Curriculum
Nurturing development at every stage.
Our curriculum at First Steps is designed to grow with your child, from infancy through preschool, using the HighScope approach to create engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences. Grounded in Christian values, our program integrates play, exploration, and hands-on learning, with activities that inspire curiosity and joy. We believe in partnering with parents, and we welcome you to join us in the classroom to support your child’s growth.
Discover more about each classroom’s curriculum below and see how we nurture children’s development at every stage.
Nursery
6 Weeks – 9 Months
Nursery | 6 weeks – 9 months
Loving Care for Your Little One
At First Steps, our Nursery Room is a warm, nurturing space designed for infants aged 6 weeks to 9 months. We create individualized feeding schedules to support each child’s unique needs and growth pace. Throughout the day, infants enjoy age-appropriate activities, including tummy time, sensory play, sign language, and music, all tailored to encourage early development.
In addition to engaging activities, we share daily Bible stories and songs, surrounding each child with the love of Jesus. Our research-based HighScope Curriculum is integrated into the Nursery, fostering cognitive and social growth in a Christian environment. Parents are welcome to be an active part of their child’s experience, with open invitations to observe and interact in the classroom.
Supplies:
- Family photo
- Infant formula prepared in bottles or breast milk in bottles or frozen in insert bags
- Food for breakfast (optional)
- Pacifiers
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
- Blanket sleepers (both summer and winter)
- Blanket
- Lotions (diaper cream, sunscreen, etc. signed authorization is required)
- Two full changes of clothing including socks, pants, and shirts that are appropriate for the season
- Clothing suitable for outside play for each season.
Infants
9 – 18 Months
Infants | 9 months – 18 months
Encouraging Growth and Social Skills in a Caring Setting
Our Infants Room at First Steps welcomes children ages 9 to 18 months, offering a caring environment where they begin learning basic social skills and develop at their own pace. Through age-appropriate play and small group interactions, infants learn to share, use kind words, and express their feelings. Each child has personalized lessons and goals that support their growth and exploration.
Our child-focused HighScope Curriculum provides enriching experiences, including stories, music, art, sign language, motor activities, and outdoor play. Daily Bible stories and songs are part of each day, helping create a nurturing environment that fosters cognitive and social development as they prepare for the toddler program.
Parents are encouraged to be actively involved, with open invitations to observe and engage in their child’s classroom.
Supplies:
- Family photo
- Bottles with formula or breast milk (prepared or frozen)
- Water cup
- Optional breakfast food if arriving before 7:30 am
- Pacifiers
- Diapers and wipes
- Blanket
- Seasonal clothing for outdoor play
- Two full changes of clothes, including socks
- Lotions and creams (with signed authorization)
Toddlers
18 – 24 Months
Toddlers | 18 months – 24 months
A Supportive Space for Growing Independence
Our Toddlers Room at First Steps welcomes children ages 18 to 24 months into a warm, structured environment where they begin learning basic routines and rules while continuing to develop essential social skills. Through parallel and small group play, toddlers practice sharing, using kind words, and expressing their feelings in a positive setting.
We use the research-based HighScope Curriculum, which includes individualized goals and activities tailored to each child. Toddlers enjoy stories, music and movement, art, sign language, motor activities, and outdoor exploration. Daily Bible stories and songs are also part of our routine, creating a nurturing atmosphere where young learners grow and thrive.
Parents are encouraged to actively participate in their child’s care and learning, and are always welcome to observe and engage in the classroom.
Supplies:
- Family photo
- Change of clothes appropriate for the season
- Diapers and wipes
- Lotions and creams (with signed authorization)
- Blanket for naptime
- Water cup or bottle
- Optional breakfast food if arriving before 7:30 am
- Seasonal outdoor play clothing
Two's
2 Year Olds
Twos | 2 Years old
Encouraging confidence through daily routines.
Our Two Year Old Classroom at First Steps focuses on helping children develop important self-help skills, such as eating, dressing, cleaning up, and beginning toilet training. With supportive guidance, our two-year-olds build independence while learning routines that prepare them for pre-kindergarten.
We follow the HighScope Curriculum, which includes circle time for learning colors, letters, numbers, and calendar concepts like days of the week, months, and weather. Each day is filled with enriching activities like stories, music and movement, art, motor skill exercises, and outdoor play. Daily Bible stories and songs also bring joy to their day, providing a loving foundation as they grow.
Parents are encouraged to actively participate in their child’s learning experience, with open invitations to observe and engage in the classroom.
Supplies:
- Family photo
- Change of seasonal clothes, including socks
- Diapers and wipes
- Lotions and creams (with signed authorization)
- Blanket for naptime
- Optional breakfast food if arriving before 7:30 am
- Water cup or bottle
- Seasonal outdoor play clothing
Young Three's
3 Year Olds
Threes | 3 Years old
Exploring, creating, and growing every day.
Our Three Year Old Classroom at First Steps is designed to provide a rich and engaging environment where children can explore, learn, and grow. Recognizing that each child is unique, we personalize lessons and goals to support individual learning styles, helping every child build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
We follow the HighScope Curriculum, which encourages growth in key areas such as:
- Social and Emotional Development
- Small and Large Motor Skills
- Sensory Development
- Creativity and Imagination
- Language and Communication
- Cognitive Skills and Knowledge
- Exploration, Discovery, and Problem Solving
- Mathematical and Scientific Thinking
Daily Bible stories and songs are woven into our day, sharing the love of Jesus in a caring and joyful atmosphere. Parents are invited to observe and engage in the classroom, actively participating in their child’s learning journey.
Supplies:
- Family photo
- Change of seasonal clothes, including underwear and socks
- Blanket for naptime
- Sunscreen (with signed authorization)
- Optional breakfast food if arriving before 7:30 am
- Water cup or bottle
- Seasonal outdoor play clothing
PreK
4 Year Olds
Fours | 4 Years old
Preparing for kindergarten with curiosity and confidence.
Our Four Year Old Classroom at First Steps offers a stimulating and supportive environment where each child is encouraged to explore, learn, and prepare for kindergarten. Recognizing that every child learns differently, we provide personalized lessons and goals that meet each student’s unique strengths and needs, fostering a love for learning that will last a lifetime.
Using the HighScope Curriculum, we focus on development in key areas, including:
- Social and Emotional Development
- Small and Large Motor Skills
- Sensory Development
- Creativity and Imagination
- Language and Communication
- Cognitive Skills and General Knowledge
- Exploration, Discovery, and Problem Solving
- Mathematical and Scientific Thinking
Bible stories and songs are part of our daily routine, creating a caring atmosphere where children feel loved and supported. Parents are encouraged to be active participants in their child’s learning journey and are welcome to observe and interact in the classroom.
Supplies:
- Family photo
- Change of seasonal clothes, including underwear and socks
- Blanket for naptime
- Sunscreen (with signed authorization)
- Optional breakfast food if arriving before 7:30 am
- Seasonal outdoor play clothing
School-Age
Before & After School Care
School-Age | Before & After School Care
Flexible care for busy families.
At First Steps, we offer before and after school care, as well as care on days off from school, for children ages 5 to 13. Our programs provide a safe, supportive environment with engaging activities tailored to each age group.
During Before and After School Care, We Offer:
- Age-appropriate activities to keep kids engaged
- Quiet study time and homework help after school
- Morning and/or afternoon snacks
During Days Off from School, Children Enjoy:
- Daily Bible time
- Free play for creativity and exploration
- Art and sensory activities
- Large and small motor skill activities
- Themed activities and games
Supplies:
- Family photo
- Sunscreen (with signed authorization)
- Seasonal outdoor play clothing