We are happy to share with you these testimonials from parents of children who have attended
First Step Preschool. We are also proud to announce that we received the highest rating (4 out of 4 stars)
from Qualistar, an early learning quality rating program. (For excerpts from the report, click
here.)
July 2010
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
September 2007
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
April 2007
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
Dear Ms. Geanina,
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
November 2007
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.