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The Relationship Between Music and Brain Development in Children
Research shows music is good for children and has many cognitive benefits in their development. In fact, modern neurological research has discovered music and child development are deeply intertwined. Exposure to music can help children develop new neural connections, language skills, and more. As children engage with different types of music, whether through singing, listening or dancing, their brains undergo a symphony of activities that engages many areas of the brain including those related to: Working memory Language Processing Emotional Regulation of Self-Control Prob...
The Benefits of Outdoor Play in Child Development
As an adult, it can be challenging to cut back on screen time and sometimes it can be much more of a challenge to encourage your children to take a step back as well. They live in a world where digital games, TV, phones and iPads are more accessible than they’ve ever been before. However, while screen time does have some benefits, research shows that finding a healthy balance between physical and outdoor play and screen time can help improve physical and mental health. Furthermore, research confirms that physical play can partially reverse negative effects on the brain associated with exc...
5 Ways to Help Children Adjust to Daylight Saving Time
As we approach the end of Daylight Saving Time, many families may be bracing for a shift in their children’s sleep routines. Although gaining an extra hour sounds appealing, it often takes time for children to fully adjust, and that adjustment period can sometimes lead to upset children and disrupted sleep schedules. Here are five helpful tips to ease the transition and ensure smoother mornings and restful nights for your children. 1. Begin the Shift Gradually A few days before Daylight Saving Time ends, you can start moving bedtime and wake-up time by small increments. Adjusting the sc...
Supporting Healthy Screen Habits for Children
In today’s digital world, screens are everywhere. From smartphones and tablets to TVs and computers, children are exposed to technology daily, often for long periods of time. While devices can offer educational benefits and entertainment, it is also important to understand how too much screen time can affect your child’s development and what you can do as a parent to support healthy habits. Research shows that too much screen time can have a significant impact on a child’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development. Language Development - According to a study published b...
Halloween Safety Tips for Families
Halloween is an exciting time of year for children and families. As the big night approaches, it’s important to ensure that fun is paired with safety. Here are some practical safety tips to keep your Halloween celebrations enjoyable and worry-free. Careful Costume Considerations Think Visibility: Visibility is one of the biggest safety concerns for trick-or-treaters, especially after dark. Help children be seen by adding reflective tape to their costumes and treat bags. Glow sticks and flashlights with fresh batteries are also great ways to ensure that your child stands out in the dark...
Fun Fall Activities
Fall brings with it the perfect opportunity for families to spend time together enjoying the beauty of the season. From pumpkin patches to cozy crafts, there are countless ways to celebrate fall with your children. Here are some fun activities and safety tips to help your family make the most of this special time of year. 1. Pumpkin Patch Adventures Visiting a pumpkin patch is a classic fall tradition, and it offers the chance to enjoy the outdoors while selecting the perfect pumpkin. Many local pumpkin patches offer family-friendly activities like hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos, ...
7 Way to Create a Calm and Consistent Nighttime Routine for Children
Establishing a reliable nighttime routine is key to helping young children transition smoothly from a busy day to a restful night. A consistent routine promotes better sleep and provides children with a sense of security and predictability, which is essential for their emotional and physical well-being. At Stepping Stone School, we understand how important sleep is for a child’s growth and learning, and we want to share tips to help parents create soothing and effective bedtime routines. 1. Set a Regular Bedtime Young children thrive on consistency. Choose a bedtime that works for your ...
Understanding and Addressing Biting in Young Children
Biting is a common concern for many families with young children. While it can be distressing, especially when it happens unexpectedly, biting is a typical developmental behavior often seen in infants, toddlers, and two-year-olds. Children usually outgrow this behavior as they mature, develop self-control, and learn better ways to express their needs and emotions. However, it's important for families to understand why children bite and how to respond in a way that encourages healthy behavior. Why Do Young Children Bite? Children may bite for various reasons, and understanding the cause is...
Discover the Value of All-Inclusive Tuition at Stepping Stone School
At Stepping Stone School, we believe every family and child is unique and deserving of individualized care and attention. From the moment you walk through our doors, our priority is to understand what matters most to you and your child. We don’t see you as just another family—we see you as a vital part of our community. Every interaction begins with listening to your needs, your child's development, and your hopes for their future. Our deep commitment to building meaningful relationships ensures you and your child feel valued, supported, and truly cared for every step of the way. Our...
Easy Morning Routine Tips
Mornings with little ones can be a whirlwind, but establishing a smooth routine can set a positive tone for the entire day. With a bit of planning and consistency, mornings can be a positive experience for all. Here are some tips and tricks for Stepping Stone School families to help make mornings easier for the whole family! 1. Start the Night Before Preparation is key to stress-free mornings! Take some time in the evening to do these tasks: Lay out clothes: Let your child help pick out their outfit for the next day. This gives them a sense of control and cuts down on morning decisio...
The Grand Re-Opening of Stepping Stone School Cedar Park!
We are thrilled to announce the historic renovation of Stepping Stone School Cedar Park! After months of hard work and dedication, our newly transformed campus will officially reopen on October 1, 2024. This is not just a fresh coat of paint; it’s a complete evolution of what Stepping Stone School represents—bringing together cutting-edge learning environments, modern amenities, and the Future Strong™ approach. What to Expect from Our Transformation The renovation of our Cedar Park campus includes upgrading classrooms with new paint, walls, flooring, and bathrooms. We’ve designed ...
Essential Skills Parents Can Help Children Develop in the Early Years
The first five years of a child's life are filled with rapid growth and learning, and it’s during this crucial time that children lay the foundation for their future success. At Stepping Stone School, we recognize the importance of equipping children with a blend of academic, social, emotional, and physical skills that are essential for success in elementary school and beyond. While our nurturing environment and Future Strong™ approach provides a solid foundation at school, parents play an invaluable role in extending this learning at home. Here are key skills parents can help their chi...
Future Strong Improvements at our Leander Campus
Big News for Leander families! One of the most exciting Future Strong updates coming to the Best Preschool in Leander is an entirely new playground designed from the ground up with challenging fun and safety in mind. Our Future Strong Design Team has gone above and beyond by adding multiple cushioning layers including a pea pebble substrate and eco-friendly recycled foam padding, to allow your brave little explorers to enjoy the jungle gyms, slides, rock climbing walls and other playground experiences to their heart's content.The soft turf provides a knee-scrape free environment a...
The Importance of Strong Grandparent/Grandchild Relationships
The bonds between grandparents and grandchildren have real, significant effects on each other’s psychological well-being long into grandchildren’s adulthood. Now, more than ever fostering these types of family relationships is vital to a child’s development. In addition, it gives your child the opportunity to learn valuable lessons and stories from older generations that can continue to be passed down before they are forgotten. In honor of Grandparent’s Day on September 8th, here are five ways to foster that relationship between your child and their grandparents: 1.) Suggest g...
Prioritizing Health and Nutrition Early
If you are a parent to a young child, odds are you have already begun to prioritize health and nutrition into your child’s daily routine. With a heightened awareness of the lifelong impact of early dietary habits, it is important for toddlers to receive balanced and nutritious meals. Why is nutrition so important? Good nutrition is important for all of us, however it is especially important for children in their early years. Young children have very specific energy and nutrient requirements supporting their growth and development. Making sure your child has balanced meals daily can someti...
The Joy and Benefits of Singing with Your Child
At Stepping Stone School, we believe simple moments of connection can have a profound impact on a child's development. One simple activity that embodies this is singing with your child. Not only does it create beautiful memories, but it also offers a variety of developmental benefits. The Power of Music Singing with your child isn't just a delightful way to spend time together, it's a powerful tool that supports their development in several key areas: Language Development: When you sing to your child, you're exposing them to new vocabulary, sentence structures, and rhythms of speec...
Focusing on Parental Well-Being & Care
As a parent we all put our child’s needs first, however, self-care is not a luxury, it is a necessity! Taking the time to take care of yourself mentally, physically and emotionally can help you be a more present parent, role model and person. Self-care is any action you can do to improve your overall health and well-being. It can include activities, such as eating well, getting adequate sleep, exercising and taking care of your hygiene. You may be wondering what the benefits of self-care are and how you are going to fit this into your already busy schedule as a parent. The benefits of ...
Ways to Raise Eco Conscious Children
Living a more sustainable lifestyle is a goal that many of us have for the overall health of our planet and the future of our families. The best way to take care of the environment and to uphold a sustainable lifestyle is to raise the next generation to prioritize mother nature. Like many aspects of parenting, creating healthy habits involves repetition and teaching our children the values and reasons behind why we do things. We can explain why composting keeps material out of landfills and the importance of recycling. We also have the power to build empathy within children by explaining th...
The Importance of Water Safety Instruction
With summer just around the corner, the allure of pools and water activities is undeniable. As we prepare for a season filled with fun, it's essential to prioritize the safety of our children around water. Water safety instruction might seem like just another item on your schedule, but they are incredibly important for your child's safety and development. Let's explore why enrolling your children in a water safety instruction program this summer is a wonderful decision. Why Water Safety Instruction Matters Safety First: Water safety is a critical skill for children, especially presc...
Planning a Trip? How to Include Your Child and Develop Literacy Skills at the same time!
Spring break is almost here, and whether you're embarking on a family trip or staying local, it's a great opportunity to involve your child in planning while also boosting their literacy skills. Here are some tips and resources to make trip planning an exciting and educational experience for your family. Create a Schedule Together: Sit down with your child and create a schedule for your trip. Use a visual table with time indicators, words, and pictures to help them understand the plan. Let them choose activities they're excited about and anticipate what comes next during your advent...
🚀 Welcome to Destination Exploration: Your Summer Adventure Awaits! 🌟
Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with excitement, discovery, and fun? Look no further than Destination Exploration at The Brainery™! Our summer camp program is designed to ignite the spirit of exploration within your child while fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a love for learning. Here's what you can expect from our action-packed program: 🔍 Exploration Themes: Each week, your child will dive into a new and fascinating theme inspired by legendary explorers. From delving into the depths of the ocean with Jacques Cousteau to soaring through the...
