First Steps Childhood Learning Center
1926 N. 2nd St., Atchison, Kansas
Facility Features
Two Outdoor Playgrounds
Easily accessible from classrooms, encouraging outdoor activities.
Little Beans Coffee
A public coffee cafe offering espresso drinks, breakfast sandwiches & cookies.
Creative Spaces
A well-equipped space to create, make art, and learn.
Security Measures
Our facility utilizes surveillance cameras, entry systems, and a digital check-in system.
Indoor Playground
Bad weather? No problem. Our indoor playground is always ready.
Handwashing Stations
Little ones come with big germs. Our stations are easily accessible for children.
Picture your child here
The partnership that brought our new building to life
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—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 140 new childcare slots, and connect families to vital health, education, and workforce services.
The groundbreaking for First Steps Childhood Learning Center was held on June 20, 2025, with the goal of opening the new center in summer 2026.
We are your partner in nurturing your child.
At First Steps we offer early childhood education, nutrition, play-based learning, and more.
Meals & Snacks
We provide breakfast, lunch, and three snacks each day.
Field Trips
Each summer we take field trips to the movie theater, parks, pool, and more.
Outdoor Play
Both Centers are equipped with up-to-date outdoor play areas.
Transportation
If your child attends a local school for half day Pre-K, we can transport them back to the Center (fee applies).
Built in Vacation
Each child is allowed two weeks of vacation each year, tuition-free.
Resources
We partner with several community organizations to provide free health assessments yearly.
© 2026 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