early childhood teacher

early childhood assistant

locator

teacher

site director

SimplySmart Childcare Centre & Montessori

My experience at this center has been frustrating. Management is often unavailable or arrives late, and when they do show up, they seem focused on other responsibilities rather than supporting the staff or addressing the needs of the children. There is a clear lack of leadership support, and staff concerns are frequently overlooked.

During my interview, I was promised a supportive and organized work environment, but these promises were not kept. Despite the center being open since July 2024, proper training has not been provided to staff, leaving educators to manage classrooms with minimal resources and support.

There are noticeable pay discrepancies among staff, with some employees earning less than others despite being hired earlier, which creates frustration and a sense of unfairness. Management appears more focused on hiring new staff to meet staffing numbers rather than addressing the real needs of the classrooms and staff.

One of the major issues is the lack of accountability from management, especially when incidents arise. Communication is poor, and staff meetings often feel unproductive, with little opportunity to address concerns or offer solutions. Additionally, staff are expected to pay for supplies out of pocket, and there is little time provided for curriculum planning.

It also seems that the company prioritizes maintaining a positive public image rather than addressing internal issues. Staff members who have raised concerns have either been let go or faced significant challenges, while those who remain struggle to manage with inadequate support.

While training is supposed to be provided, there have been delays, and as of February 2025, staff have still not received adequate training. This lack of preparation continues to affect the work environment.

In conclusion, the work environment is highly stressful, with little attention paid to staff well-being or professional development. Based on my experience, I would caution against working here, as it has been a challenging and frustrating place to work

Working here has been a truly rewarding experience. As an Early Childhood Educator, I’ve had the opportunity to be part of a team that genuinely values the importance of early learning and child development. The leadership is supportive, approachable, and deeply committed to creating a positive and enriching environment for both staff and families.

The center provides ample resources, professional development opportunities, and fosters a culture of collaboration and respect. I’ve always felt encouraged to bring new ideas to the table and to grow in my role through ongoing training and mentorship.

Most importantly, the focus on the well-being and development of the children is outstanding. The programming is child-centered, inclusive, and thoughtfully planned to support each child’s unique needs and abilities. It's incredibly fulfilling to work in a space where children's curiosity, creativity, and independence are truly celebrated.

I’m proud to be part of a team that makes such a meaningful impact every day. I would highly recommend working here to any educator looking for a supportive and inspiring place to grow their career.

Working at SimplySmart child care has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. As an Early Childhood Educator at SimplySmart, I’ve had the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and their families.
What I love most about this job is the daily interaction with children. One of the things I appreciate most is the supportive management. They are approachable, understanding, and genuinely care about both the staff and the children. They provide clear communication, regular feedback, and are always open to suggestions or concerns.
The work itself can be busy and sometimes challenging, but having a management team that listens and encourages professional growth makes a big difference. The team environment here is also a big highlight. We support each other through busy days, share creative ideas for activities, and collaborate closely to maintain a safe and positive space for the kids. I feel valued and respected in my role, and that motivates me to give my best every day. 

As a child care and Montessori teacher at Simply Smart Child Care and Montessori, I can wholeheartedly say that this is an exceptional place to work. The owners and management genuinely care about both the children and the staff, creating a nurturing atmosphere that fosters growth and learning.
The positive culture here is palpable, with co-workers who are not only dedicated and passionate about early childhood education but also supportive and collaborative. All staff share their ideas and strategies to ensure that every child receives the best possible care and education
The environment is healthy and inviting, designed to stimulate curiosity and creativity in young minds. The Montessori approach is implemented thoughtfully, allowing each child to learn at their own pace in a safe and encouraging space.
Overall, Simply Smart is a wonderful place for both children and educators, I feel fortunate to be part of such a fantastic team!

