Our History
Our Start
Children First is a non-profit (501c3) early-learning center, established in 1999, out of the ashes of a for-profit center that had been put into receivership. Although originally functioning out of rented space (a 1000 square-foot building for our preschool, and the local school cafeteria and a barn for our OST – “out-of-school-time” – program), through long-term, low-interest loans from the USDA Rural Development program, we purchased the building and land (4+ acres) and expanded twice over the years, once in 2010 and again in 2017.
Our Facility
Over the years, we have added a toddler program, a private, nature-based kindergarten program, and increased our preschool slots from 20 to 40, and then to 60, in our now almost 12,000 square-foot facility. We believe passionately that facilities matter and see evidence every day of the positive impact of a building designed intentionally to support both very young children and their teachers.
Our Mission
Children First serves children from 15 months through 14 years old. We “put children first” and believe that children deserve a magical place to spend their most formative years. We prioritize social-emotional development as foundational to all learning and growth and seek to ensure that children experience joy and wonder in learning.
Nature Based Philosophy
We know that children learn best through and benefit most from extended periods of outdoor play. You will more than likely see our teachers barefoot in the grass, checking on our garden beds, or investigating an insect that a child has found.
Social & Emotional Development
Strong social-emotional development is foundational for lifelong development and learning. It forms the basis for school readiness, mental health, and resilience, all factors for long-term success. Feeling safe in their relationships allows children to explore, play, and develop and maintain friendships.
Learning Through Action
Through outdoor play and activities, children get to learn new concepts in real time by interacting with the world around them. From discovering insects to group problem solving all children have the opportunity to develop actionable skills in their most formative years.
Our Funding
While primarily funded through parents paying tuition (private pay), we have always accepted state subsidies through vouchers and proudly work with ChildCare Aware to serve families with military subsidies. Our ability to continue to offer high-quality, affordable care and early education to our children and their families has been positively impacted by the State’s C3 Operational Grants, which allow us to better meet children’s needs by stabilizing and supporting staffing in order to offer lower ratios and more sustained teacher/student contact time.