Providing A Happy Place

Crayons, play dough, pencils and glue sticks...

For our youngest ASK kids, fall does not bring the excitement of going to school for the first time.  Preschool is often not an option because of their weakened immune systems and many missed days spent at the hospital in treatment. 

That's where ASK's First STEP (Socialization Through Enriched Play) preschool program comes in. Through a nurturing partnership with First Baptist Church, we're proud to say that First STEP is now in its ninth year of offering a safe and positive learning environment for our youngest patients, survivors and siblings. 

STEP looks like any other school: crayons, play dough, pencils and glue sticks, but teachers take extra precautions. Since the children's immune systems are so vulnerable, teachers wash their students' hands many times during the day. They also clean toys, tables and supplies constantly.

Thanks to donors like you, our families who are facing large medical bills don't have to worry about tuition for the program.  In the words of one of our students attending the class this year "This is awesome!" and we couldn't agree more. 

If you would like to learn more about STEP or to visit the school, please contact us at 804-658-5910.