1. What are your operating hours?

 

We’re open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday, to accommodate working parents. We also offer some flexibility with late drop-off or early pickup—just let us know what you need!

 

2. What ages do you accept?

 

We take children from 6 weeks old up to 5 years old. Our programs are tailored to each age group, so whether your little one is an infant or getting ready for kindergarten, we’ve got them covered. We’re happy to welcome infants here because every stage of growth is so special. That said, we often suggest waiting until your little one can sit up on their own and start exploring a bit—usually around 6 months or so. That’s when they can really dive into all the fun, hands-on learning we have going on. It’s less about us and more about them getting the most out of the experience—grabbing toys, interacting with others, and soaking up everything around them.

 

3. What’s the teacher-to-child ratio?

 

We keep things nice and cozy here with a 1:4 teacher-to-student ratio. That means for every four little ones, we’ve got one teacher fully focused on them. It’s a setup that lets us give each child plenty of attention—whether they’re playing, learning, or just needing a bit of extra support. It’s all about making sure your child gets that personal touch while they’re with us. We want every child to feel supported and cared for.

 

4. Are your staff trained and background-checked?

 

Absolutely. All our teachers and staff are certified in early childhood education or a related field, and they’re trained in CPR and first aid. We also run thorough background checks on everyone before they start—no EXCEPTIONS.

 

5. What’s your daily schedule like?

 

Our days are a mix of structure and fun! For preschoolers, we start with a morning circle time, then move into activities like centers, art, storytime, and outdoor play. Toddlers and infants have a more flexible routine with lots of sensory play, naps, and cuddles. You can check out our schedule in our About Us tab.

 

6. How do you handle meals and snacks?

 

We provide breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack—all nutritious, balanced and kid-friendly. Everything we make is from scratch, including fresh milled bread and pasta, using fresh, organic ingredients as part of a whole food diet. If your child has dietary restrictions or allergies, just let us know, and we’ll work with you to keep them safe and happy. You’re also welcome to pack food if you prefer.

 

7. What’s your sick policy?

 

We ask that kids stay home if they have a fever over 100.4°F, are vomiting, or have anything contagious like pinkeye. They can come back once they’ve been symptom-free for 48 hours without medication. It’s all about keeping everyone healthy!

 

8. How do you handle discipline?

 

We focus on positive reinforcement—praising good behavior and redirecting when things go off track. For example, if a child’s upset, we might help them take a break and talk it out. No yelling or harsh punishments here—just patience and understanding.

 

9. What’s your approach to learning?

 

We strongly believe in the power of play-based learning as the foundation for early childhood development. Through hands-on experiences, children engage in activities such as building, painting, singing, and imaginative play, allowing them to explore, discover, and learn in a natural and enjoyable way. Play-based learning fosters essential life skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and cooperation. Children develop social-emotional skills through group play, learning how to share, collaborate, and express themselves in a supportive environment.

 

For our preschool-age children, we seamlessly integrate early literacy and foundational math concepts into play, ensuring that learning feels exciting and engaging rather than structured or forced. Whether it’s storytelling, counting games, or interactive puzzles, we introduce academic concepts in a way that nurtures curiosity and a love for learning. Our goal is to create a stimulating and nurturing space where children learn through play, build confidence, and develop a strong foundation for future success.

 

10. How do you communicate with parents?

 

We keep you in the loop with daily updates—what your child ate, how long they napped, and any fun moments. We use Brightwheel, an app for photos and messages, and we’re always happy to chat at pickup or set up a call if you’ve got questions.

 

11. What’s your tuition, and what does it cover?

 

Our program has no hidden or extra fees—just tuition and a one-time registration fee of $100. Tuition covers all meals, as well as arts and crafts activities. We discuss tuition rates during the tour.

 

12. How do you keep the facility safe and clean?

 

Safety is our top priority. Only approved parents, authorized contacts, and emergency contacts listed on the child’s enrollment form are allowed to pick up. We clean and sanitize everything daily— toys, surfaces, you name it.

 

13. What happens if my child gets hurt or sick during the day?

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At our daycare/preschool, the health and safety of your child is our top priority, and we take every precaution to prevent accidents and illnesses. Thanks to our vigilant supervision, safety measures, and proactive approach, we have never had a medical emergency. However, we have clear protocols in place should any situation arise.

• Minor Injuries (e.g., scrapes, small cuts, bruises): If your child experiences a minor injury, such as a scraped knee or a small bump, our trained staff will clean the wound, apply basic first aid if necessary, and provide comfort and reassurance. We will document the incident and inform you at pickup.

• Illness or More Serious Injuries: If your child becomes ill or sustains a more significant injury, we will contact you immediately to discuss the next steps. Depending on the situation, this may include:

  • Monitoring symptoms and providing appropriate care until you arrive.

  • Recommending that your child be picked up early if they are too unwell to participate in activities.

  • Seeking medical attention if the injury or illness requires professional evaluation.

