About Us

Welcome to SmartStart. We offer a full range of services to meet your child’s needs, including Speech, Occupational
& Developmental Behavior Therapy.

Welcome

SmartStart Believes that all children have the right to develop, to be fully known hearts and minds, and to be understood deeply.

If you are searching for a cutting-edge educational program for your typically developing child, or if your child has special abilities, our Relationship based Developmental Educational Model is a dynamic, educational and above all, a fun way for children to learn and grow. At SmartStart Developmental Learning Center children, parents and educators journey together!

Our Story

Our Story SmartStart was founded in 1992, and our passion for the most current and progressive foundational education and services has not deviated! SmartStart is unique in our approach, and we are committed to a comprehensive Developmental Education and Therapy Model for all of our children.

We offer a full continuum of programs and services, and each is staffed with passionate educators and therapists; we consider it a great privilege to serve and support all of our children and families!

We look forward to getting to know you and partnering in crafting a unique learning journey for your child.

Director and Founder Sharon Lowery, M.A.

Sharon started SmartStart in 1992 in a converted garage in Culver City and 32 years later continues as its Director. Sharon has been a leader in the field of special education and for the past 39 years she has been devoted to providing the highest quality of services to all children with industry leading expertise in serving children with special needs. Sharon has the unique experience of training in ABA with both Ivar Lovaas at UCLA, as an undergraduate, and then being part of Dr. Stanley Greenspan’s DIR/Floortime Faculty. This background solidified her knowledge and belief that the Developmental Relationship based Model provides a much richer and more effective intervention for children. Sharon remains passionately committed to the education, support and advocacy for all children and families!
Sharon has 2 adult children, Madison and Jackson.

 

Teachers

SmartStart employs both early childhood special education and general education teachers. Each must complete an advanced degree in their area of specialization, our special education teachers are credentialed and all teachers must have a minimum of three years experience working with children. Not only have most of our teaching staff exceeded these requirements; they also participate in an extensive Developmental Sensory Relationship-based Model and DIR/Floortime Model training.

Teachers’ assistants

At SmartStart our teaching assistants are full members of our teaching team and many hold bachelors degrees in special education or a related field.

Therapists

SmartStart’s speech pathologists and occupational therapists are fully licensed and have expertise in sensory integration. Our Developmental Interventionists must have a minimum of a BA in child development or a related field.

Come Visit Us

Contact us today to schedule a free evaluation and tour. Our dedicated team is ready to help your child succeed.