top of page
First Steps Logo
Playground with swings, slides, and climbing structures for children. First Steps Learning Center

First Steps with Abbey

1926 N. 2nd St., Atchison, Kansas 
Coming in Spring 2026

A pale yellow irregular shape on a black background
Group of people breaking ground, smiling, holding shovels. First Steps Centers
Construction phase of an interior space with exposed beams and First Steps Centers

About First Steps with Abbey

In 2021, St. Benedict’s Abbey purchased land on Atchison’s north side with plans to create a family-focused campus. Around the same time, Nina Ostertag and Kathy Harris—owners of First Steps Childhood Learning Center—approached the Abbey with a vision to expand childcare, having turned away families daily at First Steps on Main.

​

By 2022, First Steps became a cornerstone partner in First Steps with Abbey, a nonprofit collaboration supported by a $5 million Kansas Children's Cabinet and Trust Fund grant. The project will renovate two historic buildings, add 160 new childcare slots, and connect families to vital health, education, and workforce services.

​

The groundbreaking for First Steps with Abbey was held on June 20, 2025, with the goal of opening the new center in spring 2026.

​

Center News

Facility Features

Empty classroom with a bookshelf and toys near windows and door.
Children playing on a playground, balancing on steps, KOMPAN logo in the corner.

Expansive Outdoor Play Areas

Easily accessible from classrooms, encouraging outdoor activities.

Teacher demonstrating a science experiment to students at First Steps Centers

Dining Room

A dedicated space for meals and gathering several classes together.

Colorful paint bottles and dispensers in a wooden shelf at First Steps Centers.

Creative Spaces

A well-equipped space to create, make art, and learn.

Tablet displaying a passcode screen in front of First Steps Centers

Security Measures

Our facility utilizes surveillance cameras, entry systems, and a digital check-in system.

Basketball Court

Basketball Court

Older children can use the basketball court for practice or pickup games.

Washing Hands

Handwashing Stations

Little ones come with big germs. Our stations are easily accessible for children.

Picture your child here

Children playing on playground equipment, sunny park with trees and grass
Happy toddler smiling while playing on a small slide outdoors.
Aerial view of children playing on the playground, First Steps Centers.
Modern classroom interior with tables, a counter, and wooden floors First Steps Centers
Baby in yellow shirt with visible text, playing with a toy on carpet.

We are your partner in nurturing your child.

At First Steps we offer early childhood education, nutrition, play-based learning, and more.

Cartoon food elements: apple, carrot, and milk carton in a yellow circle.

Meals & Snacks

We provide breakfast, lunch, and three snacks each day.

Colorful artist's palette with paint on a bright yellow background.

Field Trips

Each summer we take field trips to the movie theater, parks, pool, and more.

3D rendered sun icon on a yellow background, weather symbol.

Outdoor Play

Both Centers are equipped with up-to-date outdoor play areas.

Cartoon school building with flag in a yellow circle background. First Steps Centers.

Transportation

If your child attends a local school for half day Pre-K, we can transport them back to the Center (fee applies).

Red calendar icon against yellow background, marking important dates.

Built in Vacation

Each child is allowed two weeks of vacation each year, tuition-free.

3D folder icon containing documents on a yellow background.

Resources

We partner with several community organizations to provide free health assessments yearly.

Interested in a career at First Steps?

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 wellness providers, support staff, and community liaisons. If you value collaboration, curiosity, and community service, we’d love to hear from you. 

Teacher interacting with children, First Steps logo, smiling, educational environment at First Steps Centers

Apply for the
First Steps with Abbey Waitlist

We are currently accepting applications for our waitlist. You can join the list completely online!

Yellow baby footprints on blue background. First Steps Centers logo.

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.

White Facebook logo on black background, social media platform icon.

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

bottom of page