Atchison JAG Students Visit First Steps’ New Childcare Center
- Apr 22
- 2 min read

At First Steps Childhood Learning Center, we believe strong communities are built when we invest in the next generation—both the children we serve and the students preparing to enter the workforce.
That’s why we were so excited to welcome students from Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) in Atchison for a behind-the-scenes look at our new childcare center.
From Conversation to Connection
This visit grew out of a conversation during Women’s History Month, when JAG students interviewed our owner, Nina Ostertag, about her journey in business and leadership.
We were inspired by their curiosity and engagement—and knew we wanted to continue the conversation in a more hands-on way.
A First Look Inside the New Center
During their visit, students toured our new facility and got a closer look at how we’re creating a nurturing, play-based environment for children in Atchison.
More than just a tour, this was an opportunity for students to:
Explore what a career in early childhood education can look like
Ask questions about staffing, programming, and growth
Experience a real-world environment before stepping into the workforce
Opening Doors for Future Opportunities
One of the most rewarding parts of the visit was seeing students begin to picture themselves in these roles. Several expressed interest in applying for positions at our new center—something we’re incredibly excited about as we continue building our team.
Grateful for Community Partnerships
We’re thankful for the partnership with JAG and the opportunity to connect with students in a meaningful way. Experiences like this matter—they help bridge the gap between the classroom and real-world opportunities right here in our community.
As we prepare for our grand opening, moments like these remind us that what we’re building goes beyond a facility. We’re building relationships, creating opportunities, and investing in the future of Atchison.
We can’t wait to open our doors soon—and we’re so grateful to have the support of students, families, and partners along the way.



