We love Stepping Stones! I was introduced to Stepping Stones through a friend who had both of her daughters attend there. My son will be graduating from there in a couple of weeks and I am very, very sad to say goodbye.
Stepping Stones is a rare gem of a place where you feel like you're in a cozy home with warm, caring adults who really care about the children and their well being. There are arts, crafts, excellent lessons (my son is 4 and a half, can read small words and he will start kindergarten in the Fall), and their singing productions are too cute for words. To get all the kids to make/put on/keep on the costumes and sing and also do the sign language songs are phenomenal. As a parent, you will cry every time you see the performances. Hats off to all the teachers and the students.
In addition to what I wrote above, below are some additional highlights from our 2 years there:
* Flexibility - Stacey, the director, has been wonderful to work with my work schedule. I first had my son in the school full time, then part time, then changed days and hours, then one month increased hours, then the following month decreased, and sometimes needed to drop him off for a couple of hours, etc. and Stacey worked with me through it all. Never made me feel bad about asking, she was a great partner and I am forever grateful for her flexibility.
* Heart - The teachers at Stepping Stones (we went through 3 classes during 2 years there) were so receptive to me when talking with them about my son, his progress, any concerns, etc. With the small class sizes, it was really wonderful to see the individual attention my son received.
* More heart - We had a tragedy where one of the moms died of cancer, leaving behind two very little ones. Stacey, the director, opened her school to them, offering free childcare during their very difficult time. Several of the moms also pitched in to help. It was wonderful to see such care from not just the school but the fellow moms.
* Healthy focus - Loved the fact that they encourage healthy food instead of junk food.
* Holiday events - Loved all the holiday parties but my favorites are the mother's day tea and father's day lunch. Such a special way to spend time together. Oh, and Halloween where they dress up and go trick or treating around the fellow businesses, that's pretty cute too.
* POTTY TRAINING!!! They totally help make this transition easier.
My older child attended Fountainhead Montessori, as well as pre-school at Pleasant Hill Park and Rec and I wish I would have known about this place earlier so she could have attended Stepping Stones as well. Fountainhead was a bit too big for us and we loved Pleasant Hill Park and Rec pre-school, but they have limited hours because it's literally just 3 hours a day.
Stepping Stones has been a wonderful landing ground for my son for the last 2 years and my son (and I) will truly miss seeing the wonderful faces of his teachers and friends. Thank you Stepping Stones! read more