First Step School Early Learning Program

We pulled our baby out of First Step after one month. The deciding factor revolved around milk and food. First Step wanted us to start her on rice cereal around three months, which was not something our pediatrician had recommended. When we told one of the teachers that we wanted to ask the pediatrician about starting rice cereal, she responded that we didn’t need to consult a pediatrician on this. When we asked why they wanted her on rice cereal they told us it was to keep her more full for longer. Around this same time they started asking us to bring progressively more milk/formula for the day. When our baby started at three months we were sending 10-12oz per day. A few weeks in they asked us to send over double that, 5x6oz bottles for a total of 30oz. When we asked the pediatrician, she told us that the 30oz they were requesting was on the high end of what the baby should be consuming in a 24-hour period, and of course the baby was only at daycare for about 8 of those hours. The doctor recommended we send 12-16oz for the 8-hour period. When we told the Assistant Director that we would be following the pediatrician’s guidance for how much to feed our baby, she responded by asking us what we wanted them to do when the baby was crying, if not feed her. The implication was that feeding was the first and only soothing technique that was available to them. Shortly after this, we pulled our baby out. After we switched to a different daycare and have seen how another one functions, there are further things about First Step that I wish I had questioned more: - The baby/adult ratio was high, and they optimized for least coverage, clocking the teachers out when the number of kids dropped below a threshold - Teachers and parents walked in their shoes across the same floor the babies were crawling on - Babies who could walk were in the same classroom as babies who couldn’t - The baby classroom was very small and didn’t have much sunlight - There were no rocking chairs in the baby classroom We are glad we switched to a different Center.

My experience with First Step has been nothing short of amazing! Every week, my child is excited to go, and it’s clear how much he loves being there. The teachers are all incredible—so attentive, caring, and truly dedicated to each child’s growth. The office staff is equally wonderful, always friendly and welcoming. It’s incredible to see how much my child has learned in such a short amount of time, and his happiness speaks volumes about the positive environment at First Step. Special thanks to Ms. Tina and Ms. Kimberley, who have been so helpful and understanding. Their kindness and patience really make a difference. If you’re looking for a school where your child will thrive, be happy, and feel supported, I highly recommend First Step!

I have two kids that go to First Step and I love when I go to pick them up they are always having fun or learning something new. My son’s teacher speaks English, Spanish and sign language to him, I love it! My daughter’s teachers are teaching her baby signs and helping with her developmental milestones. I recommend First Step and I love seeing the owner/director, assistant directors and teachers with friendly faces. Very family based school and welcoming.

My daughter has been attending since July 2023 since she was 20 months. She started off in the 1 year old classroom and is now in the 2 year old classroom. We are very happy with this daycare/school. With my job I have been in several daycares for observations where they just “baby sit” and do nothing with the kids. At First Step they have a specific curriculum they utilize with the children and are very engaging with the children throughout the day. We enjoy getting picture updates on the Kidzapp. The teachers and directors have been very communicative and have had open communication if I’ve had any concerns with prompt responses and resolutions. I have not experienced any negative experiences and my daughter enjoys attending here!

My daughter has been going there since September 2023 and although at first she would cry when I dropped her off, (after she had adjustment time), getting used to always being at home with mom to going into a daycare full time), she’s done great since then! Every time they take pictures of her throughout the day she’s always smiling! I love getting the updates throughout the day about what they have eaten and what they are up to.