• Emergency Situations: While we have never experienced a medical emergency, we are fully prepared to respond swiftly and appropriately if needed. Our emergency response plan includes:

  • Immediate communication with parents or guardians.

  • Calling 911 or transporting the child to the nearest medical facility if necessary.

  • Ensuring that a trained staff member stays with the child at all times to provide comfort and care.

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Our staff is certified in first aid and CPR, and our facility is equipped with first aid kits to handle any medical needs. Additionally, we conduct regular safety checks, implement preventive measures, and closely monitor children to minimize risks and ensure a safe environment.

Your child’s well-being and comfort are our priority, and we are committed to preventing accidents while being fully prepared to handle any situation with professionalism and care. If you have any specific medical concerns or instructions regarding your child’s health, please inform us so we can ensure the best possible care.

 

14. Can I visit or tour before enrolling?

 

Of course! We’d love to show you around. Just schedule a time that works for you, and we’ll walk you through the classrooms, playground, and everything else. Bring your little one along—they might want to check it out too!

 

15. How do you help kids transition into daycare/preschool?

 

We understand that starting daycare/preschool is a significant change for both children and parents. Our goal is to make this transition as smooth, comfortable, and stress-free as possible for your child. To support a positive adjustment, we recommend that the first two days to be half-days, allowing your child to gradually acclimate to the new environment, routines, and caregivers. After this initial period, we will assess their comfort level and adjust accordingly, ensuring that the transition is at a pace that works best for them.

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Every child adjusts differently—while some adapt quickly, others may need additional time and support. Our experienced staff will use a variety of strategies to help ease the transition, including:

• Engaging activities to keep them occupied and comfortable.

• Outdoor play to provide a refreshing change of scenery.

• Quiet time and space to allow them to decompress if needed.

• Gentle reassurance and individualized attention to help them feel secure.​

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We will closely monitor your child's progress and keep open communication with you throughout this process. If additional time or adjustments are needed, we will work together to find the best approach.

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Your child’s emotional well-being is our top priority, and we are committed to making this transition a positive experience for both your child and your family.

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16. What countries/cultures are the students in your program from?

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While most of our students were born in the United States, our First Steps community is wonderfully diverse, with families from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds. We have children whose parents originate from countries such as India, Eastern Asia, various parts of Europe, and many more. This rich diversity creates an inclusive environment where children learn to appreciate different cultures and traditions from an early age.

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17. Do the children only speak Spanish at daycare/preschool?

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No, our daycare/preschool incorporates both Spanish and English into daily activities. While Spanish is our primary language of instruction, we introduce English naturally to support language development and ease communication. Children also interact with one another in English or other languages they may speak at home.

For children who do not speak Spanish at home, we provide a gentle transition process by incorporating English when needed to help them feel comfortable and confident. Our goal is to create an immersive yet supportive bilingual learning environment that fosters language skills, cultural appreciation, and smooth social integration.

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The Benefits of Learning a Second Language at an Early Age

Research shows that exposing children to multiple languages before the age of five offers numerous cognitive, social, and academic benefits, including:

• Enhanced Brain Development – Learning two languages strengthens cognitive abilities, improving memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.

• Stronger Communication Skills – Bilingual children often develop better listening skills and a deeper understanding of language structures.

• Greater Cultural Awareness – Exposure to different languages fosters open-mindedness, empathy, and an appreciation for diverse cultures.

• Academic Advantages – Studies indicate that bilingual children often perform better in subjects like math, reading, and problem-solving later in school.

• Long-Term Career Benefits – Being bilingual provides an advantage in today’s globalized world, offering more career opportunities in the future.

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18. Do children get confused when exposed to multiple languages?

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No, children do not get confused when learning multiple languages at an early age. In fact, young children have a remarkable ability to differentiate and absorb languages naturally. Their brains are highly adaptable, allowing them to learn multiple languages without interfering with their development in either one. Over time, they become skilled at switching between languages effortlessly—a skill known as code-switching, which enhances mental flexibility and communication abilities. At First Steps, we ensure that bilingual learning is a fun and interactive experience, allowing children to gain language skills in a natural and supportive environment.

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19. How does your daycare/preschool prepare children for Kindergarten?

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Our program ensures children are well-prepared for Kindergarten by focusing on early literacy, math, social-emotional skills, and classroom readiness through play-based learning.

• Early Literacy & Math – We introduce letter recognition, phonics, counting, shapes, and simple problem-solving in a fun and engaging way.

• Social & Emotional Development – Children learn to share, take turns, follow instructions, and express emotions appropriately.

• Classroom Behavior & Independence – We help children practice sitting for group activities, transitioning between tasks, following routines, and managing basic self-care.

• Hands-On Learning – Through arts, music, outdoor play, and role-playing, we encourage creativity, teamwork, and curiosity.

• Building Confidence – We create a supportive environment where children feel excited and ready for the next step in their education.

By the time they enter Kindergarten, they will have the skills, confidence, and independence to transition smoothly and thrive in a structured classroom setting.