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Child care center 

Smart Start Pre-School Learning Academy

505 Bartow Street, Thomasville, GA 317923.0· 6 reviews
licensed capacity
86
open each week
5 days
a week, county median
$109

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Licensed by the stateInspection record

About

About Smart Start Pre-School Learning Academy

Smart Start Pre-School Learning Academy is a licensed child care center in Thomasville, Georgia. It is licensed by the state, for up to 86 children, serving infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.

It is open Monday to Friday, 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning made 9 visits in the last 3 years and cited 31 rules across 7 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.

InfantsSchool-ageAccepts child care subsidyOpens before 7 AMOpen until 11 PM

Ages served: infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children

From the state license
Ask when you call: rates, current openings, staff-to-child ratio and teacher qualifications.
Type
Child care center
Ages
Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children
Hours today
Closed today
Licensed capacity
86 children

Hours

Hours

Monday6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Tuesday6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Wednesday6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Thursday6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Friday6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
SaturdayNot listed
SundayTodayNot listed
From the state license

Programs

Programs and care

AgesInfants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age childrenFrom the state license
Child care subsidyAccepts state child care subsidiesFrom the state license
Licensed capacity86 childrenFrom the state license

Cost

Tuition and costs

Smart Start Pre-School Learning Academy has not listed its tuition. For comparison, full-time infant care at a child care center in Thomas County has a median price of $109 a week (U.S. Department of Labor, 2022).

Ask the daycare for its ratesIt has not listed its tuition. The county medians below are a starting point.
Thomas County medians, full time, per week

Infant

Center$109
Home daycare$103

Toddler

Center$102
Home daycare$97

Preschool

Center$102
Home daycare$97

School age

Center$55
Home daycare$45

County median full-time prices at centers and home daycares, U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices, 2022 (the latest year). Not this daycare's rates; prices have risen since.

State record

Inspection reports for Smart Start Pre-School Learning Academy

License

Status
Licensed and operating
License type
Child Care Learning Center license
Capacity
86 children
Ages
Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children
License number
#CCLC-51917
See the state's record

Summary

9 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit Sep 15, 2026: 5 rules cited

Rules cited on 7 of 9 visits · 31 rules in all

  • Staff training and qualifications 11
  • Building, equipment and play areas 6
  • Safety and hazards 4
  • Records and paperwork 4
  • Supervision and ratios 3
  • Safe sleep 1
  • Transportation 1
  • Health, medication and illness 1

For comparison: 89% of Georgia daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 0.

A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.

Own this daycare? Add your response to the state record

See all 12 visits
  1. Sep 15, 2026Inspection5 rules cited
    • Supervision and ratios

      Rule .32(7) - Supervision-Watchful Oversight: (7) Supervision. Children shall be supervised at all times appropriate to the individual age, needs and capabilities of each child. Such supervision must include, but not be limited to, indoor and outdoor activities, mealtimes, naptime, transportation, field trips, and transitions between activities. "Supervision" means that the appropriate number of Staff members are physically present in the area where children are being cared for and are providing watchful oversight to the children, volunteers and Students-in-Training. The persons supervising in the child care area must be alert, positioned to maximize their ability to hear and see the children at all times, and able to respond promptly to the needs and actions of the children being supervised, as well as the actions of the volunteers and Students-in-Training, and provide timely attention to the children's actions and needs. Staff shall be attentive and participating with all children during mealtimes and shall be seated within an arm’s length away from children thirty-six (36) months of age and younger.

    • Safe sleep

      Rule .30(2)(c) - Sleep in safety-approved cribs: (c) Infants shall not sleep in equipment other than safety-approved cribs, such as, but not limited to, a car safety seat, bouncy seat, highchair, or swing. Infants who arrive at the Center asleep or fall asleep in such equipment, on the floor or elsewhere, shall be transferred to a safety-approved crib.

    • Safety and hazards

      Rule .21(3) - Fire/Tornado Drills: (3) The Center shall conduct drills for fire, tornado and other emergency situations. The fire drills will be conducted monthly and tornado and other emergency situation drills will be conducted every six months. The Center shall maintain documentation of the dates and times of these drills for two years.

    • Staff training and qualifications

      Rule .14(2)(b) - First Aid/CPR trained Staff in each classroom: (b) There must always be one staff person present in each classroom where children are present that has current and valid pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and pediatric first aid training.

    • Staff training and qualifications

      Rule .14(1)(a) - Training-CPR and First Aid Completed/Verfication: (a) All Staff who provide direct care to children must obtain certification in a biennial training program in pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a triennial training program in pediatric first aid within the first 45 days of employment. Current and valid evidence of the successful completion of such training shall be maintained on the Center’s premises. The hours obtained completing this certification will not count towards the required annual training hours.

