Staff are able to arrange a variety of interest areas to support all aspects of development in pleasant, inviting manner. Indoors children have access to creative activities with art, music and dramatic play: discovery with blocks, science/nature and sand/water play; and materials to develop reading, language and math skills. The outdoor space provides ample space, surfaces and gross motor equipment to stimulate a variety of gross motor skills. The outdoor play area also provides a wonderful natural environment being located in a forest area, providing teachers with ample opportunities to use everyday events to talk about nature and science. This is regarded as great asset, as the program reports, "The forest trees are a treasure to our playground."

Children can self-select activities that meet their individual development needs and interests. Teacher- directed activities help children to expand their learning and interests. Allowing children to learn through open-ended play activities with appropriate guidance and support from staff is considered best practice for young children. This is also supported by this program's philosophy. The program strives to "offer a high quality educational program in a Christian environment that is safe and exciting for a child to grow and develop." They hope that children experience "an exciting and rewarding time while at school, and develop a life long love for learning" while in their program.

First Step Preschool also takes great pride in providing staff, families and children with a safe and healthy environment. Hand washing and sanitizing practices continues to be important, and this is reflected in consistently good quality scores in Personal Care Routines. Great work!!

High quality interactions are also a strength of the program, consistently scoring high in this area. Children are respected and treated with warmth and affection, giving them a sense of security while they attend the program. Supervision is active and engaging to support children's learning and to protect their safety. Appropriate disciplinary techniques are used effectively and teachers support children in a problem solving process using "the peace flower' method to teach social skills. Consistently positive, warm and nurturing interactions support children's social and emotional development.

"The staff really cares about my child and his education and socialization. This is by far the best program I have seen for my child. He is only 3 and is already reading and doing simple addition and subtraction."

"We love First Step Preschool! It has been a great asset for helping our child to develop lots of different skills."

The program provides a written report twice each year and conducts parent/provider conferences at least once each year to share information on child's progress. This is also reflected in family comments.

"The teachers and administrators have provided me with information regarding my son's development and needs. I have been referred to outside resources at SD20 and the community when needed. The administrator is always available to discuss and address any questions I have about my son. They are also preparing him for kindergarten next year."

"I love the staff. They keep me very informed about how my child is doing."

Many families provided a variety of positive comments about the program:

"Very good communication. Kids are always calm and busy in activities. Everyone respects each other."

"Brain gym, sign language, Spanish - what more could you want! I visited other preschools closer to our home - no comparison! The warm, bright environment is full of multi-cultural pictures, education activities, and opportunities to learn! I love the Montessori aspect as well. Teachers are inviting, warm, and knowledgeable! I wouldn't trust my child to anyone else!"

"The staff is very attentive and does a fantastic job!"

"I absolutely love this school! My kids have a great time and learn a lot. I would recommend this school to anyone!"

"I am thrilled with this preschool and the teachers."

"I have had two of my children attend First Step Preschool. I am extremely satisfied and confident in the staff and volunteers. Both of my sons always looked forward and were excited to attend the school. I would highly recommend First Step to any prospective parents."

"Love First Step. I hope to keep all my kids in the program. :>)"

"The staff is very attentive and does a fantastic job!"

"My daughter loves going to school here. When I come to get her she doesn't want to leave. Also, any time I come to get her they are always busy doing something, i.e., painting and playing. There is never chaos going on."