First Steps Learning Center, Inc. in Lillington is Harnett County's top-rated licensed childcare center, holding a Five-Star DCDEE license and founded by two retired educators with over 72 years of combined experience. Serving children from birth through age 12 in a small community-focused setting of 53 children, it emphasizes personalized attention and a nurturing environment.
Safety8.0
Curriculum9.0
Art / Music7.0
Infant care8.0
Kindergarten readiness8.0
Teacher quality9.0
Compassion9.0
Management8.0
Culture9.0
Class sizes8.0
Programs & curriculum
Curriculum & approach: Uses Pocket Full of Preschool curriculum with lesson plans developed by lead teachers focusing on developmental areas and school readiness.
Programs & activities: Serves infants through fifth grade including infant sensory play, sign language for one-year-olds, preschool learning centers, and school-age before/after care with transportation to local schools (Wickham, Van Allen, Central).
What sets it apart: Open Monday-Friday 6:30am-6:00pm. Tagline is Where Children Take Their First Steps To Success.
Recognition of Excellence — Website Badge
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#1 in Laurinburg, Lillington & Lumberton
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: First Steps Learning Center, Inc. -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/fayetteville/laurinburg-lillington-lumberton/first-steps-learning-center-inc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">#1 in Laurinburg, Lillington & Lumberton</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Ranked #1 overall across all 11 quality dimensions among every licensed childcare center in Laurinburg, Lillington & Lumberton. This is the highest recognition we award in the city.</span>
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Top 100 in North Carolina
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: First Steps Learning Center, Inc. -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/fayetteville/laurinburg-lillington-lumberton/first-steps-learning-center-inc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/rank-100-state.jpg" alt="Top 100 in North Carolina - First Steps Learning Center, Inc. - Laurinburg, Lillington & Lumberton, NC" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Top 100 in North Carolina</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Among the top 100 childcare centers statewide — a distinction earned by fewer than 1% of licensed centers across North Carolina.</span>
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Best for Safety
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: First Steps Learning Center, Inc. -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/fayetteville/laurinburg-lillington-lumberton/first-steps-learning-center-inc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-safety.jpg" alt="Best for Safety - First Steps Learning Center, Inc. - Laurinburg, Lillington & Lumberton, NC" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best for Safety</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest safety score in Laurinburg, Lillington & Lumberton. Our safety dimension weighs inspection history, deficiency records, and parent-reported safety culture across reviews.</span>
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Best Teachers
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: First Steps Learning Center, Inc. -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/fayetteville/laurinburg-lillington-lumberton/first-steps-learning-center-inc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-teacherq.jpg" alt="Best Teachers - First Steps Learning Center, Inc. - Laurinburg, Lillington & Lumberton, NC" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Teachers</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest teacher-quality score in Laurinburg, Lillington & Lumberton. This dimension reflects staff credentials, tenure, warmth, and how consistently parents praise individual teachers.</span>
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Best Curriculum
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: First Steps Learning Center, Inc. -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/fayetteville/laurinburg-lillington-lumberton/first-steps-learning-center-inc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-curriculum.jpg" alt="Best Curriculum - First Steps Learning Center, Inc. - Laurinburg, Lillington & Lumberton, NC" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Curriculum</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest curriculum score in Laurinburg, Lillington & Lumberton. This dimension evaluates structured learning, developmental programming, and how well daily activities prepare children for each stage.</span>
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Most Compassionate
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: First Steps Learning Center, Inc. -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/fayetteville/laurinburg-lillington-lumberton/first-steps-learning-center-inc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-compassion.jpg" alt="Most Compassionate - First Steps Learning Center, Inc. - Laurinburg, Lillington & Lumberton, NC" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Most Compassionate</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest compassion score in Laurinburg, Lillington & Lumberton. This dimension captures the warmth, patience, and individual attention children receive day to day.</span>
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Best Infant Care
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: First Steps Learning Center, Inc. -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/fayetteville/laurinburg-lillington-lumberton/first-steps-learning-center-inc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-infant.jpg" alt="Best Infant Care - First Steps Learning Center, Inc. - Laurinburg, Lillington & Lumberton, NC" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Infant Care</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest infant care score in Laurinburg, Lillington & Lumberton. This dimension focuses on caregiver ratios, responsiveness, feeding and sleep routines, and parent feedback specific to infant rooms.</span>
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Best K-Ready
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: First Steps Learning Center, Inc. -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/fayetteville/laurinburg-lillington-lumberton/first-steps-learning-center-inc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-kinder.jpg" alt="Best K-Ready - First Steps Learning Center, Inc. - Laurinburg, Lillington & Lumberton, NC" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best K-Ready</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest kindergarten-readiness score in Laurinburg, Lillington & Lumberton. This dimension weighs literacy and numeracy foundations, school-transition preparation, and reported outcomes.</span>
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Best Management
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: First Steps Learning Center, Inc. -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/fayetteville/laurinburg-lillington-lumberton/first-steps-learning-center-inc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-mgmt.jpg" alt="Best Management - First Steps Learning Center, Inc. - Laurinburg, Lillington & Lumberton, NC" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Management</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest management score in Laurinburg, Lillington & Lumberton. This dimension evaluates director responsiveness, communication, billing clarity, and how well the center is run.</span>
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Best Culture
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: First Steps Learning Center, Inc. -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/fayetteville/laurinburg-lillington-lumberton/first-steps-learning-center-inc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-culture.jpg" alt="Best Culture - First Steps Learning Center, Inc. - Laurinburg, Lillington & Lumberton, NC" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Culture</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest culture score in Laurinburg, Lillington & Lumberton. This dimension captures a sense of community, inclusivity, staff morale, and the feeling families describe when they walk through the door.</span>
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Best Arts & Music
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: First Steps Learning Center, Inc. -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/fayetteville/laurinburg-lillington-lumberton/first-steps-learning-center-inc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-arts.jpg" alt="Best Arts & Music - First Steps Learning Center, Inc. - Laurinburg, Lillington & Lumberton, NC" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Best Arts & Music</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the highest arts & music score in Laurinburg, Lillington & Lumberton. This dimension reflects the depth and consistency of creative programming — visual arts, music, movement, and imaginative play.</span>
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Smallest Classes
<!-- Recognition of Excellence: First Steps Learning Center, Inc. -->
<a href="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/north-carolina/fayetteville/laurinburg-lillington-lumberton/first-steps-learning-center-inc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:16px;padding:18px;background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #EDD97A;border-radius:10px;max-width:420px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;">
<img src="https://creativemindsmontessori.com/US-wide-childcare-preschool-rankings/badges/dim-crowding.jpg" alt="Smallest Classes - First Steps Learning Center, Inc. - Laurinburg, Lillington & Lumberton, NC" width="80" height="80" style="border-radius:8px;flex-shrink:0;" loading="lazy">
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<strong style="display:block;font-size:15px;color:#1A1A18;margin-bottom:5px;">Smallest Classes</strong>
<span style="font-size:13px;color:#4A4A46;line-height:1.5;">Earned the best class-size score in Laurinburg, Lillington & Lumberton. This dimension reflects group sizes, child-to-teacher ratios, and how much individual space and attention each child gets.</span>
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Updated · July 2026
This recognition is awarded independently by Creative Minds Montessori based on publicly available parent reviews and public records. Centers do not pay for or request these rankings. Scores reflect editorial synthesis of verified parent experience — not center marketing materials. Rankings are updated periodically as new reviews are analyzed.
