From infants to active preschoolers, First Steps Early Child Development Center in Greenville serves youngsters whose parents want more than just day care, says First Steps director Lisa Nimmer.

The program, which just celebrated its fifth birthday, held an open house Tuesday to allow parents a chance to tour the facility and meet staff members.

There are four classes served at the center, Nimmer says: Loving Touch (infants through 18 months); Tiny Tots (toddlers up to age two); Super Stars (two years) and Leap Frogs (three to four year olds).

“Our teachers create lesson plans for each day with a variety of learning activities, and that allows everyone to stay on task. Of course, the children think they are just having fun, but they are learning a lot, too,” Nimmer said.

“Each day there is a different theme, and the planned activities follow that theme.”

Along with activities devoted to math, science, art, music, and language and visits to the library and computer lab, children learn socialization skills.

Because the center is located on the Board of Education campus (formerly Greenville High School),  Nimmer says the campus offers so many more opportunities, from access to the cafeteria for older students to learning about school buses, the children would miss out on otherwise.

The old gymnasium is the perfect place for trike relay races and running obstacle courses and the romper room allows children to develop their gross motor skills while having a good time. When the weather cooperates, there are several age-appropriate playgrounds for the First Steppers to enjoy, NImmer says.

“Our students got to trick or treat at the decorated offices of the BOE last year, which was quite special for them,” Nimmer said.

The First Steps director says the center tries to work with families and be supportive in their efforts to be good parents.