About Us – Compassionate Care for Unique Needs
Smith McClendon Child Care was founded with a simple mission: to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive space for children. Our experienced team uses evidence-based strategies to foster communication, social skills, and independence in a structured yet loving environment.
Our Mission – Guiding Every Child's Unique Journey
At Smith McClendon Child Care, we create a sanctuary where safety meets discovery. Our research-backed, play-based approach nurtures the whole child - mind, heart, and character. Through individualized learning plans and family partnerships, we transform early education into a springboard for lifelong success.
What this means for your child:
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A sensory-smart environment that adapts to neurological differences
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Certified educators trained in developmental best practices
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Daily progress tracking through our family communication portal
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Character-building woven into every activity
Our Vision – Building Bridges to Brighter Futures
We're pioneering a new standard in special needs and childcare that bridges community gaps. Our future includes neighborhood centers bringing gold-standard support to underserved areas, because every family deserves access to transformative early education.
How we're making this real:
✓ Scholarship programs for low-income households
✓ Community training workshops for parents
✓ Partnerships with pediatric therapists
✓ Continuously updating learning materials
Our Journey – From a Kitchen Table Dream to
a Center of Excellence
In 2018, two educator-moms saw a problem: the childcare industry forced families to choose between warmth and quality. Alisha Smith-Guardado and Carol McClendon - best friends with 30+ combined years in early childhood and special needs education - turned their vision into reality. What began as a 7-year family home daycare has grown into Smith McClendon Child Care, where:
✨ Educational rigor meets home-like nurturing
✨ Clinical expertise blends with unconditional care
✨ Every child's differences become their strengths
The Spark That Started It All -
"We refused to accept that 'good enough' was the standard"
As classroom teachers and home providers, we witnessed:
→ Children with autism receiving care from untrained staff
→ Behavioral challenges met with punishment, not understanding
→ Families torn between therapy appointments and childcare
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So we built what our own children deserved - a place where:
✔ Developmental science meets heartfelt connection
✔ IEP goals are pursued through play and laughter
✔ Parents become true partners in progress
Meet the Hearts Behind the Mission
Alisha Smith-Guardado, M.Ed.​​
​The Curriculum Architect​​
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16 years shaping young minds
(Birth-12yrs old, expert in preschool ) -
Master's in Teaching
| RBT Trained | ABA Specialist -
Believes: "Behavior is communication waiting to be understood"
Carol McClendon
The Inclusion Pioneer
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14 years creating safe spaces for neurodiverse learners
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INROADS/Respite Care Veteran | Life Skills Coach
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Currently pursuing: Early Childhood Development (SPED focus)
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Lives by: "Meet children where they are, and they'll show you how far they can go"
How We've Grown
*2018* → Family daycare serving multiple families
*2020* → Added specialized autism program
*2022* → Certified as Early Intervention Provider
Today → Fully licensed center impacting 50+ families annually
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What hasn't changed:
→ Our homemade approach to relationships
→ Daily photos sent to parents with learning insights
→ The teddy bear mascot (Mr. Snuggles) who greets every child
Why Our Story Matters
to Your Family
Because when you choose us, you're not selecting a childcare - you're joining:
• A family that celebrates every milestone
• A legacy built by moms who wouldn't compromise
Today, we honor that original vision by maintaining our home-like atmosphere while delivering clinical-grade educational support – proving that children shouldn't have to choose between feeling loved and learning well.
Our Goals – Measurable Growth, Meaningful Impact
1. Developmental Milestones
"Learning Through Joyful Discovery"
Our play-based curriculum targets 6 key areas: social-emotional growth, cognitive skills, communication, language, literacy, and physical development - all through activities that feel like play but teach life-changing skills.
2. Life Skills Foundation
"Preparing for the Real World"
From self-care routines to emotional regulation, we equip children with practical tools for daily living through:
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Visual schedules and social stories
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Sensory integration activities
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Community based instruction/outings
3. Family Empowerment
"Your Partner in Progress"
We go beyond childcare with:
• Monthly parent training sessions
• Support groups
• Individualized home strategy plans
• Bilingual resources (if applicable)
Why Choose Us? The Smith McClendon Difference
Here, "inclusive" isn't just a word - it's our DNA. While others separate children by ability, we create spaces where neurodiverse peers learn together through:
★ Adaptive teaching strategies
★ Peer modeling opportunities
★ Trauma-informed care principles
★ Assistive technology integration