Dear Prospective Parents of First Step Preschool,

We are a family with four children, all of whom have attended (or will attend) First Step Preschool. When people ask our family about the preschool our children have attended, I always tell them that First Step Preschool is Colorado Springs' best kept secret! First Step Preschool, the teachers and its director, Geanina Brown, have loved, nurtured, trained and prayed for our children (not to mention our whole family) for more than six years, and we anxiously anticipate another memorable two years ahead with our last child.

When one is a new parent, it is often confusing (not to mention frightening) to think of leaving your child in anyone else's care. As a child grows, parents often realize that others sometimes can provide the child with a little extra spice and life experiences that the parents cannot. On our oldest child's first visit to First Step Preschool, I was impressed with the structured curriculum, foreign language study, body movement classes, creative art projects, Bible verse memorization, bi-yearly programs, and the consistent love and encouragement the staff provides each child. There aren't enough words to describe all that First Step Preschool encompasses, but suffice it to say that First Step makes entrusting your precious child to another's care a true delight and blessing!

First Step is more than just a preschool, it is a community that functions as the fingertips of God. I'll never forget attending a Mother's Day tea for my oldest, while my then-youngest child screamed for nearly the entire time. Another parent who was a nurse, as well as the director Geanina Brown, swooped in to comfort my young infant the best they could so that my oldest child could have her special time with mom! This is just one example of how the First Step community reaches out in love. Whenever the school or the associated church has a need, the parents and families of the school are often right there, ready to help. When a family in the school is hurting due to a change in family structure, the loss of a family member, or a job loss, the need is often seen and the First Step community reaches out. But the love and kindness toward others doesn't halt within the confines of the preschool walls, often families hurting outside the First Step community are brought forth to the school and the members of First Step dig deeply to help those in need. This outpouring of love towards others isn't expected or demanded; it just happens naturally from the outflow of the loving experience that indwells at First Step!

First Step Preschool deserves to be more than just this region's best kept secret! This school's name and legacy should not only be passed on to a new generation of preschool parents; it should be touted across the city and community as the cream of the crop! Yes, my friends, it is time to let the secret out: First Step Preschool is the best! First Step Preschool is a positive and loving start to your child's education! First Step Preschool is a community that cares! First Step Preschool is where kids want to be!

Prescious Blessings,

The Hallgarth Family

Dear First Step Preschool,

Before I was a teacher at First Step, I was a parent of two precious little preschoolers! They loved their time here and learned so much! I wanted you to see how my daughter, at three years old, learned the Pledge of Allegiance at First Step! It's just one of the examples of why I love this little preschool in the forest!

Sincerely,

Kara Broussard
Teacher
All Stars Classroom

Dear Future First Step Families,

My family, with daughters ages 8 and 5, is in our fifth year of attending First Step Preschool and we want to offer you our personal, very highest recommendation for this outstanding program, amazing staff, and beloved director Geanina Brown. We never would have expected to find a second family there as well, yet the school and staff have welcomed all of us with open arms and we will always feel honored as a special part of the First Step Family. Here we stand today with two intelligent, kind, social girls, who were taught, accepted and loved at First Step; all of which contributed a great deal to their growth and success over the years.

Throughout the time both our daughters attended First Step, we were always amazed at the quantity and quickness of what they learned-thanks in large part to lots of cool songs! Our oldest came home after the first week (she had just turned three) and knew her days of the week, months of the year, and that George Washington was the first president of the United States! As she progressed in her skills and entered the All Star (4-5 year old) classroom, the teachers took the initiative to print out 'sight word' sheets for us to work on at home with her, as they had been fostering and witnessing her reading in class. Thus, she entered Kindergarten at a high level, and the foresight and direction of her First Step teachers still follows her, as she is in 3rd grade with a 6th grade reading level today.

Our youngest daughter is an October baby so she actually started in the Little Monkeys classroom at two years old. The varied structure, re-enforced positive behavior, and endless avenues for play, creation, and expression keep all the children (most times anyway:) feeling attentive, excited and secure. Our youngest daughter thrived during both years at First Step, making friends with everyone of the other children, being cared for and valued by the staff, and filling walls and drawers of our home with worksheets and art projects, handmade Christmas gifts and fun pictures of her preschool years.

Since she missed the cut-off to enter Kindergarten this year, but I was no longer working in Black Forest full-time, we opted to find a new school in town for her rather than be in the First Step Preschool All-Star class for a second year. Now, that we have first hand experience of two other preschools (the first one we enrolled her in this year caused us to leave within two weeks!), we can say with certainty that THERE IS NO OTHER SCHOOL LIKE FIRST STEP! THEY HAVE THE BEST TEACHERS, MOST COMPASSION, AND SUCCESSFUL AND VARIED PROGRAM I HAVE SEEN! We thank God for 'Friday Fun' because we still get to stay connected to First Step when she drops in for the Friday afternoon fun session this year.

Everyone has their own experience, but I witness the First Step staff truly reaching out and making a connection with all the families. It is an incredible blessing to have your children attend this preschool and I am happy to answer any specific questions you may have.