Fostering a Healthy Relationship with Food for Your Child
Raising happy, healthy and thriving children is a primary goal for parents. Helping your child develop a healthy relationship with food at an early age will provide the foundation for healthy nutrition later in life. Food is not only a vital element for our survival, it is also at the very heart of our lives and plays an important role in our social gatherings, whether at home, at a favorite restaurant, or the lunchroom. At Stepping Stone School we believe in cultivating healthy eating habits with every meal. Our meals are healthy and wholesome, and made from scratch. Our produce is locall...
Stepping Stone School Continues to Elevate our High Standards and Progressive Program!
At Stepping Stone School, our focus is, and always will be, to provide the highest quality care and education for our children and families. From digital literacy and safety to emotional intelligence and positive self-regulation skills, our program provides the latest research-based curriculum combined with the reputable educational standards we are nationally recognized for. We are also emphasizing a reconnection to nature and implementing environmental sustainability practices to help develop responsible citizens. Our Proud to be Polite™ program focuses on the development of manners and...
The Value of Constructive Play & How to Encourage it at Home
As a parent, it is easy to overlook the value of everyday toys, such as blocks, Legos® and Tinker Toys®. However, the daily utilization of these toys are proven to be a vital benefit to a child’s development. These toys fall under the category of constructive play. Through constructive play, children learn about materials and objects and how to use them to create, build, order and manipulate. By age four, constructive play is the most common form of play. Constructive play is also a big part of our S.T.R.E.A.M. curriculum at Stepping Stone School has been suggested that children who eng...
Leadership Skills for Children
Research suggests that tomorrow’s leaders will be those with highly developed “Soft Skills.” Soft Skills are interpersonal aptitudes focusing heavily on communication and problem-solving abilities which support success in children long after high school and college. Many of these skills are key focuses in our Kindness & Empathy™ curriculum. During the month of January, the children at Stepping Stone School will develop Leadership skills as they participate in activities relating to these soft skills. When leadership qualities are nurtured in young children they bloss...
Fostering a Playful Environment at Home
Play is an important part of childhood, helping children learn and grow. Often, when parents think of play, their minds are automatically drawn to the idea of providing children with more toys. However, cultivating a playful environment in your home is equally important, if not more than the objects your child plays with. For example, laughter is a universal language bringing people together. For children, it may just be moments of joy, but in the bigger picture it is a vital element for healthy development. Embracing silliness and engaging in playful humor can foster your child’s emotion...
The Benefits of Sensory Play in Childhood Development
Children are naturally curious and absolutely love exploring the world around them through their senses. Sensory play includes activities involving touch, smell, sight, sound and taste, but it also covers movement, balance and spatial awareness. Sensory play is a vital component of childhood development and research shows that exposure to sensory-rich environments positively influence cognitive development. This type of play, where children explore various materials, textures, sounds, smells and sights can invite children into a world of limitless exploration. The types of sensory play a...
Montessori, Reggio Emilia or Play Based?
Montessori, Reggio Emilia or Play-Based? Stepping Stone School: Where Education Meets Innovation At Stepping Stone School, our commitment goes beyond just providing quality early care and education. We are dedicated to nurturing the development of the whole child, strengthening families, enhancing lives, and maintaining the highest standards for Early Care and Education. We pride ourselves on our unique innovative curriculum, Platinum Learning for Life™ and Calendar of Curriculum Themes™, which is the culmination of over 40 years of teaching experience and interaction with child...
Exploring Archaeology: Unearthing the Past at Stepping Stone School
At Stepping Stone School, we believe every child's education should be an exciting adventure. While preschool is often associated with basic learning skills and play, we love to introduce our young learners to a world of knowledge in innovative and enjoyable ways. Why Archaeology for Preschoolers? You might be wondering how to incorporate archaeology with your younger children. After all, isn't it a subject for older students? The truth is, archaeology can be a wonderful way to introduce young children to the joys of learning. Here's why it's the perfect fit for younger learners: ...
Outdoor Classrooms
As parents of young children attending Stepping Stone School, you're likely aware of the importance of outdoor play in your child's early education. But do you know just how impactful it can be? Let's explore the numerous advantages that outdoor play brings to your child's learning and development. It Invites Children to Learn Science - Nature is a perfect classroom for young explorers. You don't need formal science lessons; outdoor play naturally encourages your child's curiosity. Children are born discoverers, and their questions can become group inquiry projects. Outdoor play natur...
Stepping Stone School's Historic Gift: Teaching Children the Power of Compassion
In a heartwarming display of compassion and commitment to making a difference, Stepping Stone School marked a historic moment with a remarkable donation of $16,728.00 to the Ronald McDonald House of Central Texas. The children raised half of the total donation and Stepping Stone School generously made a matching donation. This significant contribution adds to Stepping Stone School's legacy of giving, surpassing the $104,000.00 milestone donated over the last several years. This achievement not only reflects Stepping Stone School’s dedication to philanthropy but also highlights the trans...
Lifelong Friendships Start at Stepping Stone School
Friendship is a bond that transcends time and distance, connecting us in ways that often leave lasting impressions. It is a testament to the power of these enduring relationships that we find ourselves cherishing the memories created during our formative years. Recently, the Stepping Stone School community had the pleasure of witnessing a heartwarming demonstration of friendship that exemplified the beautiful spirit of friendship. Graduating seniors, Colton Smith and Jory Klinger, returned to their alma mater, Stepping Stone School Cat Hollow, to recreate a special photograph, marking a rem...
Interview with Rhonda Paver, CEO, Owner and Founder of Stepping Stone School
Rhonda Paver's vision for better early care and education in Austin began over four decades ago. In 1979, Rhonda and her husband Bill arrived in Austin with their three children and struggled to find affordable and high-quality options. Determined to make a difference, Rhonda founded the first Stepping Stone School that year, focusing on the development of each child. While overseeing the school's growth, Rhonda also earned a master's degree in Child Development from UT Austin. For over four decades, Stepping Stone School has been dedicated to helping families and children thrive. As a...
Encouraging Emergent Writing
For young children, art and early writing skills go hand in hand. At first, your child will start experimenting with crayons and the cool things that they can do. Children often start to develop early writing skills through creating art, such as scribbles and begin to imitate the act of writing by symbolic marking and drawings that express their thoughts and ideas. These early writing skills are called emergent writing. Emergent writing is your child’s first attempt at the writing process. The development of emergent writing skills, such as writing their own name are important for setting...
How to Prepare for Beginning Early Care & Education
We understand how changing routines, new encounters, and meeting new people can be challenging for both parent and child. Stepping Stone School wants to make the experience as comfortable as possible for you and your family. To that end, we’ve compiled a list of suggestions to help you and your family feel prepared for this important and exciting transition. What can I do to prepare my family for childcare and get my child excited about his/her new school? Before Your First Day: Become Familiar with the School. Get to know the environment and your child’s teacher before the f...
City of Austin Proclaims March 23, 2023 as Rhonda Paver Day
March 23, 2023 – Austin, TX - The City of Austin, today acknowledged Rhonda Paver, owner and CEO of Stepping Stone School for her commitment to improving access to high quality early care and education for families in Austin. Rhonda Paver served as a valued member and leader of the City of Austin Early Childhood Council for 30 years and helped to create the framework for an early childhood care system in Austin. Moving forward, March 23 rd is dedicated to Rhonda as ‘Rhonda Paver Day’ and recognizes her immense dedication to early childhood education and care. About St...
Fun Spring Activities to do With Children
Spring is in the air and with the warmer weather brings bright colors and new blooms which can be exciting for children. Activities with children in the spring are a way to celebrate the changing weather and nurture an appreciation for the season when everything comes to life. Many of these activities are easy to put together with materials you may already have on hand. These are also great activities to do over spring break as well. Here are some fun and engaging Spring activities for children: 1.) Make a Magic Potion. Spring feels like a magical time with plants and animals coming t...
Cultivating Kindness at Every Age!
“The basis of all good human behavior is kindness.” Eleanor Roosevelt Throughout the month of February, the children at Stepping Stone School will learn that kindness matters, as they read stories, identify acts of kindness, and participate in age-appropriate activities to help them understand this important attribute as part of our Kindness & Empathy™curriculum. To continue your child’s learning at home, try some of the following: 1. Exchange Pleasantries. Role-play how to greet someone. Even very young children can participate as you encourage them to smile or wave....
7 Simple Ways to Teach Manners and Etiquette to Children
“Let’s play Fancy Restaurant, Mommy!” 3 ½ year old Eva suggested before dinner. “How do you play Fancy Restaurant?” her mother asked her. Eva went on to describe all the things her teacher taught her with the roll out of the Proud to be Polite curriculum, a new curriculum component at Stepping Stone School in Austin, Texas. Saying please and thank you, using napkins instead of sleeves, and how to set a table properly are just a few ways Eva is learning etiquette and manners at age 3! “Fancy Restaurant” is one of the many ways to teach and practice polite behaviors...
Raising a Reader: Starting with Infants
From the moment you are expecting your first child, you are overwhelmed with information and advice about the importance of reading. There are good reasons for this as it is important to instill good reading habits and skills in your child from infancy and as they go into adulthood. The benefits of reading at every stage of a child’s development are well documented. Some of these benefits include, sparking your child’s imagination, stimulating curiosity, social and communication skills. Raising a reader is fun, rewarding and relatively easy. Here are some ways that you can help your ...
Safety & Security at Stepping Stone School
At Stepping Stone School, the safety and security of our students and families are the foundation on which everything rests. Providing a learning environment that is safe and secure is our number-one priority! Our outstanding safety measures give parents comfort and confidence. Our safeguards include: While on campus and during events all staff wear official apparel with the Stepping Stone School logo. Video cameras in each classroom provide real-time video feed at a color monitor located in the welcome area or the principal’s office 24/7 security video surveillance at the fr...
Your Guide to Exploring the Great Outdoors with Your Child
As the weather warms and Summer approaches, most parents are planning fun outdoor activities with their children. For a child, everything is new and even the tiniest things are interesting and exciting. In today’s technology-driven world, exploring the great outdoors is an opportunity for children to actively engage in learning. Children are natural explorers. They like to run, jump, dig, climb as they discover new places and use their senses to explore. As with any outdoor exploration, it is important to set some basic boundaries so that children can discover their surroundings in a s...
