Careers
Join our staff!
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.
You'd be a good fit if...
You believe every child deserves a nurturing, inclusive space to grow and thrive.
You stay calm in chaos and find joy in the little wins.
You're energized by working with a team
You’re eager to keep learning and to help others grow, too.
Staff Perks
You believe every child deserves a nurturing, inclusive space to grow and thrive.
You stay calm in chaos and find joy in the little wins.
You're energized by working with a team
You’re eager to keep learning and to help others grow, too.
You'd be a good fit if...
Holidays & Leave
We are only open Mon-Fri, no late nights or weekends
Daytime Hours
We are only open Mon-Fri, no late nights or weekends
Free Tuition
We cover 100% of First Steps tuition for your child (up to 3)
Medical Services
We have partnered with AllWays Clinic to offer medical and preventative care services to staff.
Training
Each year First Steps covers fees for Early Childhood Education seminars.
Meals & Snacks
Staff has the option of eating alongside our students.
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.
Locations
First Steps on Main
1421 Main
Atchison, KS 66002
First Steps with Abbey
1900 N. 2nd
Atchison, KS 66002
Contact Us
Listed on September 1, 2025
First Steps with Abbey is seeking an experienced, compassionate, and organized Center Director to lead our team and ensure the highest standards of care for children and families. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in Atchison by expanding access to early childhood education while creating a safe, nurturing environment where children can thrive.
What You’ll Do:-
Provide overall leadership and management of the center, including staff supervision, family relations, and daily operations.
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Ensure compliance with all Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) childcare licensing regulations and standards.
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Recruit, train, and support teachers and staff, fostering a collaborative and positive workplace culture.
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Build strong relationships with families, maintaining open communication and trust.
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Manage enrollment, waitlists, and classroom placements.
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Oversee budgets, billing, and center resources to ensure financial health.
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Partner with community organizations to strengthen First Steps’ role as a trusted resource for Atchison families.
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Uphold the mission and values of First Steps by nurturing children’s growth—social, emotional, and academic—every day.
What We’re Looking For:-
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field (preferred, but not required).
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Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in early childhood education and/or childcare center management.
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Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
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Knowledge of childcare licensing, health, and safety standards.
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Familiarity with Brightwheel or similar childcare management software (a plus).
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A passion for serving families and supporting staff in a nurturing, community-focused environment.
Why Join First Steps with Abbey:-
Lead a brand-new childcare center helping to meet Atchison’s growing childcare needs.
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Be part of a mission-driven organization that values community, inclusivity, and innovation.
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Competitive salary and benefits package.
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Ongoing professional development and support from the First Steps leadership team.
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The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.
How to Apply:
Fill out the application form below and include references and your resume.-
Listed on September 26, 2025
First Steps with Abbey is seeking a motivated, compassionate, and detail-oriented Assistant Manager to join our leadership team. This position is designed as a growth opportunity for someone who is ready to take on more responsibility, learn center management skills, and prepare for future advancement into a Director role. Working closely with the Center Director, you’ll help oversee daily operations while gaining hands-on leadership experience in early childhood education.
What You’ll Do:
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Partner with the Director to manage daily operations of the center, including staff scheduling, classroom coverage, and administrative tasks.
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Assist with staff supervision, coaching, and training—building leadership skills in the process.
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Support compliance with Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) childcare licensing regulations and standards.
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Build strong relationships with families through clear communication and a welcoming presence.
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Help manage enrollment, waitlists, and classroom assignments while learning the systems behind center operations.
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Assist with billing, budgeting, and resource management, gaining financial oversight experience.
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Serve as acting leader in the Director’s absence.
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Grow in your leadership journey by modeling the mission and values of First Steps every day.
What We’re Looking For:
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Associate’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field (preferred, but not required).
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1–2 years of experience in early childhood education, childcare management, or another leadership role.
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Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
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Knowledge of childcare licensing, health, and safety standards.
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Familiarity with Brightwheel or similar childcare management software (a plus).
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A collaborative team member with a passion for serving families, supporting staff, and growing into a future Director role.
Why Join First Steps with Abbey:
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Be part of a mission-driven team meeting Atchison’s growing childcare needs.
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Gain direct mentorship from an experienced Director.
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Build the leadership skills needed for future advancement into Director or higher-level positions.
