We recently graduated from First Steps and are so thankful our son was able to attend since he was 5 months old. We had a really wonderful experience with all of the teachers and classrooms. They helped guide us through feeding and nap transitions and through all major milestones. Our son loved the experienced teachers and exposure to other children too. He also made so many friends that he continues to go to preschool with, which made the transition to preschool so much easier! Kelsey and all of the teachers are so caring and supportive, I can't recommend their program enough! read more

Finding a great day care for our little guy was top of mind when we moved to Lafayette from SF. Luckily, we landed a spot at First Steps and have nothing but great things to say. The staff is wonderful. Very caring people that are sweet, kind and thoughtful of the children they care for. Kelsey, Brenda, Arianna are awesome and our son still talks about them. Big open yard for play time and lots of great art projects the kids bring home! Highly recommend and will be taking our second child there as well! read more

My son graduated from First Steps yesterday. It was so cute to see him give his teachers extra love, hugs, laughs and being silly with his teachers. The amount of care the teachers have given my son was beyond amazing and it shows through him. Thank you for loving him, being patient and teaching him many things. They deserve the best of the east bay award for child care in the area! We will miss FSLC soooo much! The transition from here to preschool will be a difficult one for him. read more

First Steps Learning Center - Child Care & Day Care Near Me - Lafayette, California

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This is my second review because my second kid just went through First Steps as well! We could not think of a better place to have our kids during their infant years. Both my kids started here at 3 months and we even did two pick ups/drop offs on when our second was born just to have him here. We have felt so comfortable with them taking care of our family. The staff here is amazing and and great with kids.. Kelsey the director is excellent and is great with communication. Both my kids loved going here and I can't thank them enough!! We will miss them dearly!! read more

No doubt leaving your child in the hands of strangers is no easy feat. Challenging for the baby/toddler, and more so challenging for the parents. First steps mantra is "routine" and "patience". They have a vetted system to help you feel at ease (if that's at all possible) and have an ability to help your baby and toddler transition with minimal anxiety. Pros: - they care and it shows. Empathy goes a long way and they read the child and situation accordingly to help handle crying babies, separation anxiety, and needs (food, entertainment, attention). - the set structure helps kids become patient. During your tour watch how all the kids are sitting at the tables eating food quietly, or playing with one toy. - extremely clean - open playground and because they go out all together, there are more adults outside playing (not just watching) the kids. - activities from art, playtime, reading, bubbles, sand, sensory toys - good potty / diaper changing routine (they constant change diapers; which is really good and hygienic oriented: no rashes) - classrooms look small but more than big enough for the six or so kids. - nap time pads are a nice and clean - introduction tour was detailed. (Would recommend first steps to have Adriana and Kelsey both give the tour since they have different strengths in communication. Also a wall or flyer with the teachers names and pictures to help personalize the place from the get go. - your kid smiles when seeing the teachers/care takers - daily written reports (on food, activities, and incidents) - I've watched the staff from inside or from my car for a good ten plus minutes on several occasions before announcing my pickup/arrival, and they truly treat the kids with care. It's not a show during the tour or just when they see you. - halloween dress up with kids and staff is great - art projects and take homes are creative and keepsakes - location is near Bart, and freeway access. Cons: - sometimes communication with the teachers feels robotic or scripted, especially early on. It could be they get the same questions "how he/she do?" And they just want to respond "good."and move on with their day. Or they are afraid of saying it was a bad day in details. It's rare, but there are some days where you leave with the feeling of "did they tell me the truth?" Getting to know the teachers personalities over time eased that fear/trust issue. Talk to them from time to time, don't just drop off/ pick up and go. - snacks on the table (no plates) feels unclean but works since they are constantly cleaning. - entry hallway is small and cramped (could be cleaned out/repainted) - late policy is fair but costly since it's priced by minute (like most daycares). But I appreciate them staying without getting overly mad at me. Obviously, no major cons for first steps or their staff. We miss them as our little one grew out of the program (2+). Would highly recommend them. You'll be glad you joined the first steps family. I recommend getting their schedule before you join and getting your child into that routine before you join to ease them into the pattern (food, nap, and playtime schedule). Thank you Adriana, Diego, Kelsey, and all the ladies in the baby room (who I had the pleasure of having nice conversations with; they really enjoy watching the babies). Heart felt thank you for being apart of my little ones life. read more

Our two year old spent the past 10 months at First Steps Learning Center and loved every day of it. It's a block from Acalanes High School, just off 24. They accept kids 0-24 months old. They're open from 7:30am until 6pm M-F. I think they have a few openings now (mid August 2020) but they'll probably fill up soon so act fast! read more

