About
We are here to help parents raise happy and healthy children
Founder & Director
Our Founder & Director is deeply passionate about creating a warm, joyful, and inspiring environment for every child. With a heart dedicated to early childhood education, they believe every child deserves to feel valued, safe, and encouraged to explore the world around them.
- Maryeling Garcia
We all need support through the most important period of our children: the early years
a magical time filled with curiosity, discovery, and growth. At our daycare, we nurture each child’s unique potential, helping them build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and happiness. Every day is an opportunity to laugh, learn, and create wonderful memories together!
Our community
Our families come from right here in Andersonville and the surrounding neighborhoods, creating a warm, close-knit community with strong parent partnerships. Conveniently located in the heart of Chicago’s Andersonville area, My First Steps is ideal for busy working families — easy to reach for drop-offs, pick-ups, or even a quick visit during the day.
At My First Steps, we use engaging, research-based, and multi-sensory approaches to support each child’s early learning journey. Our activities are thoughtfully designed to nurture literacy, early math skills, and social-emotional growth in a warm, inclusive home-like environment.
We draw from trusted resources such as Lively Letters, Handwriting Without Tears, and Everyday Math, adapting them to meet the unique needs of every child. Our approach to social and emotional learning is rooted in Responsive Classroom principles, fostering kindness, empathy, and a strong sense of community — celebrating the diverse backgrounds and experiences that each child brings.
Health & Safety
At My First Steps, your child’s health, safety, and well-being are always at the heart of everything we do. As a home-based program, we go above and beyond to create a clean, secure, and nurturing environment — giving families peace of mind every day.
We carefully follow — and often exceed — local and state safety guidelines to ensure that every child is protected and cared for like family.
Our home daycare setting includes:
Daily cleaning and sanitizing of toys, surfaces, and learning materials
Secure entry and controlled pick-up procedures
Nutritious meals and snacks that support growing bodies
A cozy, allergy-aware environment with individual care routines
Gentle guidance on hygiene, self-care, and healthy habits