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Competitive pay and benefits package.
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Ongoing training, professional development, and support.
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The chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families—while advancing your own career.
How to Apply
Fill out the application form below and include references and your resume. All offers are contingent on background checks and meeting Kansas licensing requirements. First Steps is an equal opportunity employer. Please do not stop by the center during your application process unless instructed to do so.
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Listed on September 26, 2025
First Steps with Abbey is seeking a dependable and organized Lead Cook to oversee meal preparation for our childcare center. This role is essential to creating a safe, healthy, and welcoming environment for children, ensuring they receive nutritious meals and snacks each day. The Lead Cook will manage the kitchen, follow state food program guidelines, and help make mealtime a positive part of each child’s day.
What You’ll Do:
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Plan, prepare, and serve nutritious meals and snacks for children in accordance with USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines.
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Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment in compliance with health and safety standards.
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Track food inventory, manage supply orders, and minimize waste.
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Follow allergy, dietary restriction, and portion guidelines to ensure each child’s safety and well-being.
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Keep accurate records of menus, meal counts, and food program documentation.
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Collaborate with teachers to create a positive mealtime experience for children.
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Train and oversee kitchen assistants or substitutes as needed.
What We’re Looking For:
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High school diploma or equivalent (required).
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Prior experience in food service, meal prep, or kitchen management (preferred).
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Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices; Food Handler’s Permit required (or willingness to obtain).
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Strong organizational and time management skills.
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Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a childcare setting.
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Compassion and attentiveness to children’s needs, including dietary restrictions and allergies.
Why Join First Steps with Abbey:
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Be part of a mission-driven childcare center meeting Atchison’s growing needs.
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Play a vital role in supporting children’s health, growth, and daily routines.
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Consistent daytime schedule with no late nights or weekends.
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Competitive pay and benefits package.
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Supportive team environment and opportunities for professional growth.
How to Apply
Fill out the application form below and include references and your resume. All offers are contingent on background checks and meeting Kansas licensing requirements. First Steps is an equal opportunity employer. Please do not stop by the center during your application process unless instructed to do so.
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Listed on September 26, 2025
The Cook Staff supports the Lead Cook in preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks for children at First Steps Childhood Learning Center. This role helps maintain a clean, safe kitchen environment and ensures that all food service meets state health and safety regulations.
Key Responsibilities
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Assist the Lead Cook with daily meal preparation, portioning, and serving.
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Follow menus and recipes designed to meet children’s nutritional needs.
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Maintain a clean, organized kitchen and dining area by performing daily sanitation routines.
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Wash, sanitize, and store dishes, utensils, and cooking equipment.
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Assist with receiving and storing food deliveries, ensuring items are rotated and labeled properly.
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Adhere to all food safety and state health guidelines.
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Support teachers and staff during meal and snack times as needed.
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Help accommodate children’s allergies and dietary restrictions under the guidance of the Lead Cook.
Qualifications
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High school diploma/GED preferred.
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Previous experience in food service, childcare kitchen, or related role a plus.
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Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation (Food Handler’s Permit or willingness to obtain).
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Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team.
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Reliable, punctual, and able to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
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Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and stand for extended periods.
Why Join First Steps with Abbey
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Be part of a mission-driven team meeting Atchison’s growing childcare needs.
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Ongoing training, professional development, and support.
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The chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families—while advancing your own career.
How to Apply
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Posted September 26, 2025
Are you passionate about helping little learners grow? First Steps Childhood Learning Center is hiring a patient, compassionate Lead Childcare Teacher to support our toddler classroom with developmentally appropriate, play-based learning.
What you’ll do-
Assist in developing and delivering interactive, age-appropriate lessons and activities.
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Foster a classroom culture of safety, kindness, and respect.
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Manage daily routines—lessons, play, transitions, diapering/toileting, and meals.
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Prepare and serve snacks/meals and support family-style dining.
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Keep the classroom clean and organized; follow all sanitation and health procedures.
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Observe children’s progress and share daily updates with families (we use Brightwheel).
What you bring
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Required: High school diploma/GED
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A warm, calm presence with flexibility and creativity.
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Reliable communication and teamwork skills.
Bonus points (preferred)
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12+ ECE units or CDA/related coursework.