If you are looking for a center whose teachers are engaging and present, love what they do, and will provide the best care to your son/daughter, look no further! I recommend First Steps Learning Center with the highest regard. My son started at First Steps at 10 months old and had his last day today. We have watched our little baby turn into a bright, personable, little boy in 14-months and truly believe First Steps has played a pivotal role in his development. Aside from his direct care, the staff, especially Director, Kelsey, have provided a sense of comfortability for us as new parents and made the transition to daycare an easy one. Thank you so much, First Steps. You will be so missed! read more

My son went here starting when he was 8 months old till he turned 2. We had a great experience at First Steps, especially with Lina, Nieves, Lie, Brenda, Kelsey and Mariana. First and foremost, we had peace of mind when our son was at First Steps. The teachers in each class as he transitioned through the different classes, clearly communicated to us how he was doing. They were very accommodating with transitions when we first started, and also when our son had ear infections and needed medication during the day. What I liked most about First Steps, is all the fun arts & crafts they did throughout the day, and all the time my son got to spend outdoors exploring in a safe environment. As we transitioned to Preschool, I realize how fortunate we were with the ratios at First Steps. We always felt like he got the attention and love he needed throughout the different classes, and the teachers really cared about him. Lastly, Kelsey (Director) is very good about communicating with parents via email or text. She was on top of it when they got cited for things, and I appreciated transparency and the response to the citation. The ratios in the rooms were changed after the citations last year. read more

I love all the staff at first step. They gave such amazing child care to my daughter in the past year. My daughter loved her teachers. Little people don't lie. Their affection to their teacher are the best proof that teachers care about kids and gave them such nurtured care. Thank you so much first step! read more

I highly, happily, and enthusiastically recommend First Steps Learning Center. Our son started at First Steps when he was just over 5 months old. He was immediately welcomed and the transition could not have been smoother. I felt at ease with everyone I met and since First Steps had been recommended to me by a friend, I had a lot of confidence in our choice. Throughout our experience, I felt that my son was safe, well cared for, and loved. When he was old enough to participate in art, I loved seeing the cute, creative projects that the kids did for holidays and new seasons. The facility itself is clean and the age groupings for the various rooms are appropriate and make a lot of sense. Lastly, throughout the early months of shelter-in-place parents were given regular, proactive updates, which I really appreciated. I have been so impressed by how Kelsey, Center Director, has handled some tough situations. I have recommended First Steps to friends and will continue to do so in the future. read more

My daughter attended First Steps from 8 months until 2 years. I could not have asked for a better place. The director Kelsey communicates and responds quickly to parents. My daughter attended during Covid and staff took precautions to keep children and families safe. The teachers were loving to my daughter and were very helpful with my daughter's transitions (one naps, moving to solids, etc). I have recommended it to another close friend who's daughter is also currently there and have also had a great experience. read more

First Steps Learning Center is simply the best!!! Our son started at the center at 5 months old and just recently graduated at age 2 - the fact that we both cried to be leaving on his last day says it all. The teachers are absolutely wonderful, genuinely caring, and engaged with the kids. Kelsey, the Center Director, runs the school with such professionalism, pivoting to adjust to the new COVID world seamlessly - very robust safety protocols and good, timely communication. The center is very clean, the kids get plenty of outdoor time, and they do lots of fun creative activities. I also appreciated getting detailed daily update notes, and I always had pleasant conversation with the teachers at drop off and pick up with even more details about his day. In other schools my kids have attended, turnover of staff has been constant and frequent - First Steps has nowhere near the amount of turnover which is great for the kids and consistency. I wish my older son could have also had the chance to attend First Steps, knowing what I know now. THANK YOU First Steps teachers for giving my son such a wonderful, loving experience. We miss you!! Highly recommend!! read more

My child went to school here from the time she was about 5 months old and just aged out. It was a last minute decision to put her into childcare and we were so lucky that First Steps had an immediate opening. They allowed us to transition in which was really helpful. The first full day was hard for me but by day 2 she was so happy to be going to school here. Lina and Fahima in the infant room have been there a long time and are amazing with the babies. You can really tell that they enjoy their job and truly care for every child. Once they're able to crawl, they are moved to another room with other children at their level. Then once they are walking they move again and get to spend a lot of time outdoors! Each room is geared towards those children's needs at each developmental stage. The new director, Kelsey, is amazing. She worked as a teacher at the school and recently got promoted at the beginning of this year when the prior director retired. She is making improvements and revamping things around the school. It looks really cute now. During the children's last few months there (once they are moved to the oldest children's room and getting ready to transition to preschool), the teacher give the parents a weekly journal that is sent home on Fridays and brought back on Mondays. They make comments and observations of your child's day and write them down. You can also comment back when you return them. Once they graduate, you get to keep the journal. Let me tell you, it is adorable. I loved getting mine home every Friday and reading all about her week. It really keeps everyone on the same page and is an adorable keepsake. We are going to miss First Steps but know they have prepared us well for preschool! read more

