Stepping Stones is an early childhood facility, licensed by The New York City Department of Mental Health and Hygiene, that has been offering programs for children aged two to five since 2002. Since 2021, they have joined the New York Early Education Center (NYCEEC) to provide free 3k and 4K programs through the NYCDOE. As a safe and secure environment, Stepping Stones features an educational curriculum designed to cultivate a love for learning. Each age group receives tailored opportunities that align with their developmental stage, aiding them in achieving their milestones.
Our philosophy centers on providing children with numerous play-based experiences where they can learn through play and play through learning. This meaningful play emphasizes each child’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. At Stepping Stones, we create an atmosphere that encourages children to become independent thinkers, reflecting on the world around them through both individual and group activities. They will participate in a variety of experiences, including large and small muscle activities, sensory exploration, social interaction, and creative expression.
The facility is equipped with age-appropriate resources, allowing children to engage in music, art, dramatic play, blocks, puzzles, table games, storytelling, science, sensory exploration, and outdoor activities. Through these center activities, offered twice a day, children will develop social-emotional skills. Centers play a vital role in our curriculum and are regularly updated, designed, and rotated based on the children’s interests.
We take great pride in creating our centers, as they provide children with opportunities to build meaningful relationships with peers and teachers. These relationships are cherished in the classroom, where students are encouraged to express their thoughts and emotions. Our daily schedule is thoughtfully planned to create an inviting and nurturing atmosphere, ensuring a consistently productive learning experience. The routines established by the teachers foster an organized environment in which children seamlessly transition from one activity to another.
At Stepping Stones, our Head and Assistant Teachers possess qualified backgrounds in education. They receive training from the directors to deliver the best possible education for your child. In addition to monthly director trainings, the teachers also continue their trainings through Early Childhood Education and Training Program though Albany. Each program taught at Stepping Stones is designed to prepare students for the social-emotional challenges they will encounter in their future elementary school years.
Building connections with students, establishing effective communication with parents, and serving as positive role models are essential at Stepping Stones. These factors are crucial for maintaining classroom management, fostering mutual respect, and creating a positive learning environment. We want students to view their school as a second home and their classmates as an extended family, ensuring they always feel a sense of belonging and comfort during their time at Stepping Stones.