  2. Feb 9, 2026Inspection3 rules cited
    • Staff training and qualifications

      Rule .33(5)(a) - Staff training-annual/10 hours (Recite-Not Met): (a) Every calendar year after the first year of employment, all supervisory and caregiver Personnel, except independent contractors, Students-in-Training and volunteers, shall attend ten (10) clock hours of diverse training which is offered by an accredited college, university or vocational program or other Department-approved source.

    • Supervision and ratios

      Rule .32(2) - Mixed-ages groups/cap. of 19+: (2) Mixed-Age Groups for Centers with a licensed capacity of 19 or more children. The Staff:child ratios for a mixed-age group shall be based on the age of the youngest group of children that includes more than twenty (20%) of the total number of children in the mixed-age group .

    • Building, equipment and play areas

      Rule .25(3) - Clean, free of debris, good repair (Recite-Not Met): (3) Cleanliness. The Center and surrounding premises shall be kept clean, free of debris and in good repair. Hygienic measures such as, but not limited to, screened windows and proper waste disposal procedures shall be utilized to minimize the presence of rodents, flies, roaches and other vermin at the Center.

  3. Nov 24, 2025Follow-up visit4 rules cited
    • Staff training and qualifications

      Rule .33(3)(a)-(k) - New - Staff Training-Health and Safety Orientation: 33(3)(a)-(k) Health and Safety Orientation. Each staff member with direct care responsibilities shall complete health and safety orientation training within the first 90 days of employment. The state-approved training hours obtained will count toward required first year training hours. The training must address the following health and safety topics: (a) prevention and control of infectious diseases (including immunization); (b) prevention of sudden infant death syndrome and use of safe sleeping practices; (c) administration of medication, consistent with standards for parental consent; (d) prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions; (e) building and physical premises safety, including identification of and protection from hazards that can cause bodily injury such as electrical hazards, bodies of water, and vehicular traffic; (f) prevention of shaken baby syndrome, abusive head trauma and child maltreatment; (g) emergency preparedness and response planning for emergencies resulting from a natural disaster or a human-caused event (such as violence at a child care facility); (h) handling and storage of hazardous materials and the appropriate disposal of bio contaminants; (i) precautions in transporting children; (j) recognition and reporting of child abuse and neglect; and (k) child development to include all major domains: cognitive; social and emotional; physical development and motor skills; communication, language, and literacy; and approaches to play and learning.

    • Building, equipment and play areas

      Rule .25(3) - Clean, free of debris, good repair (Recite-Not Met): (3) Cleanliness. The Center and surrounding premises shall be kept clean, free of debris and in good repair. Hygienic measures such as, but not limited to, screened windows and proper waste disposal procedures shall be utilized to minimize the presence of rodents, flies, roaches and other vermin at the Center.

    • Records and paperwork

      Rule .24(1) - Personnel Records: (1) A Center must maintain a personnel file on the Director, all Employees, Provisional Employees, Personnel, Staff, Students-in-Training, Volunteers, Clerical, Housekeeping, Maintenance, and other Support Staff for the duration of the term of employment plus one calendar year, and it shall contain the following: identifying information to include: name, date of birth, social security number, current address and current telephone number; employment history; as applicable to the position held: evidence of education and qualifying work experience; evidence of all training required by these rules which shall include: title of training, date of training, trainer's signature, location of training and number of clock hours obtained; a statement completed by the staff member that the information provided is true and accurate; any other records required by these rules; and, as applicable to the position held, evidence of required orientation including date and signature of person providing the orientation;

    • Staff training and qualifications

      Rule .14(2)(b) - First Aid/CPR trained Staff in each classroom (Recite-Not Met): (b) There must always be one staff person present in each classroom where children are present that has current and valid pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and pediatric first aid training.

  4. Aug 11, 2025Inspection9 rules cited
    • Transportation

      Rule .36(7)(c)3. - Departure/arrival dates/times: 3. The driver or other designated Staff person shall also document in writing the dates and the departure/arrival times for all types of transportation on the passenger transportation checklist as follows: School Transportation - each time the vehicle departs from the Center, is loaded or unloaded at each school and when the vehicle returns to the Center; Home Transportation - each time the vehicle departs from the Center, arrives at the location where any child is picked up or dropped off and when the vehicle returns to the Center; and Field Trip Transportation- each time the vehicle leaves the Center, arrives at a field trip destination, leaves a field trip destination, and returns to the Center.