Our family has had a fantastic experience at First Steps. Both of our daughters went their from 4 months through 2 years. Going back to work after having our first baby was very hard for me (I'm sure I'm not alone there), but the staff at First Steps was kind, patient and incredibly capable. I could rest easy knowing that my daughters were loved, cared for and were in the hands of folks who had MUCH more experience in early childhood education that I did. =) I have recommended this day care to many of my friends and family and will continue to do so. They are the best. read more

I toured here awhile back & could see for myself that they did not have the correct ratio of teachers to children. When I asked, I was told someone was 'on break,' but obviously that doesn't matter & they are still supposed to follow the ratio rules. I chose a different daycare. Subsequently, they were cited for that very issue & apparently a few other safety issues, as featured in this ktvu article. Buyer beware, they need to work on prioritizing safety. http://www.ktvu.com/news/california-s-daycare-inspection-records-are-a-maze-for-parents-to-navigate read more

We went here for about 4 months when my daughter was an infant while we waited to have an opening at our "first choice" daycare closer to our home. We had a pretty good experience - the teachers in the infant room were kind, attentive, and shared a lot with me about my daughter's day. As a new mom going back to work, they did their best to make me feel comfortable and sent photos almost every day my first month. My daughter seemed happy there and well-loved by her teachers - she developed on track and adjusted well. They were cited while we were attending - mostly things in the infant room - for propping bottles with babies, napping in swings, and in one room they have a room divider for napping children and the citation was that a caregiver was sitting outside the divider, where she could not see into the room, whereas caregiver is required to be in the room/able to see. All parents were notified and had to sign that we were made aware of the citation and that it was being addressed, so it was pretty awkward when that happened, especially since I was a new parent just adjusting. While I loved the teachers in my daughters room, I could never get comfortable with the daycare owner. I don't know what exactly it was - maybe a personality mismatch - but I had a hard time connecting with her. Often she did not feel genuine, and I just couldn't get the feeling that I completely trusted her. She was always around in the mornings but I got the impression she was only around for dropoff and pickup - when the parents were around. We very briefly considered staying here when our daughters spot opened up at the other center, but we moved her and have not had anything like the problems mentioned above. We didn't think it was bad, but we also didn't think it was great, and you want to feel great about where you learn your child for care. read more

Both my boys went to First Steps and I miss it everyday! Such an amazing place for my kids. They have loving teachers and made great friends. The teachers are so loving and do so many fun things with the kids. The hours are amazing as well for working parents! I highly recommend First Steps to any parent! read more

I highly recommend First Steps Learning Center for your daycare. I was very nervous about putting my 18 month old in day care, I had nannies until that time, but First Steps was the perfect place. The caregivers truly cared about my child. They cared about her development. Every day you get a handwritten note about your child's day. it includes something they did, how long they napped, and what they ate. It was such a huge insight into her day and put my mind at ease. They also send home every Friday a journal of their observations and antidotes about your child's week for you to review and ask any questions of them. The facilities are clean and have age appropriate toys. They sing sons and dance. The overall feeling there is very happy and joyful!! Kelsey is now the center's director and she is AMAZING. She is patient, and so genuinely kind. I would recommend First Steps to anyone. The only reason we left, is my daughter is now too old to be there. read more

Hands down the BEST childcare I've ever experienced and this is a first time parent so this is my only experience and it has been AMAZING! My next children will be attending. Love the staff, the director Kelsey is simply wonderful. My child is THRIVING THRIVING THRIVING!!!! read more

This is a great center for under 2 year olds. Both of my daughters went there and they loved it. The teachers are very caring and the directors were always on top of things and also very nice to talk to. Going back to work and raising kids is never easy, but they made my transition easy and I always felt my kids were very taken care of. read more

Our son spent one year at First Step (Aug. 2018-Aug.2019)before he aged out of the center. We loved the space and the teachers. We did love the teachers! Their program is divided into different stages and each child graduate based on age but also based on personal development. They work hard to personalize your child's experience based oh his needs. They do follow a schedule but they also adjust it based to the child, which I really appreciated it. I could not recommend them more! read more

