Round Lake Beach, IL (847) 223-1299

Reviews

“I love this school. First Steps Nursery school was the best decision i made for my children. The school is always clean and well organized even with all the classrooms full and active with play and multiple centers are open for the kids to keep them engaged. The staff is friendly and well prepared to keep the children safe, active and engaged. A warm and safe environment. My kids love their summer camp program, it has much more to offer then most summer camp programs out there. The leadership of the staff and management speaks for it self. i can call at any time and the teachers update me on my kids day promptly. I highly recommend First Steps. This preschool has everything a parent wants for their child. A Happy Parent!“

- greatschools.org

Meet the Team

Ashely Carey

Position: Pre-K teacher                                                          
Explain your experience in Early Childhood Education: I have been working at First Steps for almost two years. I enjoy growing and learning from the other teachers and students. It is a lot of fun watching the children grow and build their knowledge.
Favorite Children’s Book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear         

Jamie Dorsey

Assistant Director


                                                          
Explain your experience in Early Childhood Education: I first started working at First Steps as an assistant teacher 14 years ago. I have been furthering my education at CLC. I am working towards my associate’s degree.
Favorite Children’s Book: Row row row your boat
                                                    
 

Jana Hyde

Position: Preschool Teacher                                                                           
Explain your experience in Early Childhood Education: I am a licensed para professional and am continuing my education at CLC. I have always loved teaching and collecting children’s literature.
Favorite Children’s Book: Sylvester and the magic pebble by William Steig       

Joy Root

Position: Infant teacher                                                                                  
Explain your experience in Early Childhood Education: I have been working with children of all ages for 15 years and have been working with infants for 9 years. I have my associate’s degree in Early Childhood education.
Favorite Children’s Book: Cat in the hat by Dr. Seuss    
 

Katie Conklin

Position: Teacher       
Explain your experience in Early Childhood Education: I have a lot of experience with children from babysitting and working for over a year here at First Steps. I love working with children and am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in elementary education at northern Illinois University.
Favorite Children’s Book: The Polar Express         

Sandy Milligan

Position: Assistant Teacher                                                                
Explain your experience in Early Childhood Education: I have a bachelor’s degree in Business management along with Early Childhood Education, EC1+ EC2, and 12 years of experience in a prior HeadStart program. Children are my passion.
Favorite Children’s Book: Tickle monster​

Terry Breitzman

Position: Two’s and toddler’s teachers                                                                                  
Explain your experience in Early Childhood Education: I’ve been working at First Steps for a few months now and I love it. Everyone welcomes me with open arms and I love what I do.
Favorite Children’s Book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar     

Viviana Trujillo

Position: Teacher
Explain your experience in Early Childhood Education: I have been working with children between the ages of 6 weeks to 7 years old and it’s an amazing passion I have. I have my associate’s degree in Applied Science for early childhood education and two credentials. I am working towards my bachelor’s degree.
Favorite Children’s Book: Pete the cat in my white shoes
  
 
Friday May 3, 2024