Frequently Asked Questions
What age does infant care start at daycare?
Infant care at 1st Steps Daycare begins at 6 weeks old. The program offers a nurturing environment focused on safety, comfort, and consistent routines. At 1st Steps Daycare, infant care is informed by neonatal and lactation experience to support your baby's specific developmental needs.How does preschool prepare children for kindergarten?
Preschool combines play-based learning with curriculum-based instruction throughout the entire day. Activities support early literacy, numbers, problem-solving, and social development in a structured routine. At 1st Steps Daycare, this balance of creative play and guided learning keeps children engaged while building kindergarten readiness.What's included in full-day daycare services?
Full-day daycare includes a structured daily routine combining learning, supervised play, rest, daily life skills, and attentive care. Nutritious meals are also included as part of the daily service. At 1st Steps Daycare, children ages 6 weeks through 12 years receive age-appropriate development support all day long.
Can you do part-time daycare instead of full-time?
Yes, part-time care is available with flexible schedules of 5, 4, 3, or 2 days per week. This allows families to choose a schedule that fits their work and family needs. At 1st Steps Daycare, both full-time and part-time options are offered across all age groups.What's the child-to-caregiver ratio at daycare?
1st Steps Daycare maintains low child-to-caregiver ratios to support attentive and consistent care. Programs meet all State-mandated requirements while prioritizing individual attention. Lead caregivers have been with the daycare since day one, creating stability and trust for families in Nampa.Does daycare provide meals or do I pack lunch?
Nutritious meals are included as part of daily daycare services at 1st Steps Daycare. You do not need to pack lunch or snacks. Meals are prepared to support healthy development and are included in the cost of care for all enrolled children.What does Summer Camp for kids include?
Summer Camp offers structured activities, enrichment, and supervised play for school-age children up to 12 years old. It keeps children active, social, and engaged during summer break. At 1st Steps Daycare, full-time or part-time care options are available to fit your family's schedule.Why does a neonatal nurse background matter for infant care?
A neonatal nurse brings over 18 years of NICU and neonatal care experience, which directly supports infant health, safety, and developmental needs. At 1st Steps Daycare, the owner's background also includes 5 years of lactation care experience, ensuring informed and specialized care for the youngest children.How long has 1st Steps Daycare been open in Nampa?
1st Steps Daycare has proudly served local families in Nampa for over 4 years. The facility is owned and operated with hands-on involvement, and lead caregivers have been with the program since day one, creating continuity and trust for enrolled families.What's the daily routine like for preschool-age children?
Preschool-age children follow a structured routine that balances curriculum-based instruction with play-based learning throughout the day. Activities include early literacy, numbers, problem-solving, and creative play. At 1st Steps Daycare, routines are designed to keep children engaged while supporting social and cognitive development.Is year-round daycare available in Nampa?
Yes, 1st Steps Daycare offers year-round care options for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years old. This includes full-day daycare during the school year and Summer Camp for school-age children. Families in Nampa, Caldwell, Meridian, and surrounding areas can maintain consistent care schedules throughout the year.What makes a daycare more than just childcare?
A daycare becomes more when caregivers treat each child with the same love and attention they'd give their own. At 1st Steps Daycare, low ratios, experienced staff, and a hands-on owner create a caring environment focused on safety, development, and trust—not just supervision.What age does infant care start at most daycares?
Infant care can begin as early as 6 weeks old at many quality daycare centers. At 1st Steps Daycare, our infant program is informed by neonatal and lactation care experience, ensuring safe and nurturing routines tailored to each baby's needs.How does preschool prepare kids for kindergarten?
Preschool combines play-based and curriculum-based learning to build early literacy, number skills, problem-solving, and social development. Structured routines and creative activities keep children engaged throughout the day. At 1st Steps Daycare, we balance instruction with active play to support kindergarten readiness.What's included in full-day daycare services?
Full-day daycare typically includes structured learning, supervised play, rest time, and nutritious meals. At 1st Steps Daycare in Nampa, children ages 6 weeks through 12 years receive consistent care with age-appropriate routines and meals included daily.Can you do part-time daycare instead of full-time?
