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About Marshall First Step

Marshall First Step Academy is an early childhood care and education program in Marshall, Illinois. Our Preschool/Pre-K Program has been in operation since September 2012. First Step was incorporated and received non-for-profit status in 2016. The organization operates under the direction of a board of directors. Marshall First Step has maintained licensure as a childcare center through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services since opening in 2012. We are committed to serving the families of our community by providing a quality option for early childhood care and education.

Our Curriculum

At Marshall First Step Academy we strive to provide our students with an environment in which they can grow and develop. Our curriculum addresses six key developmental domains:

• Cognitive Development refers to the ability to think and reason. It is the development of knowledge and skills.
• Language and Literacy Development is all about communication, both verbal and nonverbal. This is critical for learning to read and write in later years.
• Physical Development refers to a child’s ability to use and control their bodies. This includes promoting fine- and gross-motor skills in an age-appropriate manner. Physical health, nutrition, and self-care are also addressed.
• Social and Emotional Development means how children start to understand who they are, how they feel and what to expect when interacting with others. Social-emotional skills include understanding and controlling emotions, developing empathy, building relationships, appreciating human diversity, and gaining self-confidence.
• Executive Function is the ability to control impulses, build memory skills, and practice problemsolving. These skills are crucial for learning and development.
• Creative Expression helps children express themselves through music, movement, art, play and more.

Our Staff

Our team is made up of a group of highly talented individuals who love your child (almost as much as you do)! All staff members meet the qualifications of their position as defined by the Illinois DCFS Daycare Center Licensing Standards. Before employment all staff members submit to a background check. All full-time staff members are certified in CPR and emergency first aid. To ensure our staff members are highly qualified, all staff members complete 15 hours of continuing education yearly. Our teachers and aides are passionate about your child’s happiness and growth. They are dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment to ensure the best possible experience for your child.