For personal reasons I had to leave SimplySmart, but during the time I worked there I enjoyed the work environment a lot, I was surrounded by nice coworkers and supportive management. I worked in a toddler room and I really loved it there, the parents and kids were just the best. 
Things I liked:
-At SimplySmart, the shifts change every month, so you don't stick to the same shift forever
-You get one hour break
-Management is very flexible when it comes to washroom breaks and they'll always send staff to cover you
-They always have extra staff available (breakers and supplies)
-Nice, clean and spacious staff room, with a big fridge, microwave and coffee and tea available
-They organized monthly events for the children, like fun fairs, halloween parades, music shows, animal encounters events.
I recommend working at SimplySmart(:

Working at Simply Smart is a great company to work for. The management team is welcoming and willing to help when we ask for help and support. They have a head office that supports as well and comes on site often. We also have an Executive Director who offers support and guidance, so we know how to create a wonderful classroom atmosphere for the children and families. The Site directors are knowledgeable and helpful. They offer learning opportunities as well which help me grow as an educator and individual. 

The families are kind, and the children are very friendly. There is a craft order that goes out monthly and is helpful to have material for our classrooms. Though I am newer in my journey with SimplySmart I can see myself staying with the company for the long term as I feel supported with the above mentioned.

Being a teacher at SimplySmart Montessori is truly a rewarding experience. Every day, I am fully engaged in the children’s learning journey, and it’s inspiring to watch them grow and explore with curiosity. Through this role, I’ve learned to be more professional and intentional in my work. The management team is always open to listening and supporting staff needs, which creates a strong sense of trust. The workplace culture is built on unity and celebrates diversity, making it a positive and inclusive environment. I don’t really see any part as the “hardest” because there is always support when things feel overwhelming. The most enjoyable part is that I genuinely look forward to each day working with the children and alongside such a wonderful team makes it a place I truly love.

SimplySmart Child Care and Montessori has core values which do not aline with how they act as a company. Upper management does not support the classroom educators or anyone beneath them. Staff are scared to take days off or ask for anything from their Supervisors and Area Managers.

The owners are no help as they are too busy opening new centre's, rather than taking care of the ones they already own and ensuring they are run and managed properly.

The environment is a very toxic and stressful one, to say the least. Even the parents constantly question the high turnaround of staff and all of the changes.

The first couple weeks will seem fine, and then it will hit you. Go for non-profit or a private centre where the owner cares less about making more money and more about the service they are providing and the employees that are running their sites.

SimplySmart Child Care and Montessori has core values which do not aline with how they act as a company. Upper management does not support the classroom educators or anyone beneath them. Staff are scared to take days off or ask for anything from their Supervisors and Area Managers. 

The owners are no help as they are too busy opening new centre's, rather than taking care of the ones they already own and ensuring they are run and managed properly. 

The environment is a very toxic and stressful one, to say the least. Even the parents constantly question the high turnaround of staff and all of the changes. 

The first couple weeks will seem fine, and then it will hit you. Go for non-profit or a private centre where the owner cares less about making more money and more about the service they are providing and the employees that are running their sites. 

* Lack of compassion for employees juggling full time work and parenting 
* Management doesn’t care about physical/mental well being of their employees 
*Low wages
* No appreciation of the hard, grunt work their employees deliver on a daily basis
* No appreciation of wonderful activities teachers bring in (often at their own expense) 
*High staff turnover rate 
* Lack of adequate supplies (for ex. high chairs and cribs) 
* Chaotic environment for both teachers and children as they are constantly being bumped from one room to the next in an attempt to remain in ratio 
* Out of ratio nearly every day
* Children are barely taken outside 
* Staff often have 30 min or no lunch break 

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Early childhood teacher 58 salaries reported	$22.85 per hour
Early childhood assistant 4 salaries reported	$19.75 per hour
Locator 12 salaries reported	$20.50 per hour
Teacher 10 salaries reported	$23.48 per hour
Site director 1 salary reported	$23.00 per hour

Working at SimplySmart Childcare Centre & Montessori: company overview and reviews

SimplySmart Childcare Centre & Montessori

SimplySmart Childcare Centre & Montessori ratings

Popular jobs at SimplySmart Childcare Centre & Montessori

Salary satisfaction

Job seeker tools

Employer Tools

Browse

Stay Connected