Yes, many daycares offer flexible part-time schedules such as 2, 3, or 4 days per week. At 1st Steps Daycare, families can choose full-time or part-time care based on their work schedules and childcare needs.What does a low child-to-caregiver ratio mean?
Low ratios mean fewer children per caregiver, allowing more one-on-one attention and responsive care. This supports better safety, emotional connection, and developmental support. At 1st Steps Daycare, we maintain low ratios that meet state requirements while fostering consistency and trust.What do kids do at summer camp during the day?
Summer camp programs typically include structured activities, enrichment projects, outdoor play, and social time. At 1st Steps Daycare, school-age children up to 12 years old stay active and engaged with supervised activities throughout the summer break.Why does caregiver consistency matter in daycare?
Consistent caregivers help children feel secure, build trust, and develop stronger emotional bonds. Familiar faces reduce stress and support healthy social-emotional growth. At 1st Steps Daycare, our lead caregivers have been with us since day one, creating stability for families.Are meals provided as part of daycare or extra?
Many full-day daycares include nutritious meals as part of their daily service. At 1st Steps Daycare in Nampa, meals are included with full-day enrollment, ensuring children receive balanced nutrition without additional fees or packing lunches.How does neonatal experience help with infant care?
Neonatal training provides specialized knowledge of newborn health, feeding, sleep patterns, and developmental milestones. At 1st Steps Daycare, our owner is a neonatal nurse with over 18 years of NICU experience, bringing expert-level infant care to our program.What's the benefit of year-round daycare options?
Year-round care provides consistent routines and eliminates gaps during school breaks or holidays. Families in Nampa can rely on continuous childcare without needing backup arrangements. At 1st Steps Daycare, we offer care all year, including summer programming for older children.Is there daycare in Nampa that accepts infants and toddlers?
Yes, several Nampa daycares serve infants starting at 6 weeks and toddlers through preschool age. At 1st Steps Daycare, we care for children from 6 weeks through 12 years old with age-appropriate routines and low caregiver ratios.What should parents look for during a daycare tour?
Look for cleanliness, caregiver interaction styles, daily schedules, safety protocols, and how children are engaged. Ask about staff experience, ratios, and meal plans. At 1st Steps Daycare, families are encouraged to tour in person to see our environment and meet our long-term caregivers.What age does infant care start at a daycare?
Infant care at 1st Steps Daycare starts at 6 weeks old. The program offers a nurturing environment focused on safety, comfort, and consistent routines. Care is informed by the owner's neonatal and lactation experience to meet infant-specific developmental and feeding needs.How does preschool prepare kids for kindergarten?
Preschool combines play-based learning with curriculum-based instruction throughout the day. Activities support early literacy, numbers, problem-solving, and social development. At 1st Steps Daycare, structured routines are balanced with creative play to keep children engaged and ready for school.What's included in full-day daycare services?
Full-day daycare includes structured daily routines that combine learning, supervised play, rest, and attentive care. Nutritious meals are provided as part of the service. At 1st Steps Daycare, children ages 6 weeks through 12 years receive age-appropriate development support all day.Can you do part-time daycare instead of full-time?
Yes, part-time daycare schedules are available with flexible options of 5, 4, 3, or 2 days per week. Full-time care is also offered. At 1st Steps Daycare, families can choose the schedule that fits their work and childcare needs.What does a low child-to-caregiver ratio mean for my child?
A low ratio means fewer children per caregiver, resulting in more attentive, consistent, and individualized care. It allows staff to respond quickly to each child's needs and build stronger relationships. At 1st Steps Daycare, low ratios support both safety and developmental progress.What kind of experience do daycare staff typically have?
At 1st Steps Daycare, the owner is a hands-on neonatal nurse with over 18 years of NICU experience and 5 years in lactation care. Lead caregivers have been with the program since day one, ensuring consistency, trust, and expertise in early childhood development.Is summer care available for school-age children?
Yes, 1st Steps Daycare offers a Summer Camp program for school-age children up to 12 years old. The program includes structured activities, enrichment, and supervised play during summer break. Full-time and part-time schedules are available to fit family needs.Why is consistent staff important in early childcare?
Consistent staff help children feel secure, build trust, and develop healthy attachments. Familiar caregivers understand each child's routines, temperament, and developmental needs. At 1st Steps Daycare, lead caregivers have remained with the program since opening, providing stability for Nampa families.What daily routine can I expect at a full-day daycare?
