First Steps is a privately owned children's center. The owners, Mary Ellen Arsenault and her daughter, Nancy Arsenault King, have been life-long residents of Hudson.
We opened our doors in September of 1990. Our intentions were, and continue to be, to provide the parents of the area communities a safe, loving, stress-free environment for their young children during the hours that parents need to be at work.
We were conservative in September of 1990 and requested a license from Massachusetts Office for Child Care Services for 39 children.
By December 1st, we were bulging and needed to be re-licensed for 67 children far surpassing our original expectations.
Since then, we have added an additional infant room, an additional pre-school (Pre-K) and a private full-day kindergarten. We now serve 106 families in our Hudson center.
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Early Childhood / Day Care
- Grades: Prekindergarten-Kindergarten
- Enrollment: 54 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-Kindergarten
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
54 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
13%
State avg.: 29%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Application URL
School Notes
- First Steps is a privately owned children's center. The owners, Mary Ellen Arsenault and her daughter, Nancy Arsenault King, have been life-long residents of Hudson. We opened our doors in September of 1990. Our intentions were, and continue to be, to provide the parents of the area communities a safe, loving, stress-free environment for their young children during the hours that parents need to be at work. We were conservative in September of 1990 and requested a license from Massachusetts Office for Child Care Services for 39 children. By December 1st, we were bulging and needed to be re-licensed for 67 children far surpassing our original expectations. Since then, we have added an additional infant room, an additional pre-school (Pre-K) and a private full-day kindergarten. We now serve 106 families in our Hudson center.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline for First Steps Children's Center?
The application deadline for First Steps Children's Center is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
Endorse First Steps Children's Center. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles

Podcasts That Will Change the Way You Think About Education
This article highlights a curated selection of podcasts that offer thought-provoking discussions, expert insights, and innovative ideas on various aspects of education. From exploring new teaching methods and technologies to discussing policy changes and social issues, these podcasts provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for anyone interested in education. Each podcast is briefly described, highlighting its unique focus and tone.

For-profit vs. Not-for-profit Schools
This comprehensive guide explores the differences between for-profit and not-for-profit private schools, discussing their organizational structures, advantages, and key considerations for parents. It emphasizes that a school's success is determined by its educational quality and management rather than its profit status.

2023-24 Best SSAT Prep Courses Reviewed
This article reviews the top SSAT prep courses, including Test Innovators, Enrollment Management Association (EMA), Princeton Review, Ivy Global, and Kaplan. Each course is evaluated based on its price, in-person and online services, officially licensed materials, instant normative scoring, and free trial options. We'll dive into the features and benefits of each course, helping you understand which one best fits your student's needs and learning style.