Words can't express how grateful I am to have found Earthshine, we are coming up on a year that my…read moreson has attended here and he couldn't be happier! He has grown so much over this last year and it has been so exciting to watch. All of the staff is amazing, if your looking for a great place for your little one this is it!

After reviewing many preschool options for my 3 year old boys, we started out at a fancy, expensive…read morecenter that had an amazing campus. My boys weren't very happy there and, although the center was amazing, the classrooms seemed overcrowded compared to what we were told the ratio would be. My autistic son has an aide who remains in the classroom with him and she reported to me that sometimes the room would be stuffed with children beyond the official capacity. We received a lot of behavior reports concerning my other son and, again, my aide reported that the classroom spent way too much time sitting at the table instead of letting the kids move around the classroom. The time spent outside was minimal, even though they had very beautiful playgrounds. I've spoken to several early childhood education experts who say that in this age range (under 5), you should look for centers that have more open play space than tables. You should also look for places that are less academically focused, since what's most important for kids this age isn't in memorizing facts, but learning how to get along with others, developing self-sufficiency, and enjoying the process of learning. Earthshine's Center isn't the prettiest of places, but don't let that fool you. My boys both absolutely love it and my one son's 'behavior problems' completely disappeared when we switched schools. My boys were never really happy to separate in the old school, but after about a week at Earthshine, they were eager to bound away from me. I think the format of Montessori - where the child leaves the parent instead of the parent leaving the child - helps tremendously. The best thing about Earthshine is that, if the weather is good, they are outside. Playing, eating, learning, is all done in a space that's big enough for the kids to really run around and burn off their energy (which makes bedtime easier for me). Inside the classrooms, the tables take up a smaller portion than any other center we toured. Children are encouraged in self-directed learning, but unlike many other Montessori centers, this one isn't as hands off as some are, which can cause some children problems in that they aren't given ANY direction. When we were considering this school, my son's behavior therapist warned us that Montessori schools can be either really good or really bad. The really bad ones basically have no structure and, while some children are motivated and interested enough in learning to complete their basic education on their own - many, if not most children, are not. This school is one of the really good ones. There's enough structure that my boys know their general plan for the day (lunch and nap happen in the same order), but enough flexibility to keep learning fun. Like any good Montessori school, they have 'observation stations' where you can watch your kids through a one-way mirror and observe them in the classroom. I see my boys select a playmat and toys, play with the toys on the mat, and then clean it up themselves. They've become much more independent since starting the school. Their special needs knowledge and accommodations are top notch and the best I've found. My autistic son has really benefited from attending. There are many schools that turn down an aide. We toured a lot of places and many refused to let my son's therapists in the classroom. To me, this is suspicious at the 2-5 year old age. A aide is trained to help the child inside their environment and it isn't like the other children will be distracted by another adult, who they see as just another teacher. It speaks volumes for the transparency of Earthshine that they allow aides provided they meet the state requirements with detailed background checks. We are moving soon and I'm going to miss Earthshine. I'm sure my boys will too.

We've been dropping our 10 month old off here a few times a week with no issues for a few months…read more Great option for those who don't need a full time sitter and for a date night! Can't beat the prices or the care. Would highly recommend them to anyone.

From the owner: We are an hourly drop in child care center.read more

I am writing to express my profound disappointment and utter disbelief in the manner in which my…read morerecent interaction with First Steps Daycare has been handled. The events that have transpired have left me feeling not only deceived but also appalled by the lack of professionalism and concern for the well-being of the children entrusted to your care. As the President of the Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce, I have had the privilege of working closely with various local businesses, and I must emphasize that I have never encountered such a disheartening and unprofessional experience as I have with First Steps Daycare. This situation not only reflects poorly on your establishment but also undermines the trust that the community places in businesses such as yours. I had made the careful decision to enroll my daughter, Harper, in the "Private Pre-K" class at First Steps Daycare based on information I received during our initial discussions. We don't qualify for NC Pre K, and I was ENSURED the 'other' class they had would be the same as Pre-K, she would be with all her friends and that this program would provide her with the educational advancement and curriculum needed to ensure her growth and development at this crucial stage of her early education. I had inquired extensively about the curriculum, the necessary school supplies, and the nature of the class to ensure a seamless transition for my daughter. Imagine my shock when, on what was meant to be Her first day of school, I discovered that she was placed in the same class she had been a part of for the last year and a half! Doing the SAME THINGS she's been doing since she was three! This blatant misrepresentation has not only caused tremendous emotional distress to my four-year-old daughter but has also disrupted the trust and faith I had in the professionalism of First Steps Daycare. My daughter, had to witness EVERY OTHER CHILD IN HER CLASS excitedly meet their teachers for their first day of school, while she was relegated to a class with the 3 year olds - a situation she had already outgrown. The very foundation of trust upon which educational institutions are built has been shattered by this situation, leaving me with no choice but to express my extreme discontent. Furthermore, my attempt to address this issue with the director was met with shocking unprofessionalism. Clearly I am upset, especially now two days AFTER the school year starts with EVERY other ACTUAL pre k FULL.... Instead of acknowledging the gravity of the situation and the impact it had on my family, the director responded with callousness and outright hostility. To be told that I should "unenroll Harper right now" due to my "attitude" is an unacceptable response, particularly when the situation was created by the mismanagement and misinformation provided by the school itself. The fact that I am now left with no suitable option for my daughter's education is a reflection of the negligence that runs rampant in your institution. I strongly encourage parents to look elsewhere for their childcare needs, as this situation exemplifies a severe lack of professionalism and care that no family should have to endure.

Does nothing with the kids all day but let them play. Posts children to personal social media…read moreaccounts as well as exposes them to TikTok trends. If you want a facility where your child is treated like a pay check this is the one for you.