A young child holding a purple climbing hold on a playground structure, with a bright sky and trees in the background.

Our Story

At Little Steps Academy, we believe that the early years are the most important for a child’s growth and development. Founded from a deep passion for caring for children, our program was created to provide ongoing attention and support to families in our community, watching children grow step by step through each stage of development and transformation—from small cocoons into beautiful butterflies.

Meet Our Founder

A woman with long hair and hoop earrings standing outdoors and smiling, leaning on a wooden railing, wearing a patterned dress and a light-colored vest.

Maribel Bautista Gamero

Director & Lead Teacher
First Aid / CPR · CDA Certification

10+ years of teaching experience across a variety of settings including Children's Learning Center, Home Daycares, Jewish Community Center, and St. John's Episcopal Church Childcare. As Director, Maribel leads the program with passion, purpose, and deep commitment to the Teton community.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Little Steps Academy provides full-time and part-time childcare for children ages 0–3. Our center is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, serving families living and working in Teton County.

  • We follow a constructivist approach, where children build knowledge through hands-on experiences. Our curriculum uses Frog Street’s educational frameworks and a bilingual (Spanish/English) program designed to nurture creativity, independence, and social-emotional growth in early learners.

  • Each day at Little Steps Academy is structured to balance learning, play, and rest. Children participate in hands-on activities that promote cognitive, emotional, and motor development, with time for social interaction, creative play, and quiet moments. Our routines are flexible to meet each child’s needs.

  • We maintain open, ongoing communication with families using the Brighwheel platform. Teachers share daily updates on your child’s activities, development, and milestones. We also offer guidance and resources to support learning and attachment at home.