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Current CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
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Experience in a play-based environment.
Why Join First Steps
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Consistent weekday schedule—no late nights or weekends.
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Work in a supportive environment with opportunities to learn from experienced staff.
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Family-friendly environment
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Be part of a mission-driven team that values community and care.
How to Apply
Fill out the application form below and include references and your resume. All offers are contingent on background checks and meeting Kansas licensing requirements. First Steps is an equal opportunity employer. Please do not stop by the center during your application process unless instructed to do so.
*Please note that this position requires a two week trial run period at $12 per hour. This is to ensure you are a good fit for the classroom and support staff. After the trial, your pay will be bumped to the normal amount per hour.-
Listed on September 26, 2025
First Steps with Abbey is seeking a reliable and hardworking Cook Staff member to support our kitchen operations. Working under the direction of the Lead Teacher this role helps
What You’ll Do
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Assisting teachers with lessons
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Implementing classroom routines and rules
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Helping children meet their social, intellectual, emotional, and physical needs based on their development
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Ensuring children's safety by constantly supervising them through sound and sight
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Maintaining classroom materials, equipment, and arranged spaces
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Creating an inviting, pleasant, and tidy atmosphere for children
What We’re Looking For
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High school diploma or equivalent (preferred).
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Basic knowledge of food safety practices; Food Handler’s Permit required (or willingness to obtain).
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Dependability, teamwork, and a willingness to learn.
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A caring attitude toward children’s needs, including dietary restrictions.
Why Join First Steps
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Consistent weekday schedule—no late nights or weekends.
-
Work in a supportive environment with opportunities to learn from experienced staff.
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Family-friendly environment
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Be part of a mission-driven team that values community and care.
How to Apply
Fill out the application form below and include references and your resume. All offers are contingent on background checks and meeting Kansas licensing requirements. First Steps is an equal opportunity employer. Please do not stop by the center during your application process unless instructed to do so.
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Interns are hired each semester on a rolling basis. Please let us know what semester you wish to apply for when you submit your application.
First Steps Centers is seeking enthusiastic and caring Early Childhood Education Interns to join our team. This internship is designed for college students—especially those studying at Highland Community College or Benedictine College—who are pursuing a degree in education, child development, or a related field. Interns will gain hands-on experience in the classroom, build meaningful connections with children, and learn from experienced early childhood educators in a supportive environment.
What You’ll Do:-
Assist teachers with classroom activities, play-based learning, and daily routines.
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Engage children in age-appropriate games, art, reading, and movement activities.
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Support teachers in maintaining a safe, clean, and nurturing classroom environment.
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Observe and learn classroom management strategies and child development practices.
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Help prepare materials and organize learning centers.
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Build relationships with children and families while modeling First Steps’ values.
What We’re Looking For:
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Current student pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development, or related field.
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Enthusiasm for working with young children and willingness to learn.
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Dependability, flexibility, and a team-player attitude.
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Strong communication skills and a positive, compassionate demeanor.
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Ability to follow licensing and center guidelines for health and safety.
Why Join First Steps with Abbey:
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Gain hands-on classroom experience to complement your college coursework.
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Receive mentorship and guidance from experienced educators.
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Build your resume and strengthen your career path in early childhood education.
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Flexible scheduling that works with your class commitments.
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Be part of a mission-driven childcare center serving the Atchison community.
How to Apply:
Fill out the application form below and include your resume and a reference (professor, advisor, or past employer). Please do not stop by the center unless instructed to do so.-
Apply to First Steps
© 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
Daytime Hours
We are only open Mon-Fri, no late nights or weekends
Holidays & Leave
12 holidays off annually + leave as needed
12 holidays off annually + leave as needed
Free Tuition
We cover 100% of First Steps tuition for your children (up to 2).
Insurance
We are excited to share that insurance options will be available for our staff.
Training
Each year First Steps covers fees for Early Childhood Education seminars.
Meals & Snacks
Staff has the option of eating lunch alongside our students.
Open Positions
Are you mission-minded and love working with children? Join our team and let's create a safe and welcoming space for children together.
Positions remain posted until filled.
*Please note: roles at First Steps with Abbey are open for interviews now, but actual start dates may align with the opening of the new center. The projected opening window is March–May 2026.