Welcome to
First Steps!

A Home Away From Home For Your Children

First Steps Early Childhood Learning Centres are privately owned and operated Long Daycare Centres across Queensland. Our centres are a home away from home for your children, providing them with an entertaining and engaging space where they can learn and grown at their own speed. We provide an environment where children can grow and thrive, while having fun.

Atherton

Our Centre is located 1 and a half hours south west of Cairns on the beautiful Tablelands. We pride ourselves in being a community of families and educators with a mission to see great outcomes for children and families.

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Killarney

First Step’s Killarney is a privately owned with a purpose to provide early education and care that exceeds traditional care and education standards.

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Cairns

Our aim at First Steps Gatton is to provide a home-like atmosphere within a caring and stimulating environment.

Parents or guardians are able to ask for information at any…

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Gatton

Our aim at First Steps Gatton is to provide a home-like atmosphere within a caring and stimulating environment.

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Chef Meals

Delicious, nutritious meals every day at select centres, supporting children’s wellbeing and giving families convenience and peace of mind.

Playscapes

Imaginative playscapes that spark curiosity, active play and confidence, giving children endless opportunities to explore and have fun.

Play-based

Learning through play! Hands-on exploration and creative experiences help children discover, experiment and develop a lifelong love of learning.

School Ready

Building confidence and resilience, our centres prepare children for school through strong social and emotional foundations.

Why Choose first steps

Children learn what they live, then they grow up to live what they learned.

Families choose First Steps Early Childhood Learning Centres because we provide more than early education — we offer a safe, nurturing, and inclusive community, where every child is valued and celebrated.

Our happy and passionate educators create meaningful relationships with children and families, ensuring each child feels secure, respected, and empowered to explore their world with confidence.

Through play-based learning, we give children the time, space, and inspiration they need to grow their social and emotional wellbeing while fostering curiosity and joy in every experience.

At First Steps, families know their children are cared for, supported, and inspired every day to explore, grow, and thrive in their own ways.

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First Steps Blog

What our parents say

We love First Steps! Amazing, caring staff and excellent management. I feel totally safe leaving my son in their care and even better, he loves it

Karlie M

“We can’t speak more highly of First Steps. From the moment our daughter started we were made to feel like family. The care and attention given to her lets me go off to work knowing she is safe, having fun and learning. They also help guide me as a first time mum and help with navigating toilet training and self settling and all the things I’m not sure on, this allows consistency at daycare and home. They are part of our village and we are so grateful to have them”

Kylie-Ann B

“We love First Steps Early Learning! We are always recommending to our friends and family. The educators are friendly & caring, the sense of family and community within the centre is welcoming, with so much to do and the programs the educators plan for our boys, their development is incredible to see and watch. We really enjoy hearing about their day and what they have learnt. They are very accommodating to each family and their needs!”

Brittney B

“The First Steps staff have made my family feel so welcome at the centre. Everyone is very friendly and my son’s social skills have improved immensely since starting at First Steps. He tells us often how much he loves his educators and we are impressed with what he is learning. We are so happy our children start their learning adventure with First Steps.”

Michelle B

“First Steps Daycare has been a fantastic choice for our family, where our children truly thrive. The staff are not only highly skilled but also deeply caring, making every child feel like part of their extended family. With a nurturing atmosphere, and excellent communication with parents, First Steps goes above and beyond! It’s a true home away from home. All three of my children have had the chance to attend First Steps, and they have loved it just as much as I do.”

Lucy I.

“As a parent you always worry about who may be caring for your kids. However, once we stepped into first steps we knew from the very first tour that we would be comfortable leaving our son in the capable hands of the first steps team. Our son was our first to go to daycare and his transition was made simple by the caring educators who made it their mission to comfort, nourish and support any of his daily needs! We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Tiarni and Adam M