Smart Start # 5

Exceptional Care and a Warm Environment! I can’t say enough great things about the Director Miss Amanda she is truly amazing. She is kind, professional, and clearly loves the children. Her dedication and warmth create a nurturing environment where kids feel safe, valued, and happy. The entire team is caring and attentive, ensuring each child receives the best care and learning opportunities. I highly recommend this daycare to any parent looking for a place that prioritizes both education and a loving atmosphere!

Updated Honest Review – Nearly 10 Years of Experience This is a more honest and transparent review than the one I previously left, which helped me receive a small discount ($25–$50). I can not remember the exact amount. But this time, I want to share my full experience as someone who’s been involved with this daycare for nearly a decade. First and foremost, I absolutely love Amanda and Mrs. Nash. Amanda has since moved to another location for playcare, but she is still one of the most respected and hard-working people I’ve encountered in childcare. I genuinely love her and hope she’s being paid what she deserves. Mrs. Nash has been a consistent, solid presence since my niece attended in 2017–2018. She had my niece more than ready for kindergarten, and years later, my own children have benefited from her dedication and structure. If you want your child to be truly prepared for school, Mrs. Nash is your girl. I genuinely hope to one day see Amanda and Mrs. Nash open a facility together. They are the heart and backbone of this daycare, and they deserve their own space where their excellence can shine without limits. I'd support it without hesitation. Now, here’s where my experience gets more complex. I’ve always gone above and beyond as a parent. Anytime I brought snacks for my kids, I brought them for the entire daycare. There were even times I provided lunch. I’ve consistently shown up, stayed involved, and done my part—not expecting a reward or recognition, but simply because I care. That said, it’s disappointing that after nearly 10 years of being an active, reliable parent, there’s no flexibility or grace shown when things get tight. Let me be clear—I have no problem paying for childcare. My autopay hits most months without issue. But when life happens—when there’s a subsidy delay or personal hardship—I’ve paid large balances out of pocket, sometimes over $1,000, to stay caught up. Still, management treats any shortfall like your child has been attending for free. I understand some parents abuse systems—but not all of us. The inability to recognize the difference is frustrating. The current policy requires all balances to be paid by the 10th of the month, with no room for delay—even for parents who work, who show up, and who have a proven record of payment and involvement. That lack of flexibility hurts, especially with the constant staff turnover and illness-related closures that leave parents scrambling for backup care. And while Amanda and Mrs. Nash were always amazing, some of the newer staff can be hit or miss. But hey—it’s Lawton. That’s expected. Still, the lack of empathy from ownership and the strict approach to payments, even toward long-standing, loyal families, is the biggest letdown. My youngest will be heading to Pre-K soon, and I’ll finally be stepping away from this daycare system. But it truly saddens me that after so many years, so much involvement, and so much financial contribution, parents like me—who are doing their absolute best—are treated the same as someone who just skips out on payment. To any parent considering this daycare: if you’re focused on strong early education, Mrs. Nash is everything. And if Amanda is still in your building—count your blessings. But to the management: please learn to make space for working, committed parents. A little flexibility and human understanding goes a long way. God Bless!💕

I have two children one of which has been going since she was 3 months old. Before i had children my niece went to smart start #5. The staff is amazing and Ms. Amanda and Ms. Jessica go out their way to be beyond helpful. So many times i have seen them there late and opening early in the AM. Ms. Nash is an amazing pre k teacher as well. My overall experience at the daycare has been wonderful i highly recommend this center.

I just love this daycare! They have been so wonderful to my family. My babies enjoy going, and if there’s anything I need to be told about they never skip a beat on reaching out. Absolutely love everyone there, and thankful everyday they show so much love and care for my babies!

My children are so beyond happy to attend this establishment. We have previously been at other day care centers in Lawton and I feel no one truly cared for my kids in a way like the staff at Smart Start. I would recommend this location specifically to anyone that is looking for a new daycare.