601-916-0854
WELCOME
First Steps Preschool
735 W North Street
Poplarville, MS 39470
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admin@firststepspreschoolms.org
Opening Hours
Preschool: Monday - Fri 6 am - 6 pm
Afterschool: Monday- Friday 3:30 - 6 pm
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First Steps Preschool is a member of the Wonderschool Family.
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Director's Message
As the owner of a preschool in a low-income community, my purpose is to create an accessible and nurturing learning environment that empowers every child to reach their full potential. I believe that all children, regardless of their background, deserve the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
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In our community, many families face significant challenges, including limited access to quality early childhood education. My goal is to bridge that gap by providing a safe, inclusive space where children can explore, learn, and grow. We prioritize a play-based curriculum that fosters curiosity and creativity, helping children develop essential skills while having fun.
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Additionally, I aim to support families by offering resources and workshops that enhance parenting skills and promote early literacy. By building strong relationships with parents and caregivers, we create a supportive community that encourages involvement and collaboration.
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Ultimately, the purpose of First Steps Preschool is to lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success. By investing in our children today, we can help break the cycle of poverty and empower them to become confident, capable individuals who can positively impact their community in the future.
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Thank you for choosing First Steps Preschool for your child's preschool and daycare needs.
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Our communities story is prevalent in low-income rural communities in South Mississippi. Research shows that 27.7% of Mississippi children younger than 18 years live in households below the poverty level. Parents in these rural areas often struggle to find affordable, quality options that meet their specific needs and spend far more than 7 percent of their annual (less than $43,412) family income on childcare.
Due to the low-income threshold in rural communities in Mississippi, many parents—particularly single women—are constrained by the lack of options available for their young children while they work. These restraints often produce barriers to educational opportunities and better-paying jobs. Resulting in these mothers being chained to the government system of welfare that does not adequately meet their needs. This disparity ensures that these families may never rise above poverty even with government support. Without quality early childcare options, they are left to depend on family members and friends who can often be unreliable.
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My Story
As a teenage mother of twins from a low-income community in the early '80s and facing many obstacles, Dr. Bonner earned her high school diploma and in subsequent years, 1 certificate, 2 associate degrees, and 5 advanced degrees including a Doctorate of Education Degree. Although her story is not uncommon, It does allow her a unique perspective of the struggles that single mothers face. Her perspective is one of understanding and motivation. She understands the hopes, dreams, and fears of single mothers. She also knows the feeling of accomplishment and success that comes with support and encouragement when you find your village.
In creating First Steps Preschool, Dr. Bonner hopes to help elevate one of the biggest worries for parents. The one that ensures the health and safety of their child(ren) while they work or pursue education.
Early childhood programs like First Steps Preschool, can offer viable solutions for many families. At First Steps Preschool, our focus is on ensuring positive learning experiences along with developing a child's social and emotional growth, physical development, academic experiences, and creative play.
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Partnering with community resources like Right Choice Learning Center, Bright Steps Therapy, Right Choice Educational Consultants, S&T Small Kids Learning, Center, and Poplarville School District allows us to build a stronger community.