Programs
First Steps takes a holistic approach to accomplishing its mission of ensuring that all children start school ready to reach their highest potential. We offer services that improve children’s health, strengthen families, expand access to quality early care and education, increase participation in four-year-old kindergarten programs, and help transition rising kindergartners into school.
Child Care Scholarship
Through locally & DSS funded childcare scholarships, eligible children receive reduced-fee tuition enrollment at quality child care centers. Scholarship funds are directly paid to child care centers to serve eligible children.
Scholarship funds are paid directly to child care centers to serve eligible children.
Parents as Teachers
Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a home visiting program designed to build strong communities, thriving families, and children who are healthy, safe, and ready to succeed.
This program is designed for parents and caregivers with children age 0-5.
PAT services include personal visits from a parent educator at least twice monthly; monthly group connections with other PAT families; screenings and assessments to identify developmental concerns; and connections to outside resources that families may need to succeed.
Countdown to Kindergarten
Countdown to Kindergarten supports transitions into 4K and 5K by connecting incoming students, their families, and their teachers in a series of one-on-one visits during the summer.
Scholarship funds are paid directly to child care centers to serve eligible children.