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First Steps Logo
Teacher shows 'duck' card to preschool students in classroom. About First Steps Centers.

Who We Are

Every Child. Every Step. Together.

Our History

What began in 2011 as a single small center across from Walmart with just 30 kids has grown into two locations serving 200+ children from Atchison, KS and the surrounding areas.

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Today, First Steps includes both our First Steps on Main location and our newest venture, First Steps with Abbey, are part of a broader vision to create a central hub where families can access not only exceptional care, but also health, wellness, and opportunities to thrive.

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Playroom with tables, chairs, storage, and First Steps Centers. About the learning environment.
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Our Leadership

At the heart of everything we do are our people. Led by the mother-daughter, veteran directors, Kathy Harris and Nina Ostertag, our team brings decades of combined experience in early childhood education and care.

Our Staff

Get to know the talented individuals who care for your child at First Steps on Main. We are currently adding to our First Steps with Abbey team. Think you're a fit? View open positions.

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Mary

Teacher

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Alyssa

Teacher

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Haven

Teacher

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Terry

Kitchen Manager

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Ashley

Teacher

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Elena

Teacher

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Jodi

Teacher

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Grandma Sue

Volunteer

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Hayden

Substitute

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McKinzie

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Jaden

Substitute

Vision & Values

Our vision is for every child to feel seen, safe, and supported as they take their first steps into the world. To do that, we strive to live out our values daily at each Center through our daily schedule, our activities calendar, and beyond.

Our Community Partners

We maintain strong relationships with nonprofit partners to provide expanded services for families in the Atchison community.

St. Benedict's Abbey

Education is at the heart of the Abbey’s mission. The monks co-sponsor Benedictine College and Maur Hill–Mount Academy, and serve NE Kansas communities as pastors.

NEK-CAP Head Start

Head Start provides comprehensive education and social services for low-income families, with a focus on child development.

Atchison Pregnancy Resource Center

Operated by St. Mary’s Home for Mothers, this center offers free pregnancy tests and ongoing support for moms-to-be.

Highland Community College

The nursing students at HCC provide free child wellness checks each year to each First Steps child.

Recent Partner Collaborations

Careers

We’re growing—and we’re looking for teammates who believe in the power of care.

 

Our team includes not only early childhood educators, but also food service providers, and support staff.

 

If you value collaboration and serving families, we’d love to hear from you.

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First Steps is a trusted daycare in Atchison, Kansas, with two center locations providing nurturing care and programs for children from birth to age 12.

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Locations

First Steps on Main
1421 Main
Atchison, KS 66002

First Steps with Abbey
1900 N. 2nd
Atchison, KS 66002

Contact Us
 

© 2025 First Steps Childhood Learning Centers  •   Privacy Policy  •  Terms & Conditions  •  Site by Storyweaver Brands

Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

 

 

First Steps Childhood Learning Center, LLC and First Steps with Abbey, Inc. Kansas Department of Health and Environment License #0070309

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