My first child attended first steps from 4 months through 2 years and we plan to send baby #2 there as well. The staff is personable and very helpful to parents, they will even give you advise, if you ask, on early childhood concerns. They taught our child how to start counting and her first attempt at abc's. They read to the children and encourage them to participate in all activates. The children play outside when ever possible and always seem to have a great time. I defiantly recommend first steps as an excellent day care for babies. The reason I say babies is at 2 years they graduate and have to move on. read more

We are one year into our First Steps experience (if you don't count the time that my sister and I attended in the mid-80's, ha) and it has been really wonderful. Knowing that my daughter is happy and well taken care of while I am at work is just so valuable. I have yet to encounter a teacher I did not trust or had any kind of bad feeling about. All of the teachers know our daughter and engage with her warmly. When she was an infant our daughter had a medical issue that was relatively minor but involved some special care. The First Steps staff followed our directions exactly and gave us full updates on how things were going. I also credit them with recognizing the first signs of what turned out to be essentially an asthma attack. They noticed symptoms that I am certain I would have missed until they were much worse. Roseann, the longtime owner, is present on a regular basis and is quick to step in when a teacher is absent and to answer parents' questions. She also knows a lot about the preschools in the area, which is a big help since applying for those starts so early these days. There have been a few times that I believe our daughter caught a virus at "baby school" (as we call it), but I think that is just a fact of full-time group daycare. The mixing of the kids of slightly different ages at the very end of the day (typically after 5pm, from what I can tell) is also something I don't think can be avoided at most daycare centers. Anyway, we have felt really fortunate to have our daughter attend First Steps and recommend it highly. read more

We feel so fortunate for the love the teachers shared with both of our kids across the 4 years we were a First Steps family (ending in 2017). From when they were babies up until they were toddlers, our kids were (very fortunately! :) happy at drop off and pick up, and so were we. Even during separation anxiety phases, I would see them smiling/waving through the window by the time I would drive away, thanks to the connection their teachers developed with them. As working parents, it can be hard to be away from our kids, but we knew that they were in good hands at school and they were learning and developing in the company of other kids. The teachers were really attentive and noticed some things before we did (ie. Big things like that they were ready for next developmental step or so many small things I can't remember but just remember feeling, wow, that is so sweet of them to notice that this little thing will make my child feel better...like maybe changing them out of an outfit that we put them in that could itch them or something). I will never forget one of my daughter's teacher's teary-eyed goodbye during her last day in a certain room...her teacher said she would miss giving my child her lunch each day because she enjoyed that time so much. That meant a lot to me. I could feel the connection between my kids and all of their teachers during their interactions, laughter and chatting. During toddlerhood, they really helped my daughter pass through a tantrum phase thanks to their knowledge and kind consistency. Our pediatrician said what her teachers were doing was great and that we should follow their lead. For when they are old enough to play outside, I realize now how blessed we were for them to have the chance for hours of free play in nature and sunshine at First Steps. I think it's rare to have such a big open yard with so many variety of toys to play with, and to have so much time dedicated to outdoor play. At one point, I had the option to take a four month leave of absence from work and throughout, my daughter was asking when she would go back to school to see her teachers and friends since she was bored at home alone. Before that, my mom was always telling me not to feel guilty for working because the kids were so happy with the social stimulation and teacher guidance at their great school, and that experience really showed me that First Steps was indeed the best place for them :) Now that both kids have left First Steps, they love pointing and shouting excitedly, "that was our school!" whenever we drive by and we love stopping by to see their former teachers whenever we can. read more

My daughter has spent her first two years at First Steps and we can't say enough wonderful things about the quality of care and love she has received. She is moving onto preschool and it is with a heavy heart that we leave the teachers and other families we have gotten to know. We were impressed with the cleanliness of the facility and the amount of time each teacher would take with us when we had a question or concern about our daughter's development. We also had access to the owner through her cell phone day and night. As first time parents we felt reassured by this. My husband and I look forward to bringing our next child to First Steps as well . There is no better infant center in the area in our opinion. read more

Both of our children attended First Steps from 4-months-old when I went back to work, till they aged out at 2. Our son was there from 2014-2016 (under the old owner) and our daughter started there in early 2018 once the new owner, Kelsey, had taken over. All in all, we had a really positive experience. The teachers (especially in the infant room) are loving and attentive, and Kelsey made a lot of improvements to the facilities after she took over ownership. Parent communication also improved a lot (one of my major gripes with the previous owner). Many of the same teachers who were there when our son attended were still around when our daughter started, which I think is a good sign. Yes, they've had some citations over the years, but Kelsey was always very quick to communicate with parents in follow-up and take necessary corrective action. We're grateful for the wonderful care the First Steps team provided to both our kids in their early years. read more

