School Philosophy

Stepping Stones is an early childhood facility licensed by The New York City Department of Mental Health and Hygiene offering programs for children ages two to five since 2002. Stepping Stones is a safe and secure early childhood center with an educational curriculum that focuses on developing a love of learning. Each age group is given opportunities that reflect their stage of development to assist them in reaching their milestones.

Our philosophy is based on providing children many play-based opportunities where they will play to learn and learn from play.  This kind of play will be purposeful and will emphasize the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth of each child.  Stepping Stones will provide an atmosphere for children to become independent thinkers reflecting about the world around them through individual and group activities. They will engage in large and small muscle activities, sensory and discovery, social interaction and creative expression.

Stepping Stones is furnished with age-appropriate equipment where children experience music, art, dramatic play, block corner, puzzles, table games, library, storytelling, science center, sensory center, art center, and outdoor play. Children will learn social emotional skills while participating in center play twice a day. Centers are a main component of our curriculum and are updated, designed, and rotated based on the interests of the children.

We take great pride in the formation of our centers so the children have opportunities to foster meaningful relationships with their peers and teachers. These relationships will be valued in the classroom as the students are encouraged to express themselves and their emotions. Our daily schedule is planned in an inviting and nurturing way for the children to have a consistent productive learning day.  The everyday routines set forth by the teachers will provide an organized environment where the children will move from one activity to the next.

Head and Assistant Teachers at Stepping Stones have qualified backgrounds in education. They are trained by the directors to provide the best education for your child. Each program at Stepping Stones will prepare each student for the social emotional growth of their future elementary school years.

It is important at Stepping Stones to build a connection with students, establish good communication parents, and be a positive role model.  These are crucial factors in order to obtain classroom management, respect for each other, and a positive learning environment. The students should think of their school as their second home and their classmates as their extended family. They should always feel a sense of belonging and comfort during their days in Stepping Stones.

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