First Steps Early Learning Center

“Where every child’s journey begins—with purpose, possibility, and a secure space to grow, learn, and thrive.”

Program Type
Family Child Care
License Number
132292

Basics

Background Check
Yes
Snacks
2 per day
Potty Training
Not Required
Schedules
1, 2, 3 and 4 days per week
Language(s) Supported
English
Ratio
1:8 teachers to children
Pay Schedules
Monthly and Weekly
Subsidized Care
Accepted
Philosophy
Play-based

Our Teachers

Founder & Director, First Steps Early Learning Center News Editor, Professional Child Care Provider Network of Prince George’s County

With over 25 years of experience in early childhood education, Mrs. Alexis Isaac is a passionate and accomplished educator dedicated to nurturing the whole child. She holds an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Early Childhood Education and has served in a variety of roles throughout her career—including licensed child care professional, Special Education Paraprofessional, Head Start Program educator for Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), and parent volunteer.

As the Founder and Director of First Steps Early Learning Center, Mrs. Isaac leads with vision and integrity. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the center’s operations, including:

📚 Curriculum development and instructional design

🏅 Accreditation and quality assurance

👩‍🏫 Staff credentialing and professional development

🍎 Nutrition and wellness programming

📈 Learning outcomes and developmental benchmarks

Her approach ensures that every classroom environment is safe, inclusive, and aligned with state standards—while remaining developmentally appropriate and engaging for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children.

🌈 A Champion for Inclusive Education Mrs. Isaac believes that every child—regardless of ability or background—deserves a learning environment where they feel safe, respected, and supported. She is committed to creating classrooms that reflect the diversity of her community and foster a sense of belonging for all learners.

She continuously evaluates and refines her teaching practices, parent-provider handbook, website, and family feedback surveys to ensure the highest standards of care and education.

📰 Community Leadership In addition to her work at First Steps, Mrs. Isaac serves as the News Editor for the Professional Child Care Provider Network of Prince George’s County, where she helps amplify the voices and achievements of early childhood professionals across the region.

“My mission is to cultivate confident, reflective, and academically prepared learners—one child, one family, one step at a time.”

Verified parent feedback and reviews

4.8 (13)
4.8 Overall
5.0 Outdoor Time
5.0 Atmosphere
4.7 Child Communication
5.0 Physical Space
5.0 Program Communication
5.0 Learning Environment
5.0 Provider Interaction

Reviews

5.0 Sep 15, 2024
We love her!!
5.0 Jun 17, 2024
5.0 Dec 11, 2023
I see a positive change in my son’s behavior since coming to Mrs. Alexis and her energy is always positive!!
5.0 Jul 10, 2023
Alexis is great and my son loves her!

Testimonials

Wow, what a wonderful experience my son had at First Steps! He was a very shy child but once he started at First Steps he became very outgoing and talkative. Ms. Alexis taught him how to spell his name at the age of two. It was so cute and unique. He was fed on a family basis, transportation was provided for him and he attended so many fun field trips. He was reading and writing by the time he left and knew all of his colors, ABC’s and so much more. He was very upset when it was time for him to leave the facility. I recommend First Steps to any parent looking for an early learning center for their child. It was nice and clean and the kids are taught at an early age how to use the computer! I am just in awe of the care that my son received from Ms. Alexis while attending her school. She was very informative, approachable, personable, dependable, and neat!! The place was spotless!!! It was an amazing experience. I referred all of my family to her!

Cherise G.

My son absolutely adores Ms. Alexis!

Nicole

Great caring loving lady with so much love for my child as if she was her own. My daughter loves Ms. Alexis so much(smile).

T. Simmons

My child loves this daycare, when he’s there he doesn’t want to come home.(lol) Ms. Isaac is an excellent provider and she teaches the children responsibility and kindness. I wouldn’t choose any other provider for my family!!!

T. Roberts

Alexis is one of the best child care providers I have experienced. She is compassionate, loving, and pays attention to my child’s needs. She is engaging with the children and with the parents as well. I would recommend First Steps to any parent wanting more than just a daycare for the growing mind of their little person.

Gregory H.

I enjoy taking my son to this facility. He gets the attention he needs. Ms. Alexis starts the kids off early with cognitive activities. Overall picked a great place.

Chanika

I love First Steps, being a new mother I was very nervous about sending my child to daycare but Ms. Alexis definitely made this easy. Not only was she a great teacher for my son but like another mother. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for child care.

L. Bailey

I absolutely love love love Ms. Alexis. My son has been with her since he was 10 months, he’s now 8. She’s very nurturing to the point where he doesn’t want to leave the daycare. She has been a huge blessing to us. She recognized that my son needed to be seen by a specialist for speech and language and provided me with the resources we needed. 🙏🏽 Ms. Alexis truly cares about my son and my well-being.

