A Gold Seal accredited Jewish/Israeli early childhood center — infant through kindergarten, at three locations in Davie and Hollywood. Hebrew immersion, kosher meals and Shabbat woven into a warm, loving day built on play.
Gold Seal accreditedInfant – KindergartenKosher meals3 locations
2006Opened our doors
3Locations in Davie & Hollywood
Infant–KAges we welcome
8Enrichment programs
Accredited & Affiliated
Recognized by the state of Florida
Learn and Smile holds Florida’s Gold Seal Quality Care designation, is a
VPK and School Readiness provider, and accepts Step Up For Students scholarships.
Gold Seal Quality CareFlorida’s quality designation, awarded only to programs accredited beyond state licensing minimums.
Florida VPK providerThe state’s free Voluntary Prekindergarten program for eligible four-year-olds.
Step Up For StudentsWe accept Step Up For Students scholarships. Ask us how to apply.
School ReadinessWe participate in the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County’s School Readiness program.
Music, movement, language and tradition are part of the program — offered throughout the week, across our classrooms.
Hebrew Language
A bilingual Hebrew/English staff member in every classroom. Children learn words for the seasons, the holidays and whatever the class is exploring that week.
Music & Movement
Weekly instrument exploration, new rhythms and songs — children's music, holiday themes, Hebrew, Spanish and Shabbat selections.
Drums
Self-awareness, listening, and coordination of breath and movement — plus early literacy, as children learn to sing in both Hebrew and English.
Yoga
Age-appropriate poses taught in sequence with music, singing and props. Children practice breathing, balance and creativity in every move.
Taekwondo
Self-respect, self-control, focus and courtesy through vigorous, joyful movement that builds coordination and balance.
Art Expression
Fine motor skills, problem-solving and early literacy through paint, color and a wide variety of media — creativity with no wrong answer.
Kabbalat Shabbat
Fridays are joyous. We bake challah, sing together, and welcome Shabbat Ima and Shabbat Abba for the candles, Kiddush and the blessing over the challah.
Enrichment Centers
Dramatic play, math, science, blocks, art and library stations. Children choose where to go — because play is how they build language and thinking.
Kosher mealsEvery meal and snack, prepared in-house. No packing lunches, no checking labels.
Extended hoursBeyond the standard day, so pickup fits a real working schedule.
Open Chol HaMoed & Erev ChagWe stay open through the intermediate days and holiday eves, when most programs close.
Judaic curriculumRooted in Jewish and Israeli tradition — the holidays are lived, not just taught.
A Day With Us
What the hours actually look like
Predictable rhythm, plenty of movement, and room to follow curiosity wherever it goes.
7:30 AM
Doors open & soft start
Gentle arrival, free choice at the centers, and a warm hello for every family at the door.
9:00 AM
Morning circle & Hebrew
Songs, the calendar, the weather and the week's Hebrew words — in Hebrew and English, together.
10:00 AM
Enrichment block
Music, drums, yoga, taekwondo or art, depending on the day. Every child, every week.
11:30 AM
Outdoor play & lunch
Big-body movement outside, then lunch together — table manners and conversation included.
1:00 PM
Rest & quiet time
Naps for the little ones, quiet books and puzzles for the children who've outgrown them.
3:00 PM
Small groups & discovery
Letters, numbers, science and storytelling in small groups where every child gets heard.
5:30 PM
Pickup
A real handoff — what they made, what they said, and what made them laugh today.
Message From the Director
“We encourage children to transform curiosity into inspired learning.”
I have been the director of Learn and Smile since 2006. In our first year we had two classes of three- and four-year-olds and 25 students. We have since enlarged our facility and more than quadrupled our enrollment.
Learn and Smile — Gan Batia, as many also call it — is known throughout the Hollywood metropolitan area as one of the best Jewish/Israeli early childhood centers, and a model of excellence for other schools in the area. Our daily practice is rooted in Judaic content and centered on Jewish and Israeli traditions and values.
We embrace parents as partners. Family involvement is an essential component in the success of every child, and we strive to support and complement the family in everything we do.
Ed.D., Nova Southeastern University
M.Ed., Queens College
Certificate in Administrative Leadership
Director since 2006
Live · Love · Learn
This is what the middle of a Tuesday looks like.
Hebrew circle, drums, paint on somebody’s sleeve, the yard after snack. We only give
tours on ordinary days — because the ordinary days are the reason families stay.
Tours run during the school day, so you see us exactly as we are — kids mid-project, Hebrew circle in progress, the actual noise level. Tell us a little and we'll call you back to find a time.
Meet the teacher for your child's age group
See the enrichment centers and outdoor space
Get current openings, tuition and the enrollment packet
Gold Seal Quality Care
Florida VPK provider
Step Up For Students
School Readiness
