Business Details
Trusted Childcare & Early Education in Watertown, MA
At First Steps Childcare, we have dedicated ourselves to nurturing young minds and fostering holistic development for children aged 3 months to 5 years. With 25 years of experience in childcare, I have built a team of educators who share our commitment to creating a secure, loving environment where children thrive. Our play-based curriculum integrates literature, sensory exploration, science, mathematics, and physical activity, ensuring each child develops at their own pace while building confidence and self-esteem. We prioritize staff selection based on expertise, education, and genuine passion for working with children, ensuring every team member models respect and empathy. As a parent myself, I understand the importance of trust and collaboration between families and caregivers, which is why we maintain open communication and involve parents in their child's journey. Our center in Watertown, MA, serves 67 children, offering age-specific programs that balance structured learning with free play to support social-emotional growth and cognitive development.We believe early childhood is a critical foundation, and our educators guide children through milestones like self-control and independence with patience and positivity. From infant care to pre-kindergarten preparation, our programs emphasize safety, creativity, and individualized attention, ensuring each family feels First Step is their child's second home. Through partnerships with local agencies and enrichment activities like music classes and community field trips, we extend learning beyond the classroom. Our commitment to quality care, evidenced by our structured routines and focus on parent collaboration, has made us a trusted choice for families seeking a nurturing educational environment.
Services
Infant Program
Toddler Program
Preschool Program
Pre-K Program
KinderCam Access
Highlights and features
- We have 25 years of experience in early childhood education and care.
- Our staff are selected for their expertise, education, and love for children.
- We implement a play-based curriculum that supports holistic child development.
- We prioritize parent collaboration and maintain open communication with families.
- Our programs emphasize safety, individualized attention, and social-emotional growth.
Services
Infant Program
Our Infant Program serves children aged 2 months to 15 months in small-class settings with two educators per seven infants. We focus on attachment, motor skills, and language development through caregiving routines, sensory play, and interactive activities. Quarterly progress reports keep parents informed about their child's growth and milestones.
Toddler Program
Designed for children 15 months to 3.3 years, our Toddler Program balances free play with structured activities to develop social-emotional skills and cognitive abilities. Daily routines include art, STEM exploration, and physical activities that encourage independence and peer interaction in a safe, stimulating environment.
Preschool Program
The Preschool Program prepares 3.3- to 4-year-olds for academic success through play-based learning. Children engage in literacy, math, and science activities while developing pre-writing and pre-reading skills. Our curriculum emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and confidence-building through hands-on experiences and group projects.
Pre-K Program
Our Pre-K Program for 4- to 5-year-olds focuses on school readiness through structured lessons and exploratory play. Children learn phonic sounds, social responsibility, and emotional regulation while participating in curriculum planning to foster ownership of their learning journey.
KinderCam Access
KinderCam provides secure, real-time video access to classrooms, allowing parents to observe their child's daily activities remotely. This encrypted system ensures privacy while strengthening the connection between families, educators, and children through transparent communication and shared experiences.
People
Sonia Rossi
Owner and Director
Sonia Rossi has 25 years of childcare experience as a teacher and director. She founded First Steps Childcare to create a nurturing environment where children develop confidence and social skills. Sonia prioritizes staff selection based on expertise and compassion, ensuring high-quality care for all families.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We care for children aged 3 months to 5 years through our Infant, Toddler, Preschool, and Pre-K programs.
How do you support child development?
Our play-based curriculum integrates sensory exploration, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning to foster holistic growth and independence.
Can parents observe classroom activities?
Yes, our KinderCam system provides secure remote video access to classrooms for enrolled families.
What safety measures are in place?
We maintain low student-teacher ratios, conduct daily health checks, and follow strict sign-in procedures for child protection.
How do you communicate with families?
We provide quarterly progress reports, maintain open communication channels, and collaborate with parents to support each child's needs.
Are enrichment activities offered?
Yes, we provide music classes, community field trips, and special events featuring local agencies like the Watertown Police Department.