First Steps' greatest priority is to enhance the lives of preschool children and their families. All children deserve to be loved, nurtured, safe, healthy, and prepared to enter first grade.

First Steps recognizes that parents are their child's first and most important teachers; therefore, First Steps is family focused which means that parent involvement is expected and valued. The interests of children will always supersede personal and organizational interests.

First Steps recognizes that there are many different family structures and is committed to understanding and meeting the unique needs of each.

First Steps identifies and meets unmet needs.

First Steps is committed to maximizing public and private resources for the benefit of children.

First Steps supports quality programs and services that are accessible comprehensive, collaborative, and integrated.

First Steps is community-driven; therefore, all segments of the community are invited to participate in planning and implementing its programs and services. Participation in the First Steps Partnership and its programs and services is voluntary.