"We cannot say enough wonderful things about First Step Preschool and childcare. Our 3 older daughters have all done two years of preschool here, and we will be starting our youngest in the fall. All of them loved it and were so well prepared for Kindergarten. All of the teachers are amazing! They make learning so fun for the kids, they don't even realize it's work. Our 10 year old still talks about all the fun things she did at First Step! We highly recommend them to anyone who wants a truly wonderful preschool experience that will prepare their child for Kindergarten and beyond.

Curt & Jackie Rekstad 2017

"First Step Preschool is a finely tuned team which provides a solid foundation for young learners.  With the use of exciting and varied curriculum, the staff provides a warm, secure environment where each student’s needs are met both academically and socially with attention to exploration, discovery and fun."

Chris, Elk River

  "I am a mother of 3 and I sent my first child to First Step Preschool and had a great experience. With my second child I choose a church preschool close to home. While that was also a good experience, I felt my child didn't get the same educational experience my first child got at First Step. My third child was extremely shy, he was used to staying home with me and only really felt comfortable around family. I choose to send him to First Step initially because we knew other kids who would be in his class. My son was in Mrs. Lori and Mrs. Aleecia's class his first year. I felt Mrs. Aleecia was such a good help to him, she got him to like to come to school. The day would start with her pealing him away from me, but would end with him telling me how much fun he had and what he did at school that day. His second year I enrolled him in Mrs. Suzie's 3 day class. His other teachers were Mrs. Krisann and Mrs. Colleen. I cannot tell you how happy I am that these three teachers were a part of my sons life.  They made him feel comfortable in their class, he was happy everyday to go to school and and had so much fun. They made him feel like he was an important part of their class. That year, he learned every letter stroke, he knew letter sounds, and has a different attitude toward school. He cannot wait for Kindergarten! But the best part of that year was the improvement of his social skills. He made lots of friends and felt comfortable to talk to other adults like his baseball coach. He was almost a different kid! Mrs. Colleen in particular, played a huge part in my childs success. She went out of her way everyday to make him laugh and to let me know about all of his triumphs. She always encouraged him and just knew the right way to help him out of his shell. I cannot express how much she meant to me and to my son. And from what I've seen in other classrooms and in the halls at school that is a standard of all the teachers at First Step."

Thank you, Amy Albert

  "All three of my children went to First Step Preschool. The love and learning experience they received from their teachers and staff is exactly what you want your children's first school experience to be. The dedication of Paulette and her staff is second to none."

Jennifer Sundt, Elk River

  " Franklin LOVED his experience at 1t step and I felt so good about leaving him there. The teachers and staff where so friendly, and I LOVED how safe and secure the school itself was. Franklin not only had a blast there but he also learned a great deal! "

Jessie Iler, Elk River

  "Thanks First Step for a fantastic beginning to my children's educational journey!  Our preschool years end today.....but we will never forget you!  Special hugs and thanks to Paulette, Lisa, Amy, Lori, Aleecia, and Michelle for being a part of Alex and Anna's preschool years!"

 ~ The Bowmans

"I can't say enough about what a great program you have. My boys are in your kindergarten readiness program and they are doing leaps and bounds above what I thought they would be doing. They love coming to school every day and on Friday's when I say they don't have school, they say, "uuugghhhh" - you know in a 5-yr-old boy sad voice! :) "

Jennifer Wagner

 "If you live in or near Elk River, you must come check out this one!! Great Teachers, Great program and all three of my kids loved it!! You could not ask for anything better!!"

Stacy Kaluza

 "Amazing preschool! Thank you for all you do for my girls!"

Laura Britting

  "A great big THANK YOU! to all of you at First Step that made learning for Charlie J. so much fun! Being there made it hard to find a school as good in Seattle."

Carisa Johanson

  "I have sent all three of my boys to First Step Preschool and they loved it. The teachers are wonderful, they really make your child feel special and welcome. I personally love all of them! They makes sure your child is ready for Kindergarten on every level, socially and academically. I drive out of my way from Zimmerman just so my kids can attend First Step Preschool, I wouldn’t have it any other way! I love First Step Preschool!!"

 Alie Kirk