If you have to send your infant to daycare, please consider Firehouse or a in home facility. We sent our daughter to this facility for six months,.. horrible experience. Our pediatrician at the time had us remove her. We had friends with children there who also had a poor experience but with working schedules as they are, did not remove their kids. On the flip side we sent our other child to Happy Days as a toddler - nice place - again if you have to send your child to daycare. read more

I really can't say enough good things about First Steps! My son has been there over a year now and he's transitioned well through each stage of its program. All of the teachers know him and what's he's capable of. I also actually really like that my son interacts with other kids outside of age group as well. Yes, in the morning or afternoon, sometimes the kids are mixed in together, but I think it's teaching him how to act with younger children. In addition, the younger kids (babies) can learn by watching the older children. In response to one of the earlier reviews that the staff is constantly changing, I actually think the turnover is consistent with other programs. With the 4/11 post, I was there with the turnover, but those teachers all left for personal reasons (too long of a commute, decision to take care of elderly mother, return to being a SAHM). With the turnover, First Steps was very clear that new teachers were coming in with posted messages and a bit of history on new teachers. One of the assistant directors, Lina, has been there for a long while, and she is a firm and fair, but EXTREMELY loving educator. Kelsey is the other co-assistant director with a background in young/infant education (I believe she has a child development degree). Lai has also been there a long while and even though my son is no longer in her group, she always asks about him and notes how happy he is. The rest of the teachers, IMO, are extremely loving and my younger son is excited to see them. Ms. Maria and Ms. Marilou are great with the older toddlers. Both my husband and I work full-time and have an older child. The entire FS staff knows us and happily greet my older son (it means something that they know his name even though he's never attended). It certainly goes both ways and we've made an effort to get to know the staff as well. We are going to be sad he's leaving there when he's 2, for sure. P.S. They have a nice outdoor play area as well, including a garden. read more

Extremely high turn over rate!! They sell you on low ratio and there's always an "extra floater" teacher in the room... so you think the ratio is low but this is just not the truth. If you pay attention to mornings and evenings... its usually chaos. Often times the center is understaffed. I have witnessed staff shuffle children back and forth to other classrooms to make ratios work early morning and in the evening at pick up. Thus allowing children to being exposed to every illness the center may have going around. I finally pulled my child because of constant illness and feeling as though something was just "not right". The owner says what you want to hear but you get the feeling she is just manipulating and deceptive. Certainly could no longer trust my child in their care. You can learn a lot when you get to know the teachers and start asking questions or better yet get to know other parents and compare notes... It is never about the well being of the children. My best advice is.............. IF you are currently a family within the center..... get to know other parents and ask questions and compare notes. Since leaving I have not regretted or second guessed my decision. read more

Our daughter went to First Steps from 6 months until age 2. She loved it and so did we. Cheerful, caring staff, flexible hours, and a nice big play area in back. read more

My two children, ages 2.5 and 5 both went to First Steps. One of my friends who still has a child there told me about the bad review that was put on about First Steps in April, so I had to respond and say I couldn't disagree more. First Steps is a wonderful and professional place to send your children for daycare. All the staff are extremely knowledgeable and so nurturing with the children. They know and respond to each child's individual need as I witnessed during morning drop off and evening pick up. I never once was worried leaving my babies there and driving off to work. Almost all the same employees who were there with my now 5 year old were also there caring for my 2 year old 3 years later. The staff truly love and care for the children. The owner was always very receptive to me and made me feel so comfortable from the moment I toured the daycare when I was pregnant with my first. You can tell she is very experienced and knows this business well. That being said, I will continue to recommend First Steps to all my friends who are and will be having babies. read more

All the teachers are caring and they are trying their best to feed my son. My son really likes going to the school and we are happy he is enjoying it. read more

I sent my child there and pulled her after 6 months. I gave it a try, but it just didn't feel right and safe. The teacher ratio was always an issue and the daycare was always under review by the California Department of Social Services. Two of the teachers in the infant room were wonderful, but the rest of the teachers were very impolite and always just sitting along the wall not engaging with the kids. I found myself not wanting my child to crawl/walk because she had to move rooms and be under the care of different teachers. I also signed up my son and paid half of the first months tuition ($900) and the NONREFUNDABLE $50 registration fee, but never started. It didn't feel right and safe again. My prior concerns leaving my previous child there all came back. The owner is very argumentative, dishonest, and I would never go to this daycare for the pure fact of having to deal with her. She never returned my $900. Might have to take her to small claims court and fight it! read more