Inspiring Conversations with Kristin Chamberlain of Footsteps Child Care

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Chamberlain.

Hi Kristin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up on Kauai, Hawai‘i, in a community deeply rooted in connection, respect for nature, and strong relationships…where the belief that “it takes a village” was truly a way of life. That upbringing shaped how I view early childhood, as a sacred and formative time that deserves to be nurtured with care, intention, and a strong sense of belonging.

I went on to earn my bachelor’s degree in Child Development and a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, specializing in child studies and marriage and family therapy. Along the way, I gained hands-on experience in a variety of roles, including working as a nanny, child care provider, preschool teacher, assistant director, and clinician supporting young children and families through therapy.

In 2019, I brought together my education and experience to open Footsteps Preschool & Infant Care as a small, home-based program in Playa Vista. What began as an intimate school has grown into a multi-classroom program serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, supported by a dedicated team and enrichment partners.

Today, Footsteps is both a school and a family-centered community. We offer a play-based, developmentally rich curriculum, thoughtfully designed learning environments, daily communication with families, and partnerships that bring music, movement, and creative enrichment into our classrooms. We are currently in the process of expanding into a purpose-built center in Mid-City this year, with the same focus on blending the warmth of a small community school with the structure and professionalism of a modern early learning center…where children feel safe, inspired, and deeply cared for, and families feel genuinely connected and supported.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. And I don’t think any meaningful work ever is. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to grow without losing the heart of what made Footsteps special in the first place. As we continue expanding from a small, home-based program into a larger enter, we’re constantly trying to balance growth with maintaining the close-knit, family-centered culture that defines our school.

Right now, we’re actively navigating the realities of expansion — licensing and regulatory requirements, facility build-outs, staffing and training, and the systems needed to support a growing team and community. It’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that families don’t always see, but it’s essential to creating a safe, high-quality, and sustainable program.

On a more personal level, I’m also learning how to shift from being hands-on in every classroom moment to leading, mentoring, and trusting a team to carry our values forward. That transition has been both challenging and rewarding. Through it all, I stay grounded in our mission and our families and remind myself that growth isn’t just about getting bigger, it’s about deepening our impact and continuing to build a village around every child we serve.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Footsteps Child Care is a family-centered early learning community that serves infants, toddlers, and preschoolers through a play-based, developmentally rich approach to care and education.

We are known for creating calm, beautifully designed learning environments — both indoors and outdoors — where children feel safe, seen, and inspired to explore. A key part of our program is our emphasis on outdoor learning and garden-based experiences, giving children daily opportunities to connect with nature, engage their senses, and develop curiosity, responsibility, and respect for the world around them.

Our program blends the warmth of a small community school with the structure and professionalism of a modern early learning center, offering consistent classroom groups, highly qualified teachers, daily communication with families, and thoughtfully curated enrichment — including music, movement, and creative partnerships that extend learning beyond the classroom.

What truly sets Footsteps apart is our focus on relationships. We believe deeply in the idea that it takes a village, and we intentionally build strong, collaborative partnerships with families, educators, and our broader community. This shows up in the way we communicate, the way we design our spaces, and the way we support each child’s social, emotional, and developmental growth.

Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is the sense of belonging families feel when they join Footsteps. We’re not just a place children attend — we’re a community families become part of. As we continue expanding into Mid-City, our commitment remains the same: to offer high-quality, relationship-driven care that feels personal, intentional, and deeply rooted in connection, while providing the resources and structure of a professional early learning program.

At its heart, Footsteps is about walking alongside children and families through the earliest, most meaningful years.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
For me, the most meaningful connections have come from leading with genuine curiosity. I’ve found that mentors often emerge naturally when you show up consistently in the spaces where people you admire already are, whether that’s local early childhood networks, licensing meetings, community events, or even collaborations with other small business owners and educators.

What’s worked well for me is being open about what I’m building and what I’m still learning. When I share both the vision and the challenges, it invites more authentic conversations and relationships, rather than transactional ones. I’ve also found a lot of value in peer mentorship, and connecting with other school owners and directors who are a few steps ahead or right alongside me in the journey. Those relationships tend to be incredibly practical and supportive.

I try to approach networking as community-building. Look for ways to offer something first, maybe a resource, a connection, a space to collaborate, and trust that those relationships will grow organically over time. In my experience, the strongest mentorships come from mutual respect, shared values, and a genuine commitment to helping each other and the families we serve succeed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.footsteps.la
• Instagram: @footsteps.la
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/footsteps-child-care-culver-city?osq=Footsteps+Child+Care