God's blessings to you and your families,

Mrs. Konz

Dear First Step Preschool, 

We are so sad to say that our time at the most wonderful school in the world has come to an end! We discovered First Step two years ago when we were trying to find a place for our son, JP, to meet some friends and get used to some of the routines that come along with going to school. We had no idea then what an impact you all would have on his little heart. When we were looking at some other schools, we really liked most of them. However, when we came there and met you, Ms. Geanina, we knew it was the perfect fit. We will never forget the way you knelt down to his level and introduced yourself to  him (rather than just talking with us)! Every day since then has been such an amazing blessing. Not only has he shown incredible improvement in letter recognition, writing, and social development, but most importantly to us he has gained a very real understanding of his relationship with Jesus Christ. We are so proud of the stories, Bible verses, and lessons that he comes home and shares in such great detail! You all have become a part of so many of his conversations. JP can't wait to have a campout with you Ms. Tammy and he looks forward each week to talking with Mr. Dave. EVERYTHING we do at home or away, he can't wait to share with Ms. Geanina!

Obviously, we would recommend First Step Preschool to any parent looking for a warm, caring environment for their child to grow and learn. From the time you drop off your child to the time you pick them up, you can be certain that they are being shown the same love and attention that they would receive from you. We feel like JP has a second family at school and could not be more amazed at your dedication to your students. We are always impressed with the time you take to talk with us. We never feel like we are rushed in and out. You always make time to let us know about any successes and/or concerns there may have been that day.

We cannot tell you how thankful we are for all that you do for children, and especially the lasting impression you've made on JP. We will always treasure our time at First Step and will miss you all terribly. Thank you again, and God bless!

All Our Love,

The Cates Family

Dear Geanina Brown & Staff

We had the pleasure of discovering your warm and bright pre-school 6 years ago when we were looking for a place to send our eldest daughter. Our finding your school was by chance (I think the phone book), and we have been so thankful for our fortune. Since then, you have helped develop two more of our children's academic and social abillities and we are about to send you our last precious child because your staff and program are excellent.

All of our children were ahead in reading and writing when they moved on to elementary school. We were informed regularly of their progress and given feedback to help assist our children. When any of our children developed reading readiness books were sent home with them to help foster their continual academic progress. Art projects and writing papers were plentiful and helped develop letter formation, phonics, and sense of self.

Finally, we would like to say that our family is greatly appreciative of the work you have done to assist our children's growth. All are doing well in school and have fond memories of their experiences with you. We would comment to anyone what a wonderful school you have.

Sincerely,

The Kulbacki Family

Dear Geanina,

Thank you so much for all that you did for my daughter, Michelle at First Step Preschool. When I first approached you about sending Michelle to your preschool, you assured me that the Montessori style of teaching would be perfect for her. You explained that you would pay close attention to Michelle�s academic needs as well as her social needs. Since she was one of your older students and going through a second year of preschool, I was concerned about her being in a pre-k environment rather than another year of traditional preschool. I was extremely pleased with the extra attention you gave to Michelle�s reading and writing. You and your teachers guided her at a pace that was perfect for her. As a result of Michelle going through your preschool program, she is more than ready for kindergarten. As a matter of fact, she�s ahead of the game and is reading and writing above grade level! Thank you so much for caring so much for the students and for treating them all as individuals.

Sincerely,

Jane

Dear Ms. Dana, Ms. Geanina, Ms. Maeve and Helping Moms!,

Last week we had our family meeting after church where our girls go over whatever events of the week were important to them and to fill us in on what's coming up that's exciting to them.

Kendall went through all her school things and others, but when she did the Easter Story from the egg carton, it was absolutely incredible! She was so proud of the story and remembered everything about it. I wish you could have seen what your message sent to her and how heartwarming it was.

Thank you so much for all you do, how hard you work, and for the wonderful impressions you leave with our children as you shape them to enjoy the world of learning at school.

We appreciate you so much!

Sincerely,
Greg and Ronnette

First Step Preschool has played a significant role in my daughter's growth and development over the past couple of years. They have not only provided her with a beginning foundation for academics, but also with Christian-based values as a tool for interacting with others. The teaching staff is very kind, supportive and patient, and they encourage and welcome parental involvement throughout the school year.

Ann

Dear Geanina,

I stumbled upon First Step Preschool entirely by accident going through the yellow pages trying to find a preschool close to home. I have been so grateful for that accident as it has been a wonderful experience for our two children.

My son started at First Step when he was 3 ½. He was a very shy child who did not want to participate in the group activities and had separation issues for most of the first year. By the end of his second year he was a totally different child. He had become a leader in the class and was willing to participate in everything. He loved going to school and learning and playing with all his friends. It was amazing to see the change in him. He is in Kindergarten this year and continues to be a leader in his class. His teacher has commented that he is in the top portion of his class in all areas of study. She also complimented the preschool for preparing him so well for Kindergarten.

First Step Preschool taught him the normal things you would expect a child to learn at preschool and much more. He came out knowing how to count past 100 and was able to identify double and triple digit numbers. He was learning sight words and sounding out words to begin reading. Besides the typical A, B, C and 1, 2, 3 curriculum he also learned life skills such as his address, phone number, and the importance of using good manners. These are all things that we were teaching him at home, but having them reinforced in a different way at preschool has really made these lessons stick with him.

My daughter is in her second year of preschool there and has excelled there as well. She loves her teachers and they are so loving and kind with her as well. She will go to Kindergarten next year and we will greatly miss the First Step Preschool staff. I simply cannot say enough wonderful things about this preschool and the staff. After three years of having children attend First Step, the staff feels like family and I feel as if they have treated my children as their own.

Jill