Let us bring out the SMART STUFF in you!
SMART STUFF LEARNING CENTER
Smart Stuff Learning Center is a teacher owned and operated boutique full day childcare facility. Our mission is to provide superior care while meeting the needs of individual children and families.
OUR STAFF
Smart Stuff Learning Center educators are positive role models who are supportive, warm, responsive, and available to each child.
Carla Longo McNamara
Owner and Educational Director
In 2007, Ms. Carla had the innovative idea to open Smart Stuff Learning Center and provide her community an educational center that offered affordable, creative and unique programs.
Ms. Carla received a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) in 2004, and then continued to work on her Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education at Concordia University in 2006. In 1998, Ms. Carla started working with inner city children in an America Reads program. From there, she spent 3 years doing observations in the Chicago Public School system. Her last year at UIC, she student taught at Joseph Jungman school where she was hired as an ISBE Licensed Teacher upon graduating from UIC in 2004.
Ms. Carla is currently enrolled in the Infant/Toddler Mental Health Program at Erikson Institute, where she will become a certified Infant/Toddler Mental Health Consultant. She is excited to celebrate 20 years of Smart Stuff Learning Center in 2027.
Carla Longo McNamara Receives the
Women's Business Development Center
2016 FastTrack Award
Carla Longo McNamara, owner of Smart Stuff Educational Inc., received the FastTrack Award from the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) at the organization’s 18th Annual Early Childhood Education Entrepreneurship Expo on June 18, 2016 at the University of Illinois Forum. As a WBDC client for the past five years, McNamara has participated in its business counseling sessions and workshops, and received a WBDC micro loan to expand the capacity of her center. Since the expansion, Smart Stuff has designed a specialized infant and toddler development program that increased the number of infants and toddlers attending the center.
Miss Sarah
Program Director
Ms. Sarah has been working at Smart Stuff since November of 2024 to help support Ms. Carla, who is also her cousin, in the office. Ms. Sarah has a Bachelors of Science in Business Teacher Education from Illinois State University. She also has a license in Massage Therapy. Ms. Sarah used to teach High School Business and coach Varsity Cheerleading. She is also enrolled at Erikson Institute working towards her Masters in Social Work.
Miss Cynthia
Assistant Director/Lead Bilingual Pre-K Teacher
Ms. Cynthia has been working at Smart Stuff Learning Center since October 2016. Ms. Cynthia has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from St. Augustine College and is working towards her Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education at National Louis University.
Miss Caritina
Floor Director/Lead Bilingual Infant/Toddler Teacher
Ms. Caritina has an Associate's Degree in Child Development from St. Augustine College. Ms. Caritina has over 16 years of experience working within the early childhood career field as well as experience and training as an Assistant Director.
Miss Mary Claire
Toddler/Two Lead Co-Teacher
Ms. Mary Claire started working at Smart Stuff in 2018 when her studies in education were just beginning. She received her Bachelors Degree in Urban Education from University of Illinois at Chicago in 2023. She then went on to teach in Elementary School for three years in her own classroom. She believes that providing a strong Early Childhood Education to our children is of great importance.
Miss Stella
Pre-K Teacher
Ms. Stella is newer to our staff, as she recently graduated from University of Vermont while studying Psychological Sciences. She recently moved back to Bridgeport so she can pursue her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education at National Louis University. She will be working closely with our teaching team in the Toddler/Two classroom.
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Miss Emma
Toddler/Two Lead Co-Teacher
Ms. Emma is a recent graduate of the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where she earned her degree in Elementary Education and Moderate Disabilities. She is excited to continue growing as an educator and gaining valuable experience in early childhood education. Her knowledge, enthusiasm for learning, and commitment to supporting children's development make her a wonderful addition to our team.
Miss Lesly
Bilingual Support Staff
Ms. Lesly has worked at Smart Stuff Learning Center for over 2 years. She has great experience working with children and loves attending and participating in Early Childhood Education trainings to further her knowledge in the field. She is in the process of enrolling for college to obtain a degree in Early Childhood Education.
Miss Lisa
Infant/Toddler Support Staff
Ms. Lisa has children of her own and loves spending quality time with her grandson, who is a Smart Stuff alum. Ms. Lisa has been a consistent support in our Infant/Toddler Classroom. She is a true foodie and loves to try new restaurants in our city.
Miss Melanie
Infant/Toddler Bilingual Support Staff
Ms. Melanie is new to the field of Early Childhood Education, as she was referred to Smart Stuff to become an employee from her Aunt; Ms. Lesly. Ms. Melanie is eager to continue her education in the field of Early Childhood and we are excited to welcome her to our Infant/Toddler classroom.
Miss Anayeli
Floating Bilingual Support Staff
Miss Crystal
Support Staff
Ms. Crystal has great experience working with children of all ages. Ms. Crystal also has a daughter of her own! She offers support in all classroom settings.