Thinkery Launches New Interactive Exhibit, Notion of Motion
Dedicated to growing impact in early learner and STEAM education for ALL Central Texas children, Thinkery celebrates major museum refresh with the Central Texas community May 26, 2022 – Austin, TX – Thinkery, the philanthropic play-based STEAM learning hub of Central Texas, today announced its new exhibit, Notion of Motion, an interactive gallery inspired by the scientific wonders of Newton, Galileo and the brilliant minds of pioneers in STEAM. Launched via a sneak preview event on May 26, Thinkery is thrilled to celebrate the major museum refresh – its first...
Three Ways to Improve Your Child's Sleep
For many families, sleep issues are present for parents and children alike. Many adults experience problems with getting a good night’s rest due to everyday stress factors, such as balancing work and family life, along with all the stressors of everyday life. Research shows many younger school-age children have issues getting quality sleep. In the past two years, bedtimes and wake times have drifted 30 to 60 minutes later for some families. If your children are having trouble catching those Z’s, here are some ideas that might help: 1.) Enact New Bedtime Rituals. Current research s...
Easter Baskets to Make with Your Child!
These easy to make baskets are the perfect activity to welcome spring! Tissue Box Basket Materials: construction paper, glue, scissors, stapler, empty cube tissue boxes or other small boxes, ribbon, and markers or crayons Preparation: based on the age of the children Directions: 1. Cut top or flaps off boxes 2. Decorate using paper, glue, markers, and ribbon. 3. Cut a handle and attach Paint Stamped Basket Materials: construction paper, scissors, stapler, paper bags, paints, and cookie cutters or other shapes...
Happy World Water Day - Make Your Own Underwater Viewer!
In honor of World Water Day, we are sharing an activity that showcases the importance of clean water which is a vital part of the ecosystem! Help them make an underwater viewer to explore this important resource. Make It! What you’ll need: • A clean, empty metal can • Paints and paintbrushes (optional) • Plastic wrap • Rubber bands Step 1: Using a can opener, cut off both ends of the can so it’s open on the top and bottom. Step 2: Let your children paint or decode the outside of the can. Step 3: Cover one of the can’s open sides with the plastic wrap, a...
Earth & Beyond - Summer Camp at Stepping Stone School 2022
This Summer at Stepping Stone School, the children will discover what makes our world so amazing! With weekly themes focusing on Animals, Plants, Conservation, Weather, Space and Geology they will gain an in-depth understanding of the Earth through hands-on creation and imagination. S.T.E.A.M. principles are integrated into all of our curricula. Our campers will participate in exciting activities, science-based experiments and investigations weekly. They will develop problem-solving skills through critical-thinking projects specific to each featured subject, including, coding, cooking, play...
Two’s Day Activities for Tuesday 2/22/22!
Here are some fun ideas on how to celebrate 2/22/22 with your child! 1.Enjoy some skip counting fun! 2.Create a mini book all about the number. 3.Go on a two scavenger hunt looking for the number two. 4.See how many different exercises your children can do in 2 mins. 5.Learn how to count in 2's. 6.Create the number 2 using Playdough Number Mats. 7.Create a number 2 poster to decorate. 8.Go on a scavenger hunt through magazines for the number 2 represented in different ways. 9.Create a number line using chalk and have your children place a rock on each of the numbers that feature ...
The science behind how parents affect child development
By Yuko Munakata Parents, take a deep breath: how your kids turn out isn't fully on you. Of course, parenting plays an important role in shaping who children become, but psychologist Yuko Munakata offers an alternative, research-backed reality that highlights how it's just one of many factors that influence the chaotic complexity of childhood development. A rethink for anyone wondering what made them who they are today and what it means to be a good parent. https://www.ted.com/talks/yuko_munakata_the_science_behind_how_parents_affect_child_development ...
Good Gut Health is Important for Brain Development
A healthy diet can play a vital role in a person’s life and one of the most important factors of our well-being, frequently overlooked, is the health of our gut microbiome. As with an adult’s gut, a child’s digestive tract contains dozens of natural and beneficial bacteria that serve a variety of functions, such as regulating immune function and metabolism. Scientists are now studying how children’s diets influence their gut health and also, more importantly, how it might affect everything from mood to mental health and cognitive development. A well-balanced diet rich in whole fo...
6 Ways to Beat Boredom on a Family Road Trip!
The holiday season is here! And that means hitting the road and traveling for many families. Although road trips can be a great time to bond with your children, traveling together for long hours can be quite boring, especially if there aren’t a variety of activities to keep your children distracted. Here are some activities to keep your children engaged while on the road: 1.) Travel Journals. Have your children be on the lookout for fun roadside treasures that they can sketch in their journals. Your child can also write about their experiences while on the road trip. 2.) Play a R...
Fun Ways to Teach Children About Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a special holiday that signifies gratitude and compassion for others, community, sharing and spending time with those you love. Children, especially at a younger age may have a different perspective of Thanksgiving. They may see it as the beginning of their school holiday vacations, or stuffed turkey and whipped cream-topped pumpkin pie. While those elements are what make a thanksgiving fun and enjoyable for children, it is important to take the time to teach them about the values and true meaning of Thanksgiving. Here are some fun ways to teach your children about Thanks...
2021 Stepping Stone School Turkey Call
This year's annual Turkey Call at Stepping Stone School Shoal Creek was a fantastic opportunity for the children to learn all about turkeys, sing a festive song and try to get "Tom" the turkey to gobble! This is also the kick off event to the upcoming Stepping Stone School KidsK and The 31st Annual Thundercloud Turkey Trot benefitting Caritas of Austin! Special thanks to Rhonda Paver and @steppingstoneschool, the amazing team at Stepping Stone School Shoal Creek, @thundercloudsubs #austinzoo @caritasofaustin for such a fun event! Watch the children sing their turkey song! ...
Stargazing: A Fun Family Activity!
Spending time outdoors can be both fun and educational for families. In fact, the Draconid Meteor Shower, runs through October 10th. As we venture into the final months of the year, celestial events are set to grace our night skies, painting them with breathtaking displays. According to the Farmer's Almanac, we can anticipate a shower every one or two weeks from now until the end of December. Among the meteor showers on our celestial calendar, the Orionids will take center stage, dazzling us before dawn on October 21. Then, as we transition into mid-November, the skies will come alive...
The Benefits of Aromatherapy for Children
Aromatherapy has been around for centuries. There is vast scientific evidence that aromatic plant and flower extracts have many therapeutic benefits for mental health, not just for adults, but for children too. For many of us, Covid-19 restrictions are coming to an end, but for children, especially those that are not old enough to be eligible for vaccines, pandemic stresses still might be in the forefront of their minds. Much has been made about supporting children’s mental health and many experts agree that implementing aromatherapy to a child’s routine can have many positive effect...
Night Time Fun!
Nighttime games can liven things up—and maybe boost mental health. For most children the dark is a scary place. When the lights go out, imaginations run wild and our visual and auditory senses become more active. Since the connections between the Amygdala and Frontal Cortex, which are associated with regulating emotion, develop through early childhood and teen years, over time children are better able to manage their responses to more intimidating situations. Engaging in activities that are mildly risky, or scary can be especially helpful in a child’s chaotic life, as well as mentally p...
Peace of Mind for Parents - Talking Time!
Why is a large vocabulary important for children? Because it’s linked to their reading and school success. Help your child learn new words through conversations, reading aloud, and singing. Try these vocabulary-building ideas at home. Describe what you are doing. "I’m putting the food out for breakfast. I made scrambled eggs because we all like them." "There is some tangerine juice to drink. Tangerine juice tastes a lot like orange juice that you think is so yummy." Talk about what your child is doing. "Look how high you made that LEGO skyscra...
Peace of Mind for Parents - Make Mealtimes Learning Opportunities!
Mealtimes are great opportunities for children to have conversations, use their manners, and even practice math. Here are some ways to keep the fun and learning going at your next family meal. Set the table. Together you and your child can count the number of forks you need, note where each piece of silverware goes, and point out that there is one place setting for each person. This allows children use and practice an important math skill: one–to–one correspondence. Try new foods. Children learn to be more independent and open-minded when they choose to try a new f...
Peace of Mind for Parents - Choosing Meaningful STREAM Activities for Your Child
Young children love to explore the world around them—and STREAM activities are a great way to help them do it. STREAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and math. There are lots of STREAM activities available online for families and children to do at home, but some are better than others! With so many STREAM ideas to choose from, how do you find what is best for your child? Here are some questions you can ask yourself: 1. Will this activity interest my child? Is your child interested in building? Collecting rocks? Looking at the night sky? Choos...
Peace of Mind for Parents - Developing Your Child's Spatial Thinking Skills
Research suggests that children’s early mathematics learning—including spatial-thinking skills—is related to later success in both reading and math. Spatial thinking involves children learning to navigate through their environment, to use maps and diagrams to solve problems, and to follow directions. These skills are linked to later achievement in STREAM (Science, Technology, Relationships, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) fields, and these skills grow tremendously during early childhood. Here are some tips for supporting your child's spatial thinking! Play Fun Spatial-Thinking Act...
How to Achieve Successful Transitions from Home to School!
Stepping Stone School is uniquely qualified and committed to help support warm and positive transitions at all levels. The teachers and campus administrators at Stepping Stone School are specially chosen for their Kindness, Helpfulness and Empathy. They are educated from day one to provide a seamless transition between home and school for our children AND parents. We know that All parents want their children to be loved, cared for and to be treated with kindness and acceptance. We do all we can to ensure your children experience this daily! Stepping Stone School professionals treat ea...
12 Days of Kindness at Stepping Stone School!
On the First Day, we Shared Tips on Self Regulation Self-Regulation is described as the ability to monitor and control your own behavior, thoughts, and emotions. Changing how you respond depending on the circumstances. During the month of January, we focus on the practice of self-regulation combining the goals of Conscious Discipline and our Kindness and Empathy Curriculum™. Children will learn self-regulation skills to manage their emotions, overcome stress, and persist through challenges as they read age-appropriate books and participate in hands-on activities and games. To rea...
