First Steps to Success

To be honest, I’m pretty frustrated with how things are going at First Steps. It feels like every other week my little one is coming home with some kind of bug, and I really have to wonder about the cleaning routine in the Roseland facility. The communication from the staff when hand-foot-and-mouth or a stomach virus is going around is basically non-existent—I usually find out from another parent in the parking lot rather than an official notice. It’s a small neighborhood spot which is nice, but they definitely seem short-staffed, and I’m worried the health stuff is falling through the cracks because they're just trying to keep up with the kids. I've seen kids with clear fevers being allowed to stay for the day just because the parents have to work, and that's not okay for the rest of us.

My toddler’s been at First Steps for a few months now and honestly the health stuff is pretty solid. The teachers are really on top of it with the handwashing—whenever I pick him up, he’s not nearly as sticky as he used to be at his old place! They’re pretty firm about the 24-hour fever-free rule which can be a hassle when you have to work, but it definitely keeps the whole class from getting wiped out at once. Communicating about colds has been good too, usually just a quick heads up at the door or a message. It's a nice little spot in Roseland and the staff really seems to care about keeping the rooms clean.