A structured daily routine typically includes learning activities, supervised play, rest time, meals, and personal care. At 1st Steps Daycare, routines are age-appropriate and balanced to support development, engagement, and comfort throughout the entire day.Do daycares provide meals or do parents pack them?
At 1st Steps Daycare, nutritious meals are included as part of daily daycare services. This ensures children receive balanced nutrition without the need for parents to pack lunches. Meals are provided throughout the day for infants, preschoolers, and school-age children.What's the difference between play-based and curriculum-based learning?
Play-based learning uses games and exploration to develop skills naturally, while curriculum-based learning follows structured lessons targeting specific educational goals. At 1st Steps Daycare, preschool programs combine both approaches throughout the day to support kindergarten readiness and engagement.Is year-round childcare available for working families?
Yes, 1st Steps Daycare offers year-round care options for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. This includes full-day daycare during the school year and Summer Camp for older children. Families in Nampa can rely on consistent, dependable care throughout all seasons.What age does infant care start at daycare?
Infant care at 1st Steps Daycare begins at 6 weeks old. The nurturing environment focuses on safety, comfort, and consistent routines tailored to each baby's needs. At 1st Steps Daycare, care is informed by neonatal and lactation experience to support infant-specific development.What's included in full-day daycare services?
Full-day daycare includes a structured daily routine combining learning, supervised play, rest, and attentive care. Nutritious meals are provided as part of daily services. At 1st Steps Daycare, schedules are available for 5, 4, 3, or 2 days per week to fit family needs.How does preschool prepare kids for kindergarten?
Preschool combines play-based learning with curriculum-based instruction throughout the day. Activities support early literacy, numbers, problem-solving, and social development in a structured yet engaging environment. At 1st Steps Daycare, routines are balanced with creative play to build kindergarten readiness.What's the child to caregiver ratio at daycare?
1st Steps Daycare maintains low child-to-caregiver ratios that meet all State-mandated requirements. Lower ratios allow for more attentive, consistent care and stronger relationships. Lead caregivers have been with the daycare since day one, ensuring continuity and trust.Can I do part-time daycare instead of full-time?
Yes, part-time schedules are available with 2, 3, or 4-day weekly options in addition to full-time care. This flexibility helps families balance work schedules and childcare needs. At 1st Steps Daycare, both infant care and preschool programs offer part-time enrollment.What does summer camp for school-age kids include?
Summer Camp offers structured activities, enrichment, and supervised play for children up to 12 years old during summer break. Programs keep kids active, social, and engaged while school is out. At 1st Steps Daycare, full-time and part-time summer schedules are available.Are meals provided at daycare in Nampa?
Yes, nutritious meals are included as part of daily daycare services at 1st Steps Daycare in Nampa. Meals support healthy growth and take the stress off busy parents. This is standard for both full-time and part-time care schedules.What makes infant care different from regular daycare?
Infant care focuses on safety, comfort, and routines specific to babies starting at 6 weeks. At 1st Steps Daycare, the owner's 18 years of neonatal nursing and 5 years of lactation experience inform specialized care. This clinical background supports infant health and early development needs.How long has 1st Steps Daycare been open?
1st Steps Daycare has proudly served Nampa families for over 4 years. The daycare is owned and operated by a hands-on neonatal nurse with extensive NICU experience. Lead caregivers have been with the center since opening day, ensuring stability and trust.Does daycare offer year-round care for working parents?
Yes, year-round care is available for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years old. This includes regular daycare programs and Summer Camp for school-age children. At 1st Steps Daycare, consistent schedules help working families plan ahead without seasonal gaps.What's the daily routine like at preschool?
Preschool days combine structured learning activities with creative play and rest periods. Children engage in early literacy, numbers, problem-solving, and social skills throughout the day. At 1st Steps Daycare, routines keep children engaged while supporting age-appropriate development.Why does neonatal nursing experience matter for infant care?
Neonatal nursing experience provides specialized knowledge of infant health, feeding, and developmental milestones. The owner's 18 years in NICU care ensures infant-specific needs are met with clinical expertise. At 1st Steps Daycare, this background supports safe, informed care for the youngest children.
