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.
Hours of Operation: 7:30a.m - 5:00p.m
Summer Office Hours: Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Phone: (773) 475-7615
Email: Carla@smartstuffedu.com
Open Enrollment Night
Wednesday August 26th
5:30-7:00pm
OUR STAFF
Smart Stuff Learning Center educators are positive role models who are supportive, warm and responsive 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.
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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.
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 Regina
Lead Bilingual Infant Teacher
Ms. Regina has been working at Smart Stuff Learning Center since August 2015. Ms. Regina has an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education from City Colleges of Chicago and is working towards her Bachelors Degree. Ms. Regina was also awarded the Basic Certificate for Child Development from Richard J. Daley College.
Miss Lesly
Bilingual Pre-K 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 Maeve
Toddler/Two Teaching Assistant
Ms. Maeve is a recent graduate from the University of Illinois at Chicago where she majored in Integrated Health Studies. She has been helping out at Smart Stuff throughout her college career and has experience babysitting/taking care of her nephew. Ms. Maeve is such a help with our Toddler/Two classroom and is eager to grow into the next steps of her professional career.
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Miss Abby
Toddler/Two Assistant Teacher
Ms. Abby is newer to our staff, but is no stranger to the field of Early Childhood. She has been in the industry for over a handful of years, and has tons of experience working with Toddlers. Ms. Abby is eager to continue her education and pursue her Bachelor's degree at a later time.
Miss Stella
Toddler/Two Assistant 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.
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 Angel
Floating Support Staff
Ms. Angel has much experience working with infants/toddlers. Ms. Angel is a mother of three! She provides a nurturing and loving environment to all our infants and toddlers.
Miss Melanie
Infant/Toddler 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 Nicolette
Floating Support Staff
Ms. Nicolette is local to the Bridgeport neighborhood and is newer to our staff as she joined our team in May of 2026. Nicolette might be new to Early Childhood Education as a career, however she has been a mom to littles for years! We are excited to welcome her to our team as a floating support staff in all classrooms.
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.
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.