T. Johnson

Philosophy

At First Steps, we believe that every child deserves a joyful, inclusive, and enriching early learning experience. Our play-based philosophy nurtures curiosity, creativity, and confidence by allowing children to explore, imagine, and learn through hands-on discovery and meaningful interactions. We welcome all children and honor the diverse cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, and parenting values of every family we serve. We view each child as a unique individual and each family as a valued partner in their child’s development. Our program is committed to: Inclusive care for children of all abilities, including those with IEPs or IFSPs. Collaborative support with families, specialists, and early intervention teams to ensure high-quality, individualized care. Respectful communication that fosters trust and shared understanding. Access to local Maryland resources to empower families and strengthen community connections. At First Steps, we don’t just prepare children for school—we help them build the foundation for a lifetime of learning, belonging, and growth.

In addition, at First Steps Early Learning Center, we welcome all children—regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, or child-rearing principles. We believe in the power of diversity and the importance of teaching children to respect and celebrate one another’s similarities and differences. Every child is unique, and we honor that uniqueness in everything we do. We also support families by connecting them with local and statewide community resources throughout Maryland, ensuring they have access to the tools and support they need. We believe it is our moral responsibility to provide high-quality, inclusive child care for children of all abilities. We are committed to building strong partnerships with families and the broader community to support each child’s growth and development.

Our philosophy focuses on cognitive growth, social development, physical development, and emotional well-being. We understand that every child develops at their own pace and should be supported, encouraged, and celebrated for who they are. Because every child deserves the freedom to grow, explore, and simply be a child.

Location

First Steps is located minutes from the capital beltway, on the bus line, and near Branch Avenue Metrorail.

About our program

🌟 Meet Alexis Isaac Director, First Steps Early Learning Center

As both a devoted mother and passionate educator, I’ve always believed that quality child care should feel like an extension of home—nurturing, enriching, and deeply personal. My journey began as a working mom of three daughters—Paris (27), Asia (23), and London (22)—navigating the delicate balance between career and family. I understood firsthand the challenges parents face when seeking care that supports their child’s development while honoring the unique rhythms of family life.

Driven by that experience, I founded First Steps Early Learning Center, a place where children of all abilities are welcomed, celebrated, and supported. Our center offers full-day, part-time, and flexible care options designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s families—including those with non-traditional schedules or stay-at-home parents seeking social and developmental enrichment for their children.

With a background in both teaching and parenting, I bring a dual perspective to early childhood education. I hold an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education from Prince George’s Community College, a Maryland Child Care Credential Level 5-3, and a Maryland EXCELS Level 3 quality rating. I’m also certified through the Maryland State Department of Education’s Child Care Development Fund.

At First Steps, I’m not just the Director—I’m hands-on in the classroom, actively engaged in the care and learning of every child. My mission is to create a warm, inclusive, and developmentally rich environment where children thrive and families feel supported.

Because every child’s first steps should be guided with care, intention, and love. 💛

Rhythm of the Day

  • 8:00
    Arrival/ Free Play
  • 8:15
    BREAKFAST
  • 8:30
    Free Play/Small Group
  • 9:00
    Circle Time/Calendar
  • 9:40
    Arts/Crafts
  • 10:15
    Centers and Small Group Activities
  • 10: 30
    SNACK
  • 10:45
    Math/Science and Small Group Activities
  • 11:15
    Reading/ Social Studies and Small Group Activities
  • 12:00
    LUNCH
  • 12:35
    Recess - Outdoor/ Indoor
  • 1:15
    Nap
  • 3:00
    SNACK
  • 3:15
    Free PLAY
  • 4:00
    DISMISSAL - Outdoor Play

Open all year round except for Federal Holidays, school and government inclement weather closings, and sick/vacation time.

  • January 1
    New Year's Day
  • January 20
    Martin Luther King Day
  • February 17
    Presidents Day
  • May 9
    Provider's Appreciation Day
  • May 26
    Memorial Day
  • June 19
    Juneteenth
  • July 4
    Independence Day
  • July 14 - 18
    Vacation
  • September 6
    Labor Day
  • October 13
    Columbus Day
  • November 11
    Veterans Day
  • November 26-28
    Thanksgiving
  • December 23-31
    Christmas Vacation

Admissions

Join the First Steps Early Learning Center community in four easy steps:

1. Explore our website

We’ve provided information about our philosophies and offerings to help you decide if our program may be right for your family.

2. Tour our program

Come see what makes First Steps Early Learning Center unique. If we are currently hosting tours, you can request or schedule a tour at the top of this page. If we are not currently hosting tours, you’ll see a “Request Info” button at the top of this page; if you submit your information using this button, we will notify you when we start host tours again in the future.

3. Submit an Enrollment Application

If you would like to enroll, please submit an application at www.wonderschool.com/first-steps-early-learning-center-6953/apply – note that we require tours for all prospective families. Please do not submit an application if you have not visited the program.

4. Enroll

After reviewing your application, we’ll send an enrollment invitation. Upon accepting your invitation, you’ll pay your non-refundable enrollment fee of $75.00 and a non-refundable deposit equivalent to one week’s tuition to secure your child’s spot for thirty days, fill out enrollment documents, and review our Parent Handbook.

Have questions about the program?
Message the Program Director directly to learn more.
ALEXIS ISAAC
Program Director