introduced to monthly educational themes and are fully immersed in experiential learning. For the theme ‘life cycle’, SmarTrees brings in live pupa so that kids can have first-hand observation of a butterfly’s metamorphosis.
Through lots of creative and imaginative activities, children here get to fully enjoy their childhood while preparing for a bright future. For instance, five and six-year-old students participate in a storytelling presentation, where they get to pick, tweak, and share their favourite stories with their peers. The event is not competitive, and every child who presents gets a token for participation, as SmarTrees believes in encouraging confidence and self-esteem for all their kids.
On top of that, the presentation is done through any language that the student is comfortable with, as SmarTrees engages all students in trilingual education!
All teachers at SmarTrees are qualified and experienced in teaching, with the minimum requirement being a diploma in early years education. Their young educators are energetic and adaptive, infusing heaps of creativity in lessons.
Callyn makes it a point to create a healthy working culture for her teachers, offering development and career growth. This leads to a devoted, empowered and happy teaching team—an aspect that highly benefits the impressionable young children who attend SmarTrees.
Educators here are not only appreciated, but are openly acknowledged for their great work and effort.
Having completed her first bachelor’s degree in Food Technology, Callyn is able to expertly plan a balanced and nutritious menu for kids at SmarTrees. Meals here are varied, fresh and prepared by a designated chef.
A range of fun and enriching extracurricular options are available for students at SmarTrees. Outside professionals come to the centre to teach classes such as Little Wonders Gym, speech and drama, taekwondo, piano and ukulele, Kinderdance and kids’ yoga.
Kids here have the chance to be exposed to a wide scope of interests, harness their talents, and even continue learning with these experts once they graduate from SmarTrees!
SmarTrees doesn’t take safety for granted. They use Smartcoat Active Sterilisation to keep their facilities germ-free. Moreover, they ensure daily sanitizing of the centre and use top-grade purifiers to safeguard the health of all children and staff.
The rooms here are bright, clean and spacious.
Parents who send their kids to SmarTrees receive updates about their child’s progress through a phone app called School2me. This allows for quick, organised, and effective communication regarding their child’s learning, homework, and events. Children’s daily logs are also managed by this app.
Twice a year, parents are invited to a formal meeting with the team at SmarTrees, where they’ll receive a report on kids’ development.
Another thing that makes SmarTrees special is their close relationship with the community. It seems everyone knows one another here. Families are invited for festive events, while mothers and fathers are even invited to teach children a special class during Parents Day.
There is a familial feeling among the parents and preschool—where both parties work closely for the good of the children. With the partnership and care of all involved, SmarTrees stands out as a warm and vibrant community preschool.
