About RFTB

Right from the Beginning

Our Mission

At RFTB, we “greet first”, then “meet needs”. This shows our commitment to having an impact on our students that will go beyond the doors of the classroom. Our mission is to provide childcare that meets the needs of our children and their families. This includes having a safe environment and an enriched early childhood educational program while being affordable to all families within the area.

The Beginning

Right From the Beginning Learning Academy began as an idea in 2017. Erica Smith, a teacher with Polk County Schools for over a  decade noticed a trend in young learners promoted from K and 1st grades. Recognizing the importance of acquiring pre-requisite skills to obtain student success in both reading and math, the idea of starting a learning center was born. Right From the Beginning Learning Academy will focus on providing quality education and childcare while instilling the essentials to promote confident, well rounded young learners.

Our Leadership

Ms. Erica Smith has enjoyed 10+ years educating children from the ages of 4 to 8 years of age. She is a Florida native and grew up in Lake Alfred. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from South Florida, a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governor’s University, and has her teacher certification in grades Pre-K thru 3rd with the State of Florida.

Ms. Smith has worked in broad, diverse positions in the areas of management, finance, and customer service. She has received a Life Changer of the Year Award and 2 Teacher of the Year Awards with Polk County Schools. Outside of educating students, Ms. Smith supervises interns, provides mentorship to other colleagues, tutors students in grades K-3rd, and works as a test rater with Educational Testing Service (ETS) for the state of California. She currently works as a 2ndgrade teacher at Lake Alfred Elementary. Her leisure activities include spending time with her daughter who has a love for the arts, watching movies, and spending time with close friends.

Curriculum

At RFTB Learning Academy, we believe that opening up a student’s enthusiasm for learning is crucial for their success in school. We promote a release of responsibility to our students. The I do, we do, you do approach strengthens their independence as young learners. Students CAN learn and they WILL learn with the proper supports.

Hello! I’m Mrs. Nicole. Get In Touch Anytime!

(235) 342-1363