ABOUT
Who We Are
High quality child care is extremely important in the social, cognitive, emotional, and educational development of every child. Smart Cookies offers a safe environment where infants, toddlers, and pre kindergarteners can feel comfortable to express themselves, while parents can feel
confident in their child’s daily care.
Our West Ashley preschool (located at 1717 Savannah Highway) is conveniently located on Savannah Highway across from Charleston Nissan Center and serves children aged infants through 36 months. Children ages 3 through 6 are served by our second campus, located at 1643 Savannah Highway.
Smart Cookies’ mission is to create a warm, joyful environment where children learn, grow, and develop strong foundations for life. We are led by our four core values: Quality, Integrity, Service, and Community.
Our Approach to Childcare
At Smart Cookies, we blend nurturing care, purposeful teaching, and plenty of encouragement. From 6 weeks to 5 years old, every child participates in developmentally appropriate activities led by our experienced teachers. Each program is designed with age-specific goals to support growth, learning, and discovery at every stage.
Researched-based Teaching Philosophy
Our teaching is guided by the latest research and proven best practices to meet the needs of every young learner. With a research-based, child-directed program, we’ve built a dynamic environment where children gain confidence, spark creativity, and develop the skills to become curious, capable thinkers.
Intentional Learning Environment
Our close-knit, family-like atmosphere allows for low teacher-to-child ratios and personalized instruction. From nurturing infant care to preparing preschoolers for kindergarten, we support each child’s unique developmental needs while inspiring a lifelong love of learning.
Our Directors
Ms. Amanda Jenkins
School Director | Smart Cookies - 1717 Director-1717@SmartCookiesSC.com
Experience: 22 Years
Degree: Bachelor of General Education
Credentials: CPR/First Aid Certified, Career Ladder Level 6
Ms. Amanda leads Smart Cookies 1717 with more than two decades of experience in Early Childhood Education. She began working in the field in 2004 and holds a Bachelor of General Education, CPR/First Aid certification, and Career Ladder Level 6 credentials. Her approach is warm, practical, and centered on helping very young children feel comfortable, cared for, and ready to learn.
After joining the organization in October 2024, Ms. Amanda began supporting infant and toddler programs with an emphasis on safety, fun, and early learning. She wants the school to be a place families love to bring their children and a place children are excited to return to each day.
Ms. Amanda lives with her long-term boyfriend and her young daughter. Outside of school, she enjoys walks at the beach, shopping with her daughter, and going out with family. Her leadership is focused on creating a joyful, safe, and educational environment where children can grow at their own pace and feel genuinely cared for.
SCHOOL DIRECTOR | Smart Cookies - 1643Ms. Cheyenne Ray
Director-1643@SmartCookiesSC.com
Experience: 10 Years
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Credentials: State Director's Credential/License, CPR/First Aid Certified
At Smart Cookies 1643, Ms. Cheyenne brings a welcoming leadership style shaped by her background in elementary education and early childhood care. She began working in Early Childhood Education in 2016 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, along with her State Director's Credential/License and CPR/First Aid certification.
Ms. Cheyenne joined the organization in October 2017 and supports infant, toddler, preschool, and Pre-K programs. She works to create a school environment where children, families, and staff feel safe, welcomed, and comfortable sharing both successes and challenges.
A longtime South Carolina resident, Ms. Cheyenne lives with her family and has a 10-year-old son. She enjoys camping and overlanding, cooking new recipes, swimming, and going to the arcade with her son and nephew. Her goal is to build a school community where every person feels safe, seen, and supported.