Little Steps Daycare

Our Teachers

Little Steps Daycare is owned and directed by Danielle Johnson, who leads the program with dedication, warmth, and a strong passion for early childhood development. All staff members meet state teaching requirements and are fully certified in CPR and First Aid, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and developmentally supportive environment for every child.

At Little Steps Daycare, we foster a rich, play-based learning environment filled with hands-on materials, opportunities for exploration, and activities that spark curiosity. Our teachers carefully observe each child, recognize their individual interests and needs, and guide their development through intentional, meaningful interactions.

We believe children are naturally capable, eager learners—and that the best learning happens when they feel loved, supported, and free to play.

Philosophy

At Little Steps Daycare, our mission is simple: to nurture happy hearts, curious minds, and confident little learners—one step at a time. We believe every child is wonderfully unique and deserves a safe, loving place to grow, explore, and simply be a kid. Our philosophy centers on creating an environment where learning feels like play and each day brings new discoveries, laughter, and joy.

We are guided by these core values:

✨ Play is Powerful

Children learn best through hands-on exploration, creativity, and imagination. We transform play into meaningful learning experiences that build confidence, problem-solving skills, and a lifelong love of learning.

✨ Kindness Counts

Respect, empathy, and cooperation are woven into everything we do. We help little hearts learn to treat others—and themselves—with compassion, understanding, and gentleness.

✨ Partnerships with Families

We view parents and caregivers as essential partners. By working together and maintaining open communication, we create consistency between home and daycare, ensuring every child feels supported and valued.

✨ Growing the Whole Child

We are committed to nurturing the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of each child. Every “little step” they take leads to big achievements as they grow into confident, capable learners.

Though we are not a faith-based program, our days include simple lessons in gratitude, compassion, and kindness—values that help make our community a brighter, more caring place.

At Little Steps, learning is joyful, friendships are celebrated, and every child is cherished for exactly who they are.

Location

📍Supporting young learners throughout Elkins, WV and nearby communities.

About our program

At Little Steps Daycare in Elkins, WV, every child receives personalized care in a warm, welcoming, and family-centered environment. Our focus is on helping children grow socially, emotionally, and confidently through meaningful interactions and nurturing support.

We offer a diverse learning experience filled with engaging activities such as music, arts, outdoor play, and sports. Children also have opportunities to explore exciting subjects like science, creativity, and early language development—encouraging curiosity and a love for learning.

We proudly serve children ages 0–12 years and provide extended hours from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM to support families with varying schedules and childcare needs.

At Little Steps Daycare, we create a rich, play-based environment filled with hands-on materials, opportunities for exploration, and experiences that spark imagination. We believe children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and free to discover the world around them—one step at a time.

Admissions

Join the Little Steps Daycare community in three easy steps:

1. Tour & Introduction:

We invite you to visit our daycare, meet our staff, and see our classroom in action!

2. Application Packet:

Complete the enrollment packet, which includes important forms such as emergency contacts, medical records, and permissions.

3. Welcome Meeting:

Once enrolled, we’ll schedule a short meeting to review policies, answer questions, and help your child feel ready for their first day.

Please do not apply to enroll until you have set up a tour and visited the program.