Teaching Self Regulation in 5 Easy Steps
Ethan had spent the entire center time working on a puzzle. He was within a few pieces of finishing it when I heard tones of frustration. Asking him about the challenge he was facing, he pointed to the edge of the puzzle. The corner area kept coming apart and the three pieces he had left were not fitting in where he thought they should go. I could tell his frustration was beginning to turn to anger, so I sat down with him and asked him to take a big breath and explain what was happening. We worked together to make the adjustments needed by shifting the pieces on the corner. “They...
Preventing and Helping Choking in Young Children
Infant choking is scary, but it is largely preventable. Infant and young children’s airways are smaller and easily obstructed. It also takes time for infants to master the ability to chew and swallow food, and infants may not be able to cough forcefully enough to dislodge an airway obstruction. As infants and toddlers explore their environments, they also commonly put objects into their mouths, leading to choking. Sometimes health conditions increase the risk of choking. Children who have swallowing disorders, neuromuscular disorders and developmental delays, have a higher risk of...
How to Create Five Child-Made Holiday Gifts using Items around Your Home
This holiday season, gift-giving may look a little different for families. Creating a gift with your child for a loved one provides a meaningful and memorable experience while creating something someone else will enjoy. While creating a gift for another, children build empathy as they think about how their gift will cause someone else to feel. Additionally, children are provided with the ability to express themselves creatively which often brings an internal joy and sense of accomplishment. Consider some of the following options for holiday gifts that use materials commonly found ...
Raising Responsible Digital Citizens
The Internet is a wonderful place for learning and entertainment, but like the world around us, it can pose dangers if precautions are not taken. Allowing free access puts your child, your computer and your personal data at risk. Remain positively engaged: Pay attention to and know the online environments your children use. Surf the Internet with them. Appreciate your children’s participation in their online communities and show interest in their friends. Try to react constructively when they encounter inappropriate material. Make it a teachable moment. Support their good c...
Peace of Mind for Parents - Encouraging Curiosity at Home
“Why is the sky blue?” "How does a car work?" "Where did that plant come from?" These are only some of the many questions that your precocious child likely asks you. It’s not always easy to answer children’s questions, but encouraging their curiosity is an important part of helping them grow. Here are some ways that you can encourage your child’s curiosity at home. Find answers together. No doubt your preschooler asks you countless questions every day. This is a great opportunity to work together to explore and find the answers to their questions. Go to the librar...
8 Ways to Help Your Child Through Immunizations
With the onset of the flu season and a COVID-19 immunization on the horizon, we wanted to help prepare you and your child for their visits to the doctor for immunizations. Parents can take an active role in changing their child’s attitude regarding vaccines. What a parent says, and does before, during and after directly affects how their child handles their trips to the pediatrician. The following are steps parents can take to reduce the anxiety and fear children may experience while getting their immunizations. Smile – Young children take cues from their parents. If you grim...
34 Random Acts of Kindness to Try Today!
In honor of World Kindness Day on November 13th, we are sharing several ideas that you can safely try with your family - many can be done from home or within your neighborhood! It’s important to have compassion for yourself, too! Make time for one act of self-care each day, like going on a walk or eating a healthy, homemade meal. Help a loved one with something they’ve been struggling to complete, like homework or a big work project. Give a hug to someone in your immediate family or in your household. Write a note to someone you care about containing the top 10 reasons you...
Peace of Mind for Parents - "Making" At Home
Making is a term for hands-on, creative expression that gives children opportunities to explore, create, learn, and try something new through activities such as woodworking, sewing, weaving, constructing with recycled materials, and experimenting with circuitry. Here are some ideas for making at home to encourage children to experiment, explore, and create. LOOK Look “out loud” with your child as you both notice familiar and unfamiliar items Call attention to common examples of making: textiles like clothes and bedding and items made from recycled materials, like cardboard eg...
Halloween Safety in the Age of COVID-19
Halloween is right around the corner and all of our traditional ways of celebrating the holiday now need to be reconsidered based on the presence of COVID-19 in our communities. While traditional Halloween activities are fun, some can increase the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19. Below are some ideas you can utilize to have a happy and safe Halloween this year. Wear a Mask. Make your cloth mask part of your costume. Costume masks are not a substitute for cloth masks. Also, do not wear a costume mask over a cloth mask, it can make breathing difficult. Wash Your Hands. Br...
Infants Learn by Watching Caregiver’s Faces
In this time of mask-wearing, it is particularly important for us to understand how infants and young toddlers learn. Young children learn an enormous amount of information from faces. From language to social cues, developmental psychologists say faces are a learning tool in the same way books are. Since the start of the pandemic, young children have been losing out on the crucial visual tools needed for language development. While wearing masks doesn’t mean children won’t learn language, it makes it more challenging for children. Stepping Stone School understands the crucial need...
Yale and American Academy of Pediatrics Study Summary
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Peace of Mind for Parents - Fun, Easy Ways to Play with Math at Home
Sing songs and chant! Many songs, chants, and verses have patterns. Learning a song’s pattern helps children remember the song. Patterns repeat in a predictable way that helps children know what comes next. Songs and chants, like “Five Green and Speckled Frogs,” “Five Little Monkeys,” “Hokey Pokey,” and “Ten Little Fingers,” teach number order—children count up or down from a number. They also teach spatial words, like on, in, out, and around. Read picture books. Visit your local library and check out great picture books about counting, numbers, p...
Peace of Mind for Parents - Going Beyond the Playground: Math, Science, and Outdoor Fun
Going outside for a walk or to a local park to play are great ways to help your children learn! In addition to spending time at the playground, take time to explore: do you see trees to count, neighbors to greet, or street signs to read? Here are some ideas for playful learning that will help you make the most of your family’s time outdoors. Street sign scavenger hunt While walking through the neighborhood, invite your child to look at and identify signs, like Stop and No Parking. Talk about them. This helps children understand that written words and symbols have many important p...
How to Make Easy Taste-Safe Finger Paint
While painting, children practice fine motor skills, color recognition, and self-expression. Around six months of age, infants will often show an interest in creative activities. Since very young children primarily explore with their mouths, it is extremely important to provide opportunities for learning with supplies that are safe if explored in this manner. Making a taste-safe finger paint provides even the youngest artist the opportunity for creative expression. Follow the instructions on this printable recipe to make a Taste-Safe Finger Paint your child will enjoy painting with to...
5 Easy Ways to Encourage Cooperation!
Each center in the classroom was occupied and there were children sitting at tables working on various activities. “Five-minutes to clean-up!” I told each child in my prekindergarten class. Over the several days leading up to this moment, we focused on working together to clean up the classroom. Today was a test… Could we work together to get the classroom cleaned before the timer rang? The moment of truth was finally here – it was clean up time! With a gentle reminder about our goal to beat the timer, I told the children it was time to get started. Each child not only clean...
How to Make Taste-Safe Moon Sand
How to Make Taste-Safe Moon Sand Moon sand is a special craft sand that can hold its shape for a brief time similar to the sand you find at the beach. Most moon sand recipes require actual sand, but not this one! This recipe uses ingredients from your kitchen and is safe if it accidentally finds its way into your young child’s mouth. Playing with moon sand is not only a wonderful sensory experience, it also strengthens the muscles in your child’s hands. While shaping the sand with their fingers, children are developing fine motor skills which are necessary for gripping a pen...
Peace of Mind for Parents - Four Fun Ways to Learn Everyday Information
Recipes to Road Maps: Four Fun Ways to Learn from Everyday Information Information is all around us. Learning how to find, critically read, and create information are important skills that you can start helping your child build today. In fact, you’re probably already doing it! Are you reading about places to visit with your child or writing family recipes together? Then you’re showing your child the value of informational texts. From a picture book about how rainbows appear in the sky to an in-depth website on car repair, informational texts help us follow our interests and solve ...
How to Make Playdough
How to Make Playdough Making playdough with your child is a fun way to practice math skills. Measuring each scoop of flour, counting drops of food coloring, plus learning the difference between units of measurement equal hands-on mathematical learning. In addition to the experience of making playdough, playing with playdough strengthens your child’s hand muscles developing fine motor skills necessary for gripping a pencil and writing. Follow the instructions on this printable recipe to make a homemade playdough your child will enjoy playing with for hours to come! Homemade Pla...
Peace of Mind for Parents - 25 Simple Ways to Encourage Children
Simple Ways To Encourage Children When you’re used to recognizing children with traditional praises, using encouraging phrases can be a little awkward. Since saying ‘good job’ is a favorite praise among parents and caregivers, here is a list of alternative phrases you can use instead of saying ‘good job.' Instead of saying ‘good job’ when children do well on tests/exams, you can say: You worked really hard to understand the material. Your hard work and effort paid off. Look at that! You spent a lot of time studying and your test score shows it. Wow! You got ‘...
Stepping Stone School Provides Safe Full-time School Age Virtual Learning Pods This Fall
We are ready and eager to assist our school age children begin the fall semester virtual learning in a safe and clean learning environment. Since March, 2020, we have continued to successfully provide healthy and safe full-time School Age Programming to assist our families and children who are unable to attend elementary school in person. We have retrofitted our school age classrooms to accommodate full-time At Home elementary school (public & private) fall curricula. We are providing safe, highly sanitized individualized learning environments for...
Peace of Mind for Parents - Fun Ways to Build Your Child’s Literacy Skills While Doing Laundry Together
Turn laundry time into learning time! Whether you're washing clothes at home or at the laundromat, there are plenty of things to talk about with your child. These rich conversations help to build your child's language and literacy development. Try the following activities the next time you are doing a load of laundry. Hunt for numbers and letters: Play a game with your child to find numbers or letters of the alphabet on signs, laundry products, clothes, and washing machines. Count: Laundry time provides plenty of opportunities to count with your child. Your child can count the num...
Progressive Learning Plans and Learning Pods at Stepping Stone School
As ISD's and private schools are approaching the gradual opening of school, we would like to confirm the continuation of our verified and progressive learning plans and LEARNING PODS for all children in our educational care. With the official beginning of school, we are continuing school age online learning in order to meet the needs of our students and families. Learning pods have been in full effect in our classrooms since the beginning of the pandemic. Children have been separated throughout this time while we continue to enhance education through social-emotional learning with ou...
