Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Smith.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began my career as a preschool teacher, where I discovered my passion for working with young children and supporting families during their earliest years. After gaining hands-on classroom experience, I took the next step and opened my own in-home daycare, allowing me to create a more personalized, nurturing, and family-centered learning environment.
Over the past 12 years, I have grown Nicole’s Fun & Learning Family Child Care into a trusted, licensed home-based program in Columbia, Maryland. I have experience working with mixed-age groups, children with diverse needs, and families from various backgrounds. Along the way, I’ve continued my professional growth by pursuing coursework in Early Childhood Education and aligning my program with research-based, developmentally appropriate practices.
Today, I am proud to lead a program rooted in consistency, strong family partnerships, and whole-child development. My journey reflects growth, dedication, and a deep commitment to providing children with a safe, loving space where they can learn, thrive, and feel valued.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been a smooth road. Like many small business owners, especially in early childhood education, I have faced challenges along the way. One of my biggest struggles has been balancing my personal life with the responsibility of being the primary provider and decision-maker, often as the only employed person in my business. Managing a business, finances, family responsibilities, and personal well-being at the same time has required constant adjustment.
I have also navigated challenges related to inconsistent income, staffing needs, and the emotional demands of caring for children and supporting families year after year. There were moments when I had to learn to set boundaries, ask for support, and better manage my time and energy to avoid burnout.
Despite these challenges, each obstacle has strengthened my leadership, resilience, and problem-solving skills. I’ve learned how to plan more strategically, advocate for myself and my program, and create systems that support both my business and personal stability. These experiences have shaped me into a more thoughtful, grounded, and prepared educator and business owner.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Nicole’s Fun and Learning Family Child Care LLC?
Nicole’s Fun & Learning Family Child Care is a licensed, home-based early childhood program located in Columbia, Maryland, serving infants, toddlers, and young preschoolers in a warm, nurturing, and structured environment. Our program is rooted in the belief that children learn best through meaningful relationships, play-based exploration, and consistent routines that support the whole child.
We specialize in mixed-age learning, social-emotional development, and individualized care. Our program is known for creating a family-like atmosphere where children feel safe, valued, and confident to grow at their own pace. Using developmentally appropriate practices aligned with the Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD, we intentionally support children’s emotional regulation, early language, math foundations, and independence through daily routines and hands-on experiences.
What sets our program apart is the balance we provide between structure and flexibility, as well as the strong partnerships we build with families. We understand that every child and family is unique, and we pride ourselves on open communication, transparency, and consistency. Our small group setting allows for individualized attention, including thoughtful support for children with diverse learning needs.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the trust families place in my program. Many families stay with us for years and refer others because they see the care, dedication, and intention behind everything we do. As the Owner and Director, with over 25 years of experience in early childhood education, I bring both professional expertise and genuine passion to my work. I continuously invest in my growth through coursework, training, and program improvement to ensure high-quality care.
What I want readers to know is that Nicole’s Fun & Learning is more than childcare. It’s a foundation. We prepare children not only academically but also socially and emotionally, helping them develop confidence, kindness, and a love of learning that lasts well beyond their early years.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is my progress. I have weathered many storms, and being able to look back and see how far I’ve come brings me real joy. I take pride in pursuing every available avenue and opportunity for small business owners in Howard County, and each step forward reminds me that perseverance truly matters.
I am also happiest when I see the children in my care excited to come to daycare. Watching their happy faces as they learn, grow, and even imitate me as their teacher is incredibly rewarding. Those moments confirm that I am doing meaningful work and making a lasting impact during their early years.
Outside of my work, traveling brings me happiness and a sense of renewal. I love visiting California, and in the summer of 2025, I traveled to Europe for the first time and saw the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Being in another country made me feel like a whole new person. It was inspiring, grounding, and unforgettable.
I also find joy in taking care of myself by making it to the gym, spending quality time with my grown son and family, and enjoying fun outings such as museums, interactive experiences, shopping, and trying new places. These moments help me recharge, stay balanced, and continue showing up as my best self, both personally and professionally.
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