    • Staff training and qualifications

      Rule .36(3)(a-b) - Transportation Training: (3) Transportation Training. Child Care Learning Centers that provide any type of transportation shall obtain two (2) clock hours of state-approved or state-accepted transportation training, biannually, for the Director and for each Staff person responsible for or who participates in the transportation of children. The training shall include, but is not limited to, a review of the transportation rules, a review of approved transportation forms and procedures, and instruction on the usage and completion of the forms and procedures. This training may be counted as part of the annual training requirements for Staff. (a) The Director and each Staff person who is responsible for or who participates in the transportation of children shall complete two (2) clock hours of state-approved or state-accepted transportation training on or before June 30, 2015 and at least every two years thereafter. (b) Effective July 1, 2015, the Director and each Staff person who will be responsible for or participate in the transportation of children shall have completed two (2) clock hours of state-approved or state-accepted transportation training prior to assuming any duties related to the transportation of children and at least every two years thereafter.

    • Staff training and qualifications

      Rule .33(5)(a) - New - Staff training-annual/10 hours: (a) Every calendar year after the first year of employment, all supervisory and caregiver Personnel, except independent contractors, Students-in-Training and volunteers, shall attend ten (10) clock hours of diverse training which is offered by an accredited college, university or vocational program or other Department-approved source.

    • Records and paperwork

      Rule .27 - Posted Notices: Each Center shall post in a designated area for public viewing near the front entrance the following: the Center's current License or Permit; a copy of these rules; a copy of the current communicable disease chart; a statement allowing Parent(s) access to all child care areas upon notifying any staff member of his or her presence; names of persons responsible for the administration of the Center in the administrator's absence; the dated current week's menu for meals and snacks; emergency plans for severe weather, fire, and other emergency situations; a statement requiring visitors to check in with Staff when entering the Center; no smoking signs; and a notice provided by the Department which advises Parents of their right to review a copy of the Center's most recent licensure evaluation report upon request to the Center Director. The Center shall provide any Parent with a copy of this evaluation report upon request.

    • Building, equipment and play areas

      Rule .25(3) - Clean, free of debris, good repair: (3) Cleanliness. The Center and surrounding premises shall be kept clean, free of debris and in good repair. Hygienic measures such as, but not limited to, screened windows and proper waste disposal procedures shall be utilized to minimize the presence of rodents, flies, roaches and other vermin at the Center.

    • Safety and hazards

      Rule .25(13) - Indoor Storage-Hazards: (13) Indoor Storage Areas. Potentially hazardous equipment, materials and supplies shall be stored in a locked area inaccessible to children. Examples of items to be stored include non-food related products under pressure in aerosol dispensing cans, flammable and corrosive materials, cleaning supplies, poisons, insecticides, office supplies and industrial-sized or commercial buckets with a capacity of three gallons or more or any other similar device with rigid sides which would not tip over if a toddler fell into the container head first.

    • Safety and hazards

      Rule .21(3) - Fire/Tornado Drills: (3) The Center shall conduct drills for fire, tornado and other emergency situations. The fire drills will be conducted monthly and tornado and other emergency situation drills will be conducted every six months. The Center shall maintain documentation of the dates and times of these drills for two years.

    • Staff training and qualifications

      Rule .14(2)(b) - New - First Aid/CPR trained Staff in each classroom: (b) There must always be one staff person present in each classroom where children are present that has current and valid pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and pediatric first aid training.

    • Staff training and qualifications

      Rule .14(1)(a) - Training-CPR and First Aid Completed/Verfication: (a) All Staff who provide direct care to children must obtain certification in a biennial training program in pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a triennial training program in pediatric first aid within the first 45 days of employment. Current and valid evidence of the successful completion of such training shall be maintained on the Center’s premises. The hours obtained completing this certification will not count towards the required annual training hours.

  5. Jul 8, 2025Complaint investigation1 rule cited
    • Records and paperwork

      Rule .29(3) - Required Reporting-Incidents: (3) Incident Required Reports. The Director or designated person-in-charge shall report or cause to be reported to the Department within twenty-four (24) hours or the next work day: any death of a child while in the care of the Center; any serious illness or injury requiring hospitalization or professional medical attention other than first aid of a child while in the care of the Center; any situation when a child in care becomes missing, such as, but not limited to, a child who is left on a vehicle, a child who leaves the building, playground, or property, or a child who is left behind on any trip; any fire; any structural disaster; any emergency situation that requires temporarily relocating children; and any time the program’s operating status changes (i.e., open to closed or temporarily closed and temporarily closed to open).

  6. May 22, 2025VisitNo rules cited
  7. Mar 5, 2025Inspection1 rule cited
    • Supervision and ratios

      Rule .32(4) - Center Cap. 19+/ Separate ages (Recite-Not Met): (4) For Centers with a licensed capacity of 19 or more, children under three (3) years of age shall be housed in separate physical areas from older children and cannot be mixed with older children except at the following times and circumstances:

  8. Jul 29, 2024Inspection8 rules cited
    • Staff training and qualifications

      Rule .33(4) - Staff training-food preparation and nutrition training (Recite-Not Met): (4) Food Preparation and Nutrition Training. Within the first year of employment, the Director and the person primarily responsible for food preparation shall receive four (4) clock hours of training in food nutrition planning, preparation, serving, proper dish washing and food storage.

