Building A Strong Educational, Emotional, & Social Connection
By Developing The Whole Child Through Nature, Community, & Kindness
Meet Shannon Smith
Hello! My name is Shannon Smith, and I’m the Owner of A Kid’s World. I have 4 beautiful daughters and one granddaughter who are the light of my life! I grew up in Walton & Newton County, so I am privileged to call this area home.
I have Degrees in Psychology from Georgia State and Early Childhood Education from the University of Cincinnati. I also have a National Administrators Credential and a Technical Childcare Certificate. In my spare time, I enjoy running. I began running in 2009 and have run two full marathons (26.2 miles), 80 half marathons (13.1 miles), and too many 5Ks to count! In 2012, I ran 12 ½ marathons in 12 months (1 half marathon a month for every month)
I opened A Kid’s World in 1997 with a vision to bring our brand of high-quality childcare to Walton County. At A Kid’s World we are cultivating healthy minds and bodies through the power of physical activity. At our centers, we are not just about childcare; we’re about cultivating a love for nature and physical well-being.
Our unique approach combines the wonders of a farm experience with early childhood education, creating an environment where children can connect with nature, learn about healthy eating, and, most importantly, stay active and fit. We offer an array of hands-on activities, from tending to our garden and animal friends to exploring our natural playgrounds.
In November 2022, A Kid’s World expanded to a second location in Newton County. We are super excited to bring our vision of child care to Newton County.
Not many people are able to say that their job truly makes a difference in the world. However, I am blessed to be able to make that difference with the children in our community every day. Our family looks forward to continuing to provide this level of care for many generations to come!
Creating An Environment Built On Nature Education & Stewardship
Our mission is to create an environment that puts nature education and stewardship at the foundation of our program while building a strong educational, social, and emotional connection for your child.
Growing Your Child Through Nature, Community, & Kindness
Our vision is to empower children to grow to their unique potential using proven curriculums and a holistic learning approach for developing the whole child through nature, community, and kindness.
Our Core Values
Respect
We treat each family with politeness, honor, & kindness
dependability
Our families & team members can always count on us to be there
positivity
We are hopeful, confident, & think of the positive in all situations
quality
We provide an environment of excellence
kindness
We are friendly, generous, & considerate
First-Rate, Quality-Based Care For Your Little One
AKW proudly supports, encourages, and cares for your child through their early educational journey. Achieving first-rate, quality-based care through various accreditations and awards such as:
- GAEYC 2021 Program of the Year
- GA DECAL (Department of Early Care And Learning) Literacy grant site
- GA Farm-to-Table Early Education
- GA DECAL Bright from the Start/QRIS 3-Star program
- Governor’s commendation for wellness
Our certified Nature Explore classroom, one of only nine in Georgia, provides a unique space for your child to explore, learn, and connect with nature.
Proudly Offering The GA DECAL Bright From The Start Subsidy Grant To Qualifying Families
Community Partnerships Encourage Empathy, Responsibility, & Kindness
AKW participates in Walton Wellness’s Grow-a-Row program by contributing to their Mobile Farmacy bus and the public health program for kids. These programs encourage your child to grow, thrive, and blossom into responsible and contributing members of society.
Putting Your Child On The Path To Success
Your child’s teachers are passionate about nature, community, and kindness. Every interaction with your little learner is full of love, dedication, and a commitment to providing them with the best educational start possible.
Supporting Parents In A Warm Safe, & Nurturing Environment
Knowing that your child is in the hands of caring family members is one of the best feelings you can have. By choosing family-run childcare with a family-first atmosphere, your child receives the same love and attention you expect from extended family.
Developing The Whole Child Through Proven Curricula
Using the whole child approach to academics, social-emotional learning, and physical well-being empowers your little one to become a creative, responsible, and engaged citizen. Your child learns invaluable lifelong skills through proven programs, strategies, and curricula such as:
- Frog Street©
- Outdoor exploration
- Gardening education
- Yoga enrichments
- & more!
Our philosophy
Every child is unique and deserves kindness and respect in an atmosphere filled with unconditional love from teachers who tend to their personal and educational needs. The health and well-being of your child are of utmost priority—we bring in experts in both health and education to monitor and mentor your child so you can ensure the best care possible. Invite your child into a stimulating early learning environment where teachers and parents partner to provide all the love and support your child needs to reach milestones and feel a sense of personal achievement.