Everything our families need to know.

Nurturing Bright Minds, One Golden Step at a Time

We are so glad to have you and your child join our growing family.

We understand that choosing a child care provider is an important decision, and we appreciate the trust you have placed in us. Our goal is to provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where every child feels welcomed, valued, and encouraged to learn and grow.

At Golden Steps Academy, we believe that strong partnerships between families and educators help children thrive. We look forward to getting to know your family, celebrating your child's milestones, and working together to make their early learning experience a positive and meaningful one.

This Parent Overview has been created to help you become familiar with our program, daily routines, policies, and expectations. We encourage you to review it carefully and reach out to us whenever you have questions.

• Hours of Operation: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack
• Tuition: Billed on Fridays for the following week
• We welcome private-pay families and proudly participate in the Early Learning Coalition (ELC) School Readiness Program.

Mission Statement

At Golden Steps Academy, our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and high-quality early learning environment where every child is respected, supported, and encouraged to reach their fullest potential. We believe each child is unique and brings something special into the world. Through hands-on learning, meaningful interactions, and a strong home-school connection, we lay the foundation for a joyful and successful early childhood experience.

Our Values

Our vision is to build a community where all students feel loved, respected, and empowered to thrive. We are guided by these core values:

• Quality — Excellence in early learning for every child.
• Inclusion — Welcoming all children, regardless of background or ability.
• Respect — Building strong relationships through trust and mutual appreciation.
• Accountability — Transparent, open communication with families and staff.
• Teamwork — Partnering with parents to support every child's growth.

Educational Philosophy

We believe children learn best through play and hands-on experiences. We use the Funnydaffer curriculum, a flexible, state-aligned program that supports cognitive, social-emotional, and physical growth through engaging and meaningful learning opportunities.

Program Goals

• Promote curiosity, confidence, and independence.
• Support emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development.
• Create a calm, nurturing space where children feel safe and valued.
• Encourage cooperative play, respectful behavior, and positive habits.
• Provide individualized guidance and support for each child.
• Ensure health, safety, and well-being in all aspects of care.

Classrooms & Curriculum

Golden Steps Academy serves children ages 6 weeks to 5 years in five age-specific classrooms. Each room features enrichment areas such as reading, art, science, sensory play, blocks, and dramatic play. Materials are developmentally appropriate and designed to inspire curiosity and hands-on learning. We follow the Funnydaffer Curriculum, which balances structure with free play to support learning through exploration and discovery.

We provide nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack. Children enjoy outdoor play each day, weather permitting, supporting movement, exploration, and gross motor development. Through the Procare app, families stay connected with daily reports, photos, messages, important updates, and convenient tuition management.

Daily Schedule Overview

• 6:30 AM — Center opens / early care
• 8:00–8:30 AM — Breakfast
• 9:00 AM — Latest drop-off (unless approved in advance)
• 9:15 AM — Circle time / morning meeting
• 11:00 AM — Lunch
• 12:00–2:00 PM — Nap / rest time
• 2:30 PM — Afternoon snack
• Throughout the day — Learning centers, enrichment and outdoor play

Holiday Closures

As part of our commitment to providing high-quality care and supporting a healthy work-life balance for our staff, we observe the following holidays and scheduled closures:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• President's Day
• Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day (4th of July)
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Day After Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• New Year's Eve

A yearly closure schedule will be provided to families. Tuition is not adjusted or credited for scheduled center closures.