Five Tips for Teaching Your Children about Diversity
As parents, it is our job to help our children build positive identities and a respect for differences. Diversity should be a part of a child’s everyday life. We all want our children to grow up in a world free of bias and discrimination. We want them to feel loved, included and never to experience the pain of rejection and exclusion. Discrimination can hurt, leaving scars that can last a lifetime, affecting our children’s goals, ambitions, life choices and self-worth. Children need role models who are open and accepting of differences. Parents play one of the most i...
Peace of Mind for Parents - Spark Creative Thinking with Open-Ended Questions
It’s easy to fall into a routine of asking your child simple questions. Many yes, no, or other one-word response questions are necessary—but to help your child learn and develop, open-ended questions are better. Questions that ask children to share their ideas and feelings are much more engaging. They encourage curiosity, inspire creativity, develop language skills, and build vocabulary. Here are some prompts to help you build open-ended questions into your routine. Questions for Science and Math Exploration Tell me about your ___________. What would happen if you _________...
Exciting News From Stepping Stone School!
With the recent announcements regarding how various local school districts will or will not be holding in-person classes, we want to update you on what Stepping Stone School is doing to provide education and care for school-age children who will not have the option of attending their elementary schools or who opt to not attend school. We are happy to announce the retrofitting of our school-age classrooms to accommodate full-time At Home elementary school (public or private) fall curricula and learning! We will provide At Home learning spaces for those children who will need to be on-line...
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION LEADERS TAKE ACTION FOR ACCEPTANCE, INCLUSION AND BELONGING
LINK The Early Care and Education Consortium (ECEC) commits to using combined resources to formally incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion into programs. WASHINGTON, June 2, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the Early Care and Education Consortium (ECEC) issued a joint letter confirming that the nation's largest child care providers have committed to formally incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion into their programs: In a year of historic and unprecedented events—the devastating COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic fallout—we are facing yet another crisis as a country and...
The Necessity of Beauty
Four-year-old, Jamie stood motionless in front of a flower. Moving closer, I noticed a small white butterfly perched on the petal of a purple flower. Jamie reverently whispered, “See the dot on its wings, it has the same on both!” Going on he said, “It’s so quiet. I like it.” Throughout the rest of the day, Jamie talked about the butterfly. He thought about which flowers it may like best, where it may fly to next, he even wondered if he stood really still whether or not it may think him a flower. Jamie paused in the presence of a beautiful insect perched on a beautiful...
How to Help Your Child "Connect the Dots" to Develop Ownership Skills
My four-year-old enjoys connect-the-dot puzzles. She loves revealing the hidden shape after connecting each letter or number in sequential order. In life, helping children “connect the dots” or link the cause and effect between actions and the results of those actions enables children to see the relationship between their choices and the consequences of their behavior. As a part of our Character and Empathy™ curriculum, Stepping Stone School teachers will teach children about what it means to take Ownership for their actions and behaviors. Children will participate in a variety...
Ten Tips for Working at Home with Your Children
Many parents and their children are immersed in a new reality, working at home together because of the Coronavirus. While veteran teleworkers may have the perfect setup, they never planned on including family members in their work, much less children. Families can learn how to work and play together all day, every day. Below are some tips to create a new work at home plan that works best for you and your children. Understand from the start, things may not go as smoothly as you had hoped, but we’re all providing for the common good by staying safe and healthy. Try to replicate ...
Helpful Tips for Practicing Patience with Children
Every parent loses their patience, it’s a fact of life. We all get angry and frustrated and lose it from time to time, but patience is vital because it is a part of creating a deep and meaningful connection with our children. There are real benefits to becoming a more patient parent. A study from 2014 out of the Washington University School of Medicine found that children with more supportive, nurturing and patient parents experienced more brain growth. These children were also less likely to be depressed and better able to cope with stress and adversity. They were better learners and ...
How Gardening Benefits Children
While many families are at home together this Spring, this is the perfect time to start a garden or revamp one you may already have. Children are curious, like to learn by doing and love to play in the dirt. Working in a garden, a child can experience the satisfaction that comes from caring for something over time, while observing the cycle of life first hand. Gardening gives children a chance to learn an important life skill, one that is often overlooked in standard school curriculums. Gardening is also a great way to teach environmental awareness by exploring the workings of nature. ...
Welcome Back Kyle Families!
Dear Valued Stepping Stone School Families: We are pleased to report the Mayor of Kyle has lifted the ban on providing early care and education services as of this coming Monday, April 20th. In order to ensure a smooth transition for our children, many of our tenured and beloved teachers will be returning. We are looking forward to seeing you and your wonderful children united with our teachers and their friends. In order for you to re-enroll your child, you will need to do so by going through the Governor’s Frontline Child Care Portal https://frontlinechildcare.texas.gov/. Th...
Read, Create, Connect - Stepping Stone School Celebrates WOYC 2020!
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has dedicated April 11-17, 2020 as a week to celebrate young children! In conjunction with NAEYC and TXAEYC (Texas chapter of NAEYC), Stepping Stone School is celebrating the young children who bring us so much joy! This year, we are centering our celebration around Connection using books by children’s author Ezra Jack Keats. Musical Monday: Read: Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats read aloud for you here: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umbWnSOi0iQ Create: Make musical instruments from recycled mate...
Stepping Stone School Supporting Families & Learning at Home Week 2
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Take a trip around the world without leaving your house!
With many of us staying home, you might be looking for fun educational activities you can do with your children! Why not take a trip around the globe right from your own home! World Map. Before you started off on your trip around the world, you can do is print/view a map of the world refer to it and talk about the different places you can visit! You might also want to print a map for your children, so they can color in the places they visit on their trip! (Use the list below to choose a virtual destination!) You can start your trip by looking at the world map, have our children ...
Six Ways to Support Your Child’s Happiness
Recent studies by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development found that Danish parents raise the happiest children in the world. In fact, they found that the Danish people are the “happiest people on earth” for almost 40 years. We can all agree that our most fervent hopes for our children is that they are healthy and happy. What is it that the Danish know about raising happy children that we can learn from? Danish culture continues to raise children who are resilient and emotionally mature. Danish parents actively teach their children empathy and to value others. They ...
Seven Practical Tips for Helping Your Children Feel Safe During the COVID-19 Pandemic
As public conversation and news reports around COVID-19 increase, your children may worry about themselves, their friends and their family. Parents and family members can play an important role in easing your children’s anxiety and fears. As a parent, you have likely been wondering about how your children may be feeling about the virus. Between the news, social media and other children at school, it is likely your child already has heard about the virus and may feel unsafe or scared. Prepare Yourself Keep in mind that children follow their parent’s lead during a crisis. Chi...
Seven Reasons Why Coding is Important for Children to Learn
Coding is a basic literacy in the digital age. It is important for children to understand and be able to work with and understand the technology around them. Having children learn coding at a young age prepares them for the future. Coding helps children with communication, creativity, math, writing, and confidence. More than just a science, coding enables students to develop important personal abilities like their sense of creativity and self-expression. When developing code, students impact the world around them while fostering problem-solving skills. Coding's simplest defi...
Create Hand Print Hearts!
The month of February is a great time of year for young children to celebrate the importance of friendship, as well as, showing kindness to others. Here is a great craft for them to participate in with a family member or a friend! Materials Construction paper Washable finger paints Instructions Ask your child to select their favorite color of paint and dip one of their hands, palm-side-down into the paint. Next, have them press their hand print on the piece of paper. A parent, friend, or sibling can repeat the process with an overlapping second-hand print, creating the ...
Five Ways to Develop Empathy in your Children
The definition of empathy is the ability to identify with or understand the perspective of another and share their emotional state. Empathy involves putting yourself in the place of another. It is dependent upon a person’s ability to feel their own feelings and be able to identify them. Dr. Michele Borba, the author of the book, Unselfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World, believes our world to be in an empathy crisis. She found that today’s teens are 40% less empathetic than they were 30 years ago. Lack of empathy can hurt your child’s academic perfor...
Help Your Child Think Before Acting
Executive Functions are the ability to “stop and think,” regulate emotional responses and focus attention. These functions are strengthened as the brain (specifically the frontal cortex) develops. Executive Functions have three major components: Self Control – the ability to resist doing something tempting in order to do the right thing. It also helps children pay attention, act less impulsively and stay focused on work. Working Memory – the ability to keep information in mind where it can be used to make connections between ideas, to make mental calculations and to p...
Make a "Coupon Book" of Helpful Gifts !
Use this activity as an opportunity to talk about the many ways we each give and receive and a way to encourage your children to develop “an attitude of gratitude.” Materials Several sheets of paper or index cards Kid-safe scissors Markers or crayons Stapler Pictures from magazines Instructions 1.) Start by cutting or tearing pieces of paper in half to make blank coupons. 2.) Ask your child to come up with ideas for ways he can help the family. Here are some suggestions: Play quietly so a parent can have some peaceful time Give a hug, Sort socks in th...
Developing Self-Regulation Skills with Conscious Guidance
This past year, we integrated Dr. Becky Bailey‘s comprehensive self-regulation program, Conscious Discipline into our Platinum Learning for Life Curriculum™ (identified as “Conscious Guidance” on our learning plans). During the month of January, we will focus on the practice of self-regulation combining the goals of Conscious Discipline and our Communities of Character™ curriculum. Children will learn self-regulation skills to manage their emotions, overcome stress, and persist through challenges as they read age-appropriate books and participate in hands-on activities and gam...
New Year's Resolutions
The dawn of a new year is traditionally that time to celebrate new beginnings and for many of us, the new year means that it is time to take stock of our lives and set resolutions, that positively promote our growth. Not only do adults benefit from New Year’s resolutions, but children can benefit from them as well. Making resolutions with your child can be fun and exciting while teaching them the value of self-discipline and the value of making goals. This is also an opportunity for family bonding. Here are some simple and efficient ways to teach your children about making New Year...
Banana Pancake Snowmen!
