“When we first started looking at preschools with my daughter we toured a few schools in the area. I immediately knew Stepping Stones was for us. When my daughter asked if she got to pick, we were hesitant to say yes. However, she had the same instinct we did. We knew it was where we were meant to be.

From the garden, the ability to aid in the classrooms, the backyard and playground, and the incredible play-based classes, we could not be happier. We love being able to see how our daughters have grown into little kindergartners through their time here and we will always be a part of the Stepping Stones family.”

— Nick and Nicole S., Parents

“I was confident about enrolling my second child in preschool after such a positive experience with my first at SSP. My second child is shy and she grew up during COVID when we stayed home versus doing activities and playing with other children regularly. I was nervous for drop off the first day but she walked in fine. She struggled during transitions throughout the day going from circle to outside to play and back inside and cried for me. The teacher was kind and kept me updated. Together, we made a plan to give her a flip chart with pictures to let her know what was next and when Mommy was coming to get her. Her teacher watched transitions and helped her be independent asking her what was next before it happened. My daughter would flip her chart to the next picture to answer. Two weeks later and she is confident, transitioning well, and an active learner in her classroom and no longer needs the flip chart. I am truly thankful for the tender care and concern her Teacher had with this unique situation and how we worked together to help my daughter grow.”

— Clara H., Parent

“My son was approaching 3 and we knew we needed to find a child care option. We starting looking at nearby daycares but none felt right. My husband took a tour at SSP then immediately called me. He said “this is the place, we need to go here!”

On the first day we were all very nervous. My son had never been in a school environment and with other kids. He was very upset that day. The teacher was so calm and compassionate and took him into the classroom. A few minutes after we left, she sent me a text to let me know he settled right in and was doing great.

Everyday since, my son has been excited to go to school. He tells me how he loves his teacher and friends! I love aiding at the school, it has been so valuable to me. I get to be involved and see him playing, learning, and exploring the world. I joined the Parent Board also and have met some amazing people and friends.”

— Jessica P., Parent

“My journey at Stepping Stones Preschool started when my first child attended Mrs. Berneburg’s class. I spent the next 10 years supporting the school as an active participating parent and board member. As my children grew and I saw my last child go off to kindergarten, I had an opportunity to join the Stepping Stones Preschool staff teaching in the 3’s class & playroom.

I feel that by experiencing both a parent role and teacher role at Stepping Stones, I see the value each holds. Participating parents are a vital part of the preschool, and the board members keep everything moving smoothly. I take pride in my position as a teacher and realize how blessed we are to have such supportive directors, which allow us the freedom to be creative and bring our very best to the students and classroom everyday.”

-Theresa Dreifuss, Teacher

“I first became familiar with the preschool when my daughter started. I wanted to get involved so I joined the Parent Board. My five children and I had such a wonderful experience that when my youngest graduated, I decided to stay and took a position as a teacher in the Playroom. I was thrilled because over the years, I had experienced the Playroom as a parent with my own children and now I had the opportunity to teach.

One of the greatest moments I’ve experienced while at Stepping Stones Preschool is being able to watch the children develop autonomy. As the children grow, learn, and become independent, it opens new doors to experiences, knowledge, and helps them to identify with who they are as individuals.”

-Karen Thompson, Teacher