First Steps Early Learning Academy

My son attended this daycare in the infant room in 2020-21. After some time and deep reflection, I feel it’s important I share my experience with other parents. When my son first started, I did not have a car. This is an important detail because my son attended during the peak of Covid, daycare drop offs and pick ups occurred at the gate on the side of the property, an area that is uncovered from the elements. Parents had to wait in line in their cars as the children were checked in one by one in a drive through type of set up. Parents were not permitted inside the building. Since I did not have a car, I was made to stand in line amongst the other cars holding my child in his carseat (which parents know can be heavy) and my other bags in all weather, including the rain. Yes, I was forced to hold my child in the rain with cars lined up behind me, it was humiliating. Looking back this was VERY unsafe and completely devoid of compassion on behalf of Mrs. Forbes. Other parents often drove very close to me and were very rude and impatient with the fact that I was standing in line with them. When I’d walk to the gate with my son, other parents would often speed past me and drive around me to get to the gate first. It was dangerous that this was allowed to happen, you’re not even allowed to walk through the drive-through at McDonald’s because it is unsafe. After a parent drove their car dangerously close to me I attempted to ring the doorbell to the front (and covered) entrance of the facility to drop off my child there. I was told by Mrs. Forbes that I could not do that and had to wait in line with the cars. I finally did get a car, but I will never forget this and I wish I would have advocated for my son and myself harder, looking back I should have pulled him from the facility at that point. Covid restrictions are one thing, but the lack of regard for our safety and the lack of common sense and decency was astounding. How much effort would it have taken to come to the front door for hand off instead of making us stand in traffic? Another instance that made me question things at this daycare was the fact that my 11-12 month old was sent home with homework. By homework I mean he was sent home with a notebook directing him to trace lines, draw, cut and paste, etc all of which are developmentally inappropriate for a child so young. I started to wonder if there was anything else developmentally inappropriate that he was doing in the facility. Since this was around the time my son left the daycare, I just ignored it and obviously did not make my nearly one year old do homework. In all, my son seemed happy here. He loved his teachers and his teachers loved him too. I appreciate what Mrs. Forbes has done for my family, but memories of how I was treated when my son first enrolled still bother me. I was a first time mom in a tricky situation, but lessons were learned. I hope that time I spent reflecting on what happened Mrs. Forbes has done the same, but has also grown some empathy and compassion for some of the less fortunate parents who utilize this facility. I would not recommend this daycare.

Where do I start! From the very introduction with Mrs Forbes I knew that this is where my baby belonged. Between the care given and how attentive they are with each child. This is an amazing daycare. I will always be thankful for First Steps and the amazing people that are there. They are on top of the cleaning and give continuous updates on what your child is doing throughout the day. It’s hard enough to separate from the one you love the most. I was extremely impressed and relieved with the care my child got. I was able to build a lasting relationship there as well. 🙏🏾🙏🏾

I highly recommend First Steps as a beginning to your child’s growth & learning. We started the school year off in September & not even 5 months later my child went from being your ordinary 4 year old who loved jumping on the couch & watching YouTube, to surprising not only myself but the school itself. He’s learned so much from letters, to numbers to understanding his feelings. He’s flourished from the very beginning & all thanks to first steps & their amazing & wonderful team. I always say it takes a village to raise a child & first steps has been just that for us. He’s reading, he’s writing, he even teaches me new things EACH & EVERYDAY! Mrs, Forbes, the Principal, has always been nothing more than amazing. As well as all of the teachers who work extremely hard to make sure our children are safe, nurtured, loved & taught what they need to know to start kindergarten & using those tools provided that will stick with them for the rest of their precious lives. They shows genuine care for our children & has always wanted nothing but the absolute best for them. They really do deserve an award because without them, I wouldn’t know where we would be. If first steps was a school that my child could stay in until he graduates & would have absolutely keep him there. That’s how much I praise First Steps Learning academy. They’ve been nothing more than amazing in this journey. DEFINITELY highly recommend!

I write this review on behalf of first time parents considering day care. Early child development is vital since our little ones are sponge like. You can definitely tell a difference with those who are exposed early on and all Dad and I can say about First Steps is THANK YOU. We are grateful we were referred to this daycare center. Mrs Forbes doesn’t hire just any random person, they’re credited teachers with reputable background which is key. So far we love watching our baby grow who’s now a toddler. Any new thing he’s learned is thanks to his teachers. You’ll for sure get the “ he /she got it from daycare “ excitement when they surprise you with a new skill they’ve picked up. We love that they take the time to send pictures and updates, the pictures are our highlight of our day seeing him interact with friends and doing hands on activities. Children need a schedule and for that we are also grateful for. Dante now walks in happy every morning ready for another fun yet eventful day of learning. We love first steps. Worth the investment. Lastly we can’t say thank you enough to all the teachers at First steps. They all have lives outside of the center and their endless support to pour into our little ones does not go unrecognized. You are appreciated.

We have been with first steps since January 2023. My daughter has attended the daycare and now enrolled in UPK and we love it. We love the teachers and she loves her friends. I love how the teachers keep me informed with everything throughout the day and if my child isn't feeling well they inform me a d keep an eye on her if the situation gets worst or better. My child has learned a lot since attending and I am very grateful for this group of professional individuals. Mrs.Forbes has been nothing but respectful and compassionate of my situation if any and very informative and gets back quickly to my concerns or questions. I would recommend this being your first tour of looking for a daycare. This was my second tour upon moving up here and my daughter was instantly comfortable and chatting which has only happened once since being in an daycare setting this is how I knew this was the school for us. Yes I said SCHOOL. First steps is more than just a daycare they actually teach your kids and not just play all day. We get homework and books to read weekly since attending UPK. My child is ready to take on Kindergarten in September thanks to first steps and also myself with helpful tips to continue the learning at home.