First Steps Into Childcare

Enrollment is now CLOSED for the WINTER. Please feel free to apply for SPRING 2025.

Who Qualifies

If you have a high school diploma or GED/HISET, and meet the income eligibility requirements, you may qualify for this program at no-cost.

Train to be an early ed teacher!

If you’re looking for a rewarding career working with children and making a difference in their lives, try FIRST STEPS INTO CHILDCARE!

In this program, you will learn everything you need to know to get your teaching career off the ground. For instance, you’ll learn about creating a safe and healthy learning environment; effective teaching methods; how to support children’s social and emotional development, and much more.

First Steps participants will be receiving an online accredited education college course through the Urban College of Boston.

A foot in the door

ABCD’s First Steps into Childcare is a serious advantage. When you successfully complete the program, you’ll have the opportunity to interview for a job at ABCD Head Start or a childcare provider in ABCD’s extended network. First Steps also offers job placement assistance and career counseling at all stages of the program: pre-employment, during employment and post-employment.

What is Head Start?

Head Start is an exemplary early education and family development program that offers comprehensive education, health, dental, nutrition and related services for children from birth to age five, as well as for pregnant mothers.

It is a federal program that each year serves more than a million disadvantaged children nationwide. ABCD (Action for Boston Community Development) has been successfully operating the Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Greater Boston for more than 50 years.

We strive to meet each child’s needs while reflecting the community’s ethnic and cultural values. Learn more about Head Start and Early Head Start at ABCD.