This is a fun and easy recipe you can make with your children on Christmas morning, or anytime during the holiday season! Ingredients 1 cup complete buttermilk pancake mix 3/4 cup water 1/3 cup mashed ripe banana 1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar Pretzel sticks, chocolate chips, dried cranberries and/or halved banana slices Instructions In a small bowl, stir the pancake mix, water and banana just until moistened. Pour a scant 1/2 cup batter onto a greased hot griddle, making three circles to form a snowman. Turn when bubbles form on top. Cook until the second...
Finding a Balance with Technology
Technology has improved our lives in many ways and in this day and age, plays a vital role in our day-to-day activities. When it comes to children, especially, the right amount of exposure to tech can spark an interest in STEM subjects and can also enhance critical thinking and analysis into how the world works. It is important to view the use of technology as an engaging shared experience, rather than a passive activity. Our desire is to support families as they determine how to balance healthy technology usage in their homes while enabling their children to learn through the benefits tech...
Santa visits Stepping Stone School!
Every year Santa Claus makes a special visit to Stepping Stone School! We are always thrilled to welcome Santa to many of our Stepping Stone School campuses! Watch the video below for a behind the scene look at how Santa Rick prepares each year! ...
Mr. Rogers and His Spirit of Compassion
Over Thanksgiving weekend, I joined the crowd of moviegoers to watch A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood starring Tom Hanks. Hanks plays the role of the beloved children’s show host Mr. Rogers. Throughout the movie, each person who interacts with Mr. Rogers’ character is changed for the better because of his compassionate and caring attitude which radiates in all his interactions. Prompted by the movie, I continued to read about Fred Rogers long after the movie credits had run. In life, Rogers demonstrated compassion to children and adults of differing abilities - each life touched...
2019 Turkey Trot
AUSTIN, Texas — It's an Austin tradition that has been going on for 29 years. Every Thanksgiving, thousands of people meet at the Long Center for the Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot. The event has raised almost $3.8 million for Caritas of Austin, a nonprofit that works to prevent and end homelessness in the city. “Some of the things we will do with some money that is raised today at the Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot is, overall, we will build well-being and help people build a future for themselves," said Jo Kathryn Quinn with Caritas of Austin. "We will connect people to permane...
2019 Stepping Stone School Turkey Call
Stepping Stone School is proud to continue its long term sponsorship of the Kid’s K at the annual Turkey Trot supporting Caritas and we thoroughly enjoy our visit from a turkey and the contest to see who can get the turkey to gobble. To learn more about Stepping Stone School's commitment to children, community and philanthropy! ...
Learning Gratitude with Thanksgiving Activities
Thanksgiving is the time of year when we express gratitude and give thanks for the blessings in our lives. Gratitude is a fundamental component of both our overall happiness and our relationships with loved ones. Expressing gratitude is just as important for children as it is for adults. While gratitude can be a difficult trait for children to grasp, children learn best by doing. Here are some activities that your child can participate in during this Thanksgiving holiday: Thankful Tree. This is a wonderful craft that can be used throughout the month of November for the whole family ...
How to Teach Perseverance
My oldest son scraped at the interior of the giant pumpkin he was preparing this past month. “This is hard!” he exclaimed. I smiled, “You’re sticking with it though, that means you’re developing perseverance!” After some time, he came to me, hands covered in pumpkin, “I’m finished!” He beamed as he carried his pumpkin onto our front porch. There are many opportunities throughout the day for children to persevere. It is in the struggle and challenges of life that perseverance develops. At Stepping Stone School, we recognize the value of perseverance and ...
Building Integrity
Each month, Stepping Stone School educators implement our Kindness and Empathy™ curriculum which provides activities with the purpose of teaching character development as a part of our Platinum Learning for Life™curriculum. During the month of October, our activities are focused on the character trait of integrity. Integrity is described as consistency in both words and actions while following a strong moral compass. Dr. Michele Borba, an educational psychologist and authority on child development, gives thought to integrity and raising children: Parents with clearly identifi...
Cooperation Counts!
In eager anticipation, children recently began a new school year. I heard child wonderings about new friends and old friends, new classrooms and new teachers, and what they will learn. At the beginning of the year, it is the goal of teachers to take the group of individuals assigned to their classroom and form a cohesive group of learners. Through cooperation, children learn aspects which make this transition into a group of learners possible. By focusing on aspects of cooperation like sharing, taking turns, and working together, the teachers at Stepping Stone School are prepared ...
Spotlight on PreK
Advanced Pre-Kindergarten children are budding scholars! Our experienced and committed educators implement our Platinum Learning for Life™ curriculum which creates a solid foundation for future academic and social-emotional success. Advanced Pre-Kindergarten students discover their potential, eagerly explore new concepts and are inspired to be adventurous learners! S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) is integrated into daily learning plans. “Hands on/mind on” experiences foster early understanding of these fundamental concepts, increasing future ac...
Cultivating Creativity
It is a common assumption among many parents that creativity is a talent their children are born with and either do or do not have. While it is true that a creative talent does not come equally to everyone, evidence suggests that creativity is more skill than inborn talent and it is a skill that parents can help their child develop. Creativity plays an important role in health and happiness and is not limited to artistic and musical expression. Furthermore, it is essential for math, science and emotional intelligence. Here are some ways you can encourage creativity in your child: Pr...
Helping Young Children Understand Fairness
A teacher invited the children to sit down for circle time. Holding up a box of band-aids, she asked the children to pretend with her as they began a discussion on fairness. Turning to the closest child in the circle, she asked him to show her where he had a pretend boo-boo. He pointed to his hand. The teacher placed a band-aid on the child’s hand and continued to the next child. “And where is your boo-boo?” the teacher asked. “On my elbow,” the next child said. The teacher placed a band-aid on the child’s hand and went to the next child asking the same question...
Creating Child Initiated Learning Opportunities at Home
Nurturing self-directed learning is a combination of allowing for free and loosely-guided play and activities. Cultivating curiosity and independence in your child are the first steps to helping them become self-directed learners. Self-directed learners know how to use resources to find answers to questions or to learn to solve problems. At Stepping Stone School, child-led learning is an integral part of our curriculum in early childhood education. However, you can use these methods in your everyday home environment. Here are some ways you can implement self-directed learning at home: ...
Summer Activities that Promote Learning
Summer is here and it is the time of year when parents take on the challenge of keeping their children actively and mentally engaged. With Summer Brain Drain being a very real occurrence, it is important to choose activities that not only encourage learning but also utilize skills that your child already has. Here are some ideas to keep your child’s mind stimulated throughout the Summer months. Embrace his/her interests: If your child is enthusiastic about a certain activity, hobby or subject, make sure that you give them the opportunity to explore their passions. These interests cou...
How to Instill Responsibility and Independence in Your Child
Over the last several weeks, I have been working with my children to instill a sense of responsibility and independence in preparation for the birth of their baby sister. We have focused on establishing morning routines to help us get out the door each day. This morning, my three-year-old came to get me, “Come and see, come and see!” Not sure what to expect, I walked somewhat hurriedly to the door of her bedroom. “Look!” she stated pointing to her bed. I saw her wrinkled blanket draped over her bed. “I made my bed all by myself!” I smiled giving her a huge hug...
5 Ways to Develop Empathy
This month at Stepping Stone School, we are focusing on the development of Empathy as a part of our Communities of Character™ curriculum. Empathy is a key aspect of emotional intelligence through which individuals imagine what another is experiencing as if feeling it themselves. Empathy is a complex skill to develop. First, a child must be able to recognize others have different thoughts and feelings than he has. Secondly, he must imagine himself in a similar situation to determine a possible solution to the problem the other child is experiencing. The follo...
1.4 million words
Astounding new research estimates that young children who have been read to multiple times a day from infancy until they reach school age have heard an average of 1.4 million more words than their peers who have never been read to. Even if a child has only heard one book a day, she has still heard 290,000 more words by the time she reaches kindergarten. (Grabmeier, 2019) The language in books, unlike conversational language, introduces children to more complex vocabulary words not always heard in day to day conversation. Therefore, well-read children enjoy a rich vocabulary, improved...
Supporting the Understanding and Development of Ownership
Fred Rogers, the host of Mister Rogers Neighborhood, testified before the Senate in 1969 discussing the need for the continued support of public broadcasting. Towards the end of his testimony, Rogers quotes the words to his song, What Do You Do with the Mad that You Feel? His statements before the Senate describing the need for educational and developmentally appropriate programming in which children can learn that feelings are mentionable and manageable earned Public Broadcasting $20,000,000 in funds for continued work. The last stanza of Rogers’ song describes the ability to control...
Teaching Your Child Health and Wellness Habits
As a parent, you instinctively want your children to grow up leading happy and healthy lives, while developing good habits. Not only are good eating habits important for a child to learn, but, establishing health and wellness habits that nurture the mind, body and spirit as a whole are significant as well. Teaching your child a healthy routine when he is young can prove to be beneficial for his mental development and encourage a positive relationship with his health. Here are some of our favorite healthy habits: Eliminating junk food. Feeding your child a balanced and nutritious diet h...
3 Important Ways to Communicate with Your Infant
For a new parent, it can be frustrating not knowing what your infant’s wants and needs are. What does a loud screeching cry mean? Does it mean that he is hungry or hurt? What about a soft cry? Aside from the crying, what do her body signals mean, such as arching her back, rubbing her ears, or moving her arms around? These are all questions that go through a parent’s mind on a daily basis when they are caring for their infant. Infants communicate well before they are able to speak and are born with the ability to express many different, and rather important, emotions. Here are some gen...
Teaching Children to be Trustworthy
This month, Stepping Stone School will focus on the character development trait of trustworthiness. A trustworthy person is honest, follows the rules, keeps a promise, is not unkind, and does not take things that do not belong to him. Developing an attitude of trust, being trustworthy, and building trust with one another takes time, but through responsive caregiving, children learn in a manner which supports the development of trust. According to developmental psychologist Erik Erikson, children begin learning trust in infancy. Erikson developed a theory of psychosocial developme...
