Moore Smiles Home Childcare gives rural kids a head start

For the students in Moore Smiles Home Childcare, learning isn’t about facts and figures. It’s about helping these young children grow a love of learning through fun, supportive and engaging experiences.

For these kids, who are all under five, their brains are still developing at a rapid rate. Having varied and enriching experiences will set the foundation for their future learning and growth.

At Moore Smiles Home Childcare in Cottonwood, Miranda Moore aims to do just that. Having worked in early childhood education for 20 years, Moore works to improve the whole child, not just the academics.

As a provider licensed by the state, Moore Smiles Home Childcare works with small groups of students, allowing them to give more attention to each individual. The in-home setting creates a feeling of familiarity and comfort for the youth. The aim is to prepare students for the kindergarten classroom. With social-emotional learning, as well as academics, the kids practice everything from compassion to standing in a line to preparing to read. The result: caring, self-sufficient children who are ready for the next step.

To ensure that students get the best experience possible, Moore Smiles Home Childcare is engaged with Quality First. Quality First works with childcare and preschool providers in Arizona to improve the quality of early learning in ways that help young kids learn, grow and thrive. Benefits of this program include access to a coach, scholarship funds, trainings and professional development opportunities, and funds for classroom enrichment opportunities.

Aside from traditional learning, like letters and numbers, students have the opportunity to take part in growing other skills. Everything from art projects to cooking; musical instruments and of course, reading. And the center has been so successful in this, the founder was honored with an award from the Children’s Action Alliance.

Parents are also grateful for the center. Here’s what one had to say:

“As a working mom, it is so important for me to have a safe and nurturing place for my children to be during the work day. Many families do not have access to quality care, particularly in rural. We are so very fortunate to have an asset like Miranda in our community because Moore Smiles is not just a place for my kids to be. Miranda is an exceptional teacher, and is passionate about her work. She creates a loving, caring place where young children learn through interaction and play, all day long.”

Home-based childcare centers are filling a need for high-quality early learning opportunities. The Arizona Education Progress Meter includes a goal to have 45 percent of Arizona 3- and 4-year olds enrolled in quality early learning settings by 2030. Students who receive a quality early education are set on a path to success in kindergarten and beyond.

For more success stories from across Arizona, visit the Expect More Excellence Tour.