Founded in 1988 as a full-service child care program, First Step Children's Center is operated by Jefferson Street Child Center, Inc. (JSCC), a not-for-profit organization.  First Step offers pre-school for children ages six weeks through kindergarten and a before and after school program, for children in grades one through three. 

JSCC was formed in 1987 through a partnership between Hanover Presbyterian Church and the Southeast Ninth Ward Neighborhood Association. Board members come from the Southeast Ninth Ward Neighborhood Association, Hanover Presbyterian Church, the parents of First Step children, and the community at large.  Parents, board members, and staff determine policy and set priorities for the Center.