The Benefits of Gardening with your Child
With spring right around the corner, most families look for opportunities to experience the outdoors and enjoy the warmer weather with their children. The list of possible outdoor activities that are fun for you and your child is endless, but one that has proven to be beneficial to a child’s development and growth is gardening. Children are naturally curious. They like to learn by engaging in activity and they love to play in the dirt. For a child, working in a garden can grant him the satisfaction of caring for something over time, while exploring the workings of nature. Whether you are ...
Demonstrating Respect
My school-age children came home with report cards not that long ago and I noticed a section describing respectful attitudes towards school property and treatment of others. The idea of grading one’s development of this character trait seems a bit strange to me, but as I read further their report cards described respect as PR for Progressing or CD for Consistently Demonstrates. I like the idea of progressing or consistently demonstrating respect. Children learn and often relearn the meaning of respect. This learning begins in the early years and builds throughout a child’s life...
Kindness Makes an Impact
In anticipation of accepting a new child into our classroom, I had my prekindergarten children create a welcome card. They spent quite some time writing their names, thinking about the colors they thought this child may like and drawing pictures for her. Finally, the day had arrived, this child walked into our classroom holding tightly to her mother’s hand. I welcomed her in and another child excitedly brought over the card we had made. Her mother smiled and told her child, “See, I told you they would be nice!” The next day, our new friend bounded into the classroom ready to ...
Infants and Toddlers and Math, Oh My!
The idea of very young children participating in mathematical thinking may seem strange to some, however, researchers have observed infants at six months of age demonstrating matching skills, sorting and classifying, and recognizing amounts of more and less. These basic math skills exhibit as children work to understand the world around them. Between the ages of one and two, children develop number sense and are able to pick out one or two objects when asked. They develop a sense of shape and space, as they sort objects, stack blocks, and complete simple puzzles. By the middle of th...
Developing Self-Regulation Skills
Self-regulation, the ability to manage one’s own emotions and to empathize with others, is a leading predictor in the future academic success of a child. When children can self-regulate, they recognize when they are getting frustrated and can utilize strategies to help them calm down before it gets out of control. When teaching self-regulation, we begin by teaching children how to manage their emotions and providing them with strategies to use to overcome stress and persist in challenging situations. Label and recognize feelings. From infancy, parents and teachers ...
Family Traditions
The winter holiday season is often accompanied by specific activities we participate in each year like visiting family, giving gifts, feasting, lighting candles, and celebrating. These traditions often go back generations in one form or another. Research demonstrates that family traditions are valuable for building strong family relationships and developing a sense of belonging between family members. When children are invited to participate in family traditions by talking about the reasons behind these special activities, the traditions become more meaningful often providing a se...
Living a Compassionate Life
The holiday season often causes us to think of others. What is it that a loved one needs physically or emotionally during this time of year? We ask ourselves questions like, “What can I do to make another person feel the joy of the season?” Compassion involves not only recognizing the needs of others but also following through in action to meet those needs. Over this month, the children at Stepping Stone School will have opportunities to think of others as they learn about this important character trait. They will create gifts and cards for families and friends. Teachers ...
Welcoming a New Sibling
After almost nine months of preparation, most parents feel prepared to welcome a new child into the family. But when the new child is a second or third child, how do parents prepare the soon to be older siblings? Various doctors and child psychologists have made several of the following suggestions: Make them friends before birth. Help your older child get acquainted with the new baby before birth by showing sonogram pictures of how the baby is growing. Let your child pat your belly, feel the new baby kick, and talk to the baby. Tell your older child stories about when you were ...
Developing Perseverance
Beyond intelligence and raw talent, the ability to push through challenges and continue reaching towards a goal is the best indicator of the future success of children. Persistence, as described here, is a character trait which can be taught and learned. (Crawford, 2016) At Stepping Stone School, we recognize the value of perseverance and encourage growth in this area daily.OurPlatinum Learning for Life™curriculum is specially designed to provide developmentally appropriate activities for children of all ages. Each child is provided the support and care she needs to become confiden...
2018 Stepping Stone School Turkey Call
Stepping Stone School is proud to continue its long term sponsorship of the Kid’s K at the annual Turkey Trot supporting Caritas and we thoroughly enjoy our visit from a turkey and the contest to see who can get the turkey to gobble. Watch it now on FOX 7 Austin ...
Building a Foundation in Writing
Wrapping his tiny toddler fingers tightly around a large crayon, two-year-old Bentley stands over a piece of paper making firm strokes across his page and states then with excitement, “I write!” Considering her picture from different angles, Mila adds a few letter-shapes - a couple pointy marks reminiscent of M’s and repeating lines like L’s. After adding eyes and whiskers to his drawing, Jamie thinks intently. Very carefully he adds a wobbly “c” and then excitedly shows his teacher, “I wrote, Cat!” Early writing skills develop following the same sequence of stage...
Developing Integrity at Every Age
Each month, Stepping Stone School classroom teachers focus on specific activities to teach character development in an age-appropriate manner through our custom-created Kindness and Empathy™curriculum which is part of our Platinum Learning for Life™curriculum. Our focus for the month of October is the character trait of integrity. Integrity means following through with what you say you will do, doing what is expected of you no matter who is watching, and demonstrating consistency in both your words and actions. Experts have suggested the following to teach integrity to child...
Cooking with Children
Have you ever had Thunder Cake? It was my first successful from-scratch cake and I made it with a classroom full of four and five-year-olds. I was still fairly new to the world of Early Childhood Education and my principal challenged me to incorporate some cooking into my classroom highlighting the many benefits. Initially terrified at the thought of cooking with young children, I had brought in a prepackaged mix so the children just had to add water, stir, and bake - not a very engaging or tasty experience. Several weeks later, a colleague introduced me to the book Thunder Cake b...
How to Help Your Child Learn to Cooperate
I recently came across a cooperative board game in which three or four players work together to complete a task to win the game before they run out of time. Interested, I tried the game out with my own children and here is what I found: While playing a cooperative game versus a traditional “single winner” game There was less arguing and whining between children, More laughing and encouragement of one another, and A quicker recovery time when the group lost the game. Working together, cooperating, provides an opportunity to come together for a common goal. Whether pl...
Stepping Stone School Children Award Donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas
Austin, Texas – August 16, 2018: On August 15, 2018, the school age children of Stepping Stone School proudly presented at check for $14,361.22 to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas. The funds for this generous donation were raised by the school age children of Stepping Stone School who participated in the annual Young Entrepreneurs and Philanthropists™ summer camp at Stepping Stone Schools’ The Brainery™, and was generously matched by a grant from the Paver Family and Stepping Stone School which also provided all of the in-kind materials. Stepping Stone ...
How to Teach Young Children Fairness
Have you ever wondered why we enjoy sporting events where the “underdog” wins the day or hearing “rags to riches” human interest stories? Using functional MRIs, a team of researchers at Rutgers University discovered how the brain reacts to perceived fair and unfair treatment of others. Their findings demonstrate higher levels of brain activity when one perceives fair treatment of another. Additionally, they observed decreased activity when one perceives incidences of unfairness or inequity. These findings suggest that our sense of fairness is not entirely based on a set of ...
Creating Routines: Promoting Love and Learning
From those earliest days after a child is born, parents begin employing new routines to meet the needs of an infant and keep up with the daily obligations of home and work. As children grow and develop, family routines change. Research demonstrates when children follow a daily routine they may be healthier, better behaved, and could even perform better at school. (Education.com, 2018) Rules and routines create order and structure to the day. Knowing what to expect allows predictability, builds independence, and promotes emotional regulation. When creating routines, the CDC recommen...
Preparing for Beginning Early Care & Education
We’re excited you’ve chosen to enroll your child sat Stepping Stone School. We understand how changing routines, new encounters, and meeting new people can be challenging for both parent and child, and we want to make the experience as comfortable as possible for you and your family. To that end, we’ve compiled a list of suggestions to help you and your family feel prepared for this important and exciting transition. What can I do to help my child get excited about his/her new school? Talk positively with children about going to preschool. Discuss what it means, what ...
Best Childcare in Austin
EDIT: Update July 2024- Stepping Stone School has now won Austin's Best in Childcare for a 26th year! What does it take to be voted “The Best Childcare in Austin” for 26 years? It takes a dedicated, loving, family owned business, that truly cares about the families and children it serves. It takes over 40 years of experience and research into the best early childhood practices, and it takes compassion, nurturance, and commitment to the community we serve! Stepping Stone School has been voted Best in Childcare by Austin Family Magazine once again this year, making it 24 years we h...
10 Safety Tips for Independence Day
My memories of Independence Day celebrations are filled with cookouts, visits from friends and family members, and staying up late to watch the fireworks displays. My siblings and I would spend most of the day chasing each other around in the backyard and then join with our neighbors in the front yard to share in a cookout. It was always an exciting time Now with my own children in tow, the celebrations and fireworks take on a slightly different kind of excitement: keeping my children safe throughout the crowded parade routes, cookouts, and firework spectaculars. I have compiled s...
Thank you, Mister Rogers
For over 30 years, Fred Rogers entered the family rooms of preschool children across the nation to say, “It’s you I like.” Using songs, puppets, and stories, Rogers taught children how to work through what he called, “the inner drama of childhood.” Words to songs like, What Do You Do with the Mad that You Feel? provided alternative positive behavior choices for the daily challenges children face. He spent years studying child development, adapting his speech to speak more slowly and calmly for the benefit of the children in his viewing audience. Quietly battling social issu...
Teaching Responsibility
In many of our Stepping Stone School prekindergarten classrooms, you will notice a classroom chore chart. Using this list of chores, teachers encourage children to take on certain roles and responsibilities as a member of the classroom community. Children work together to straighten the classroom, welcome guests, and line up at the door. They are learning responsibility and the satisfaction of a job well done. A responsible person is reliable and trustworthy, completing the tasks she says she will do. Responsible people think before they act, they put forth their best effort, take...
Teaching Children to be Caring
Ruth had just woken up from her nap and was sitting alone near her mat with her head lowered, arms crossed, and a sad expression on her face. Three-year-old Lizzie walked over after noticing her friend was not moving to participate in the classroom activities. Squatting down and looking closely at Ruth’s face, Lizzie gently patted Ruth on the back and gave her a soft toy. Lizzie’s acknowledgment of Ruth’s feelings caused other members of the class to ask Lizzie what was wrong with Ruth. Following Lizzie’s lead, other children brought toys over to try to cheer Ruth up. ...