    • Staff training and qualifications

      Rule .33(3) - Staff Training-Health and Safety Orientation

    • Building, equipment and play areas

      Rule .32(4) - Center Cap. 19+/ Separate ages: (4) For Centers with a licensed capacity of 19 or more, children under three (3) years of age shall be housed in separate physical areas from older children and cannot be mixed with older children except at the following times and circumstances:

    • Building, equipment and play areas

      Rule .26(9) - Playground-Safe/Clean: (9) Safety and Upkeep of Playground. Playgrounds shall be kept clean, free from litter and free of hazards, such as but not limited to rocks, exposed tree roots and exposed sharp edges of concrete.

    • Building, equipment and play areas

      Rule .25(3) - Clean, free of debris, good repair: (3) Cleanliness. The Center and surrounding premises shall be kept clean, free of debris and in good repair. Hygienic measures such as, but not limited to, screened windows and proper waste disposal procedures shall be utilized to minimize the presence of rodents, flies, roaches and other vermin at the Center.

    • Safety and hazards

      Rule .25(13) - Indoor Storage-Hazards (Recite-Not Met): (13) Indoor Storage Areas. Potentially hazardous equipment, materials and supplies shall be stored in a locked area inaccessible to children. Examples of items to be stored include non-food related products under pressure in aerosol dispensing cans, flammable and corrosive materials, cleaning supplies, poisons, insecticides, office supplies and industrial-sized or commercial buckets with a capacity of three gallons or more or any other similar device with rigid sides which would not tip over if a toddler fell into the container head first.

    • Records and paperwork

      Rule .08(1) - Childrens Enrollment Application: (1) A Center must maintain a file for each child while such child is in care at the Center and for a period of one (1) year after such child is no longer in care at the Center. In order for the file to be complete, the file shall contain the following: identifying information about the child to include: name, date of birth, sex, address, living arrangement if not with both Parents, name of school, if applicable; identifying information about the Parent(s) to include: names of both Parents, if applicable, home and work addresses, and home and work telephone numbers; name(s) and addresses of the person(s) to whom the child may be released. Such information shall contain the authorized person’s address, telephone numbers, relationship to child and to Parent(s), and other identifying information; identifying information about the person(s) to contact in emergencies when the Parent cannot be reached to include name(s) and telephone number(s); identifying information about the child's primary source of health care to include physician's or clinic's name and telephone number; and a statement regarding known allergies or other physical problems, mental health disorders, intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities which would limit the child's participation in the Center's program and activities.

    • Health, medication and illness

      Rule .06(7) - Disinfect bathroom daily: (7) Cleanliness. Bathrooms shall be cleaned daily with a disinfectant.

  9. Feb 7, 2024InspectionNo rules cited
  10. Oct 30, 2023Follow-up visitNo rules cited
Show 2 earlier visits
  1. Sep 20, 2023InspectionNo rules cited
  2. Jun 27, 2023InspectionNo rules cited

Copied from Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning on October 2, 2026; the state's records start around Oct 2022. Rule wording, severity and dates are the state's.

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FAQ

Questions about Smart Start Pre-School Learning Academy

Is Smart Start Pre-School Learning Academy licensed?

Yes. Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning lists it as licensed and operating.

When was Smart Start Pre-School Learning Academy last inspected?

Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning lists the most recent visit on September 15, 2026, with 5 rules cited. It lists 9 visits in the last 3 years.

Has Smart Start Pre-School Learning Academy had rules cited by the state?

Yes. Inspectors cited 31 rules across 7 of 9 visits in the last 3 years. For comparison: 89% of Georgia daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 0. A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.

How many children can Smart Start Pre-School Learning Academy care for?

86, the licensed capacity on the state record. It is licensed to serve infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.

Does Smart Start Pre-School Learning Academy accept child care subsidies?

Yes. The state record says it accepts child care subsidies.

What are Smart Start Pre-School Learning Academy's hours?

Monday to Friday, 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. These are the hours on the state record. Holiday hours can differ.

How much does Smart Start Pre-School Learning Academy cost?

It has not listed its tuition. Call (229) 225-1122 to ask.

What is Smart Start Pre-School Learning Academy's phone number?

(229) 225-1122.

Where is Smart Start Pre-School Learning Academy?

505 Bartow Street, Thomasville, GA 31792. The nearest other daycare we list is Davis Child Care, 0.3 miles away.

Sources: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (license and visits) · U.S. Department of Labor, 2022 (county prices).