The Value of Drawing
Starting with Scribbles Handing a child a crayon for the first time is a game of chance often ending with the removal of crayon wax from his mouth. However, once he is taught to use crayons with paper rather than as a teething toy, he soon notices the cause and effect relationship between his hand movements and the colorful marks on a paper. The realization causes exhilaration: “I have control.” Scribbles progress becoming more purposeful as he develops motor control. Around three and a half, children begin to connect the two ends of a line to form enclosed shapes. At this sta...
Explore Your Creative Genius this Summer!
Summer at Stepping Stone School During Stepping Stone School’s Summer Break Camp at The Brainery™, students will investigate their own unique Creative Genius while exploring the various art forms that inspire us. Each two-week session learning plan will focus on a different type of artistic expression, along with a leader in that art form. Campers will discover the potential opportunities open to them to become the creative geniuses of the future. Our camp offers six specialty camps in one place. All of our bi-weekly lesson plans are based on our unique Platinum Learning for Life™ cu...
Kindergarten Readiness at Stepping Stone School
This month, many of the children whom we have watched grow from infancy will be donning their cap and gown as they walk across the stage to receive their prekindergarten diploma. Our end of the year programs celebrate the accomplishments of our advanced prekindergarten classes over the past school year. It is always a bittersweet moment: a mixture of the overwhelming sense of accomplishment and the uncertainty which comes when starting the next chapter in one’s life. Engaging with our Platinum Learning for Life™ Curriculum, these children have come to identify many letters a...
5 Ways to Help Children Take Ownership of Their Behavior
My four-year-old is obsessed with connect-the-dot puzzles. Revealing the hidden shape after connecting each letter or number in sequential order brings him a special thrill In life, helping children “connect the dots” or recognize the link between actions and results enable children to see the relationship between their choices and the consequences of their behavior. This month, Stepping Stone School teachers will discuss the Kindness and Empathy™goal for the month: Ownership. Children will participate in discussions, learning activities, and read children’s literature demo...
Healthy Habits for Happy Teeth!
Even if your child is only an infant or toddler, you can start now to help your child develop strong, healthy teeth and build habits that last a lifetime. Begin cleaning your infant’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. Use a damp cloth to swab clean. When more teeth emerge, use a small, soft-bristled brush and water only. Around age 2 or 3 add a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to brush. As your child gains hand and finger control, encourage him to brush his own teeth. Supervise until around the age of 7 or 8. Encourage your child to spit out the toothpas...
Earth Day Activities for Children
Earth Day is April 22th and Stepping Stone School is celebrating the roots of Earth day as well as sharing an appreciation for learning through hands on exploration and investigation! The idea for a national day to focus on the environment was Gaylord Nelson’s idea. On April 22,1970, 20 million Americans came together for a healthy, sustainable environment. In 1990 Earth Day went worldwide, uniting 200 million people in 141 countries bringing the importance of protecting the Earth and our environment to a global audience. After Earth Day 1990, a huge increase in recycling efforts ...
Developing Trust
Developmental psychologist Erik Erikson was best known for his theory of psychosocial development. He identified the first stage in this model astrust vs. mistrust beginning in infancy until approximately 18 months. During this time in a child’s life, he will learn he can trust those caring for him based on their consistent care meeting his needs and responding to his cries. According to Erikson, success in this stage leads to the virtue of hope – when the same child encounters uncertainty in the future, he has hope that he will be successful because he knows those who care fo...
Big Body Play
Puppies do it. Kittens do it. Elephants and monkeys do it. And yes, young boys and girls do it. Rough and tumble or big body play (BBP) like running, climbing, jumping and even wrestling is necessary for proper brain development in children and beneficial for building relationships and developing healthier bodies. At Stepping Stone School, we recognize the need for young children to use large muscle groups in safe yet physically challenging ways. Our shaded outdoor play areas are designed with safety in mind with equipment appropriate for each age group. During the rainy ...
5 Ways to Teach and Encourage Respect
In preparation for this month’s Kindness and Empathy™ focus, I asked my four-year-old about Respect. He pondered for several moments and then provided an exasperated reply, “I don’t know; what is it?” I found myself challenged to come up with the words to describe this character trait and fell back on examples of when we have seen respect displayed through the actions of others. Respect is one character trait you may easily recognize when you see it and just as easily identify when it is absent. Partnering with you to encourage this valuable character trait, our Steppi...
Developmentally Appropriate Chores for Children
Spring is in the air! Which also means spring cleaning is just around the corner. This year, consider including your children in this annual home ritual. Through age-appropriate tasks, children acquire important social skills as they continue to learn what it means to be a part of a family. Children learn responsibility, how to care for materials and pets at home, and how to work cooperatively with family members to get things accomplished. The 2015 Texas prekindergarten guidelines suggest that right around the time a child turns four, he or she begins to recognize personal role...
Mathematics Development and Learning
The “M” in S.T.E.A.M. stands for Mathematics! Concrete experiences with math concepts and interactions with teachers have a direct impact on your children’s acquisition of mathematical skills. When children manipulate materials in their classrooms and learning centers, they practice math skills. All Children at Stepping Stone School: Use number concepts and operations Explore and describe spatial relationships and shapes Compare and measure Demonstrate knowledge of patterns For example, in block centers, children explore the differences in sizes and shapes ...
The Five Best Coding Toys that Won’t Break the Bank!
At Stepping Stone School, we are excited to unite technology and learning as we teach introductory skills in our early childhood classrooms by focusing on Coding Foundations. Coding foundations include higher order thinking skills associated with the coding process, including tasks like analyzing, predicting, planning, patterning, sequencing, sorting, organizing, and evaluating. Before introducing children to the technology tools used for coding, we practice the concepts of higher order thinking skills through screen-free, hands-on activities basic to the coding process. These a...
Seven Ways to Encourage Healthy Eating Habits with Your Children
Stepping Stone School is your partner in raising healthy, happy and confident children. To that end, we serve balanced and nutritional meals and snacks and offer the following suggestions for encouraging healthy eating in children. Keep healthy food on hand. Keep snacks like fruits, veggies and low-fat cheese in a special place that children can access easily. It’s OK to have an occasional treat, but if you buy smaller packages of “junk food,” it’s easier to keep these snacks to a minimum. Make healthy foods fun. When offering something new try to mix it up and be crea...
Kindness Matters
February 17th is National Random Acts of Kindness Day, to celebrate, Stepping Stone School is teaching children about kindness through daily interactions by focusing on acting friendly, giving generously, and being considerate of others. Acting Friendly Exchanging Pleasantries Encouraging children to smile or wave is a small act of kindness in which even our youngest children can participate. As they get older, teaching children to use polite phrases like, “Nice to meet you” and “Have a nice day” provides kind and friendly interactions in everyday situations. Inv...
Toilet Training Toddlers
It is that joyous yet challenging time in the life of a child, the moment parents trade in their child’s diapers for the coveted “big kid underpants.” Most children begin toilet training between 2 and 3 years of age, but each child will reach this developmental milestone in his or her own time. The following provides tried and true toilet training strategies from our own Stepping Stone School toddler teachers as well as expert advice from pediatricians. Remember as you enter this stage, it is important to let your child’s classroom teacher know your intentions. Talk about t...
Higher Order Processing Skills to Improve Resilience
When you look closely at the Stepping Stone School learning plans, you will see a set of parentheses under each activity in which teachers communicate the purpose of each activity. We call these descriptive words our “Purpose Notations.” As a teacher, I often used the purpose notation “self-regulation” interchangeably with “self-control.” Not really understanding the differences. Recently, I read an article describing the differences written by Professor Emeritus and author, Stuart Shanker, “self-regulation is what makes self-control possible, or, in many cases, unnece...
The Importance of Classic Literature
Research demonstrates that the single activity with the greatest impact on a child’s reading readiness is being read to on a regular basis. Each day, the children at Stepping Stone School listen to read-alouds, observe environmental print, delve into the classroom library, interact with our classic children’s literature collection and explore other books and printed material. These activities benefit children of all ages and support numerous pre-reading skills. Daily Reading As Stepping Stone School, teachers read to the children in their classrooms and employ a number of st...
Self-Regulation Tips for Toddlers
At Stepping Stone School, we strive to support our families through the many ups and downs of early childhood. The toddler years are a pivotal time in the life of a child. No longer infants, toddlers are transitioning, developing communication skills, and gaining independence. This developmental stage is both exciting and challenging as we share in the joy of discovery, but also the frustration of toddler tantrums. Fortunately, experts provide several ideas to reduce the number of tantrums: Give Positive Attention. In a toddler’s mind, attention is attention, whether it is p...
The Benefits of Quality After School Care
Many parents rely on afterschool programs to care for their child(ren) after they get out of school until they can pick them up after work. Often though, it is difficult to know which program to put them in when the benefits of one program are unclear as compared to those of another. Many research studies over the years have shown that there are indeed benefits to enrolling your child in an afterschool program, but only after certain conditions are met. A study done at New York University that was recently published in Science Daily entitled Afterschool Programs Environment...
Fun Things to do With Your Children!
When the weather turns wet and cold and school is out for the holidays, it is nice to have some fun and educational indoor activities in your bag of tricks to keep your children engaged and learning. The best thing to do is to identify things your children can do themselves. Aim for activities that engage the senses and are at the correct level of difficulty (e.g. not too easy, not too challenging). Create an “Activity Box” with coloring books, action figures and a puzzle to encourage independent play. You can update the activities in the box every few months. If you are looking for ...
Traveling with Children 101
Destination – picked; Plans – made; Luggage – packed… But what about the journey there?!?! You plan a great vacation, but then remember you must travel for SEVERAL hours with young children before arriving at your destination. You may be thinking to yourself, “Whoever said ‘the fun is in the journey’ did not have to travel with toddlers.” Developmentally, young children have very short attention spans and require interaction and physical movement – all of which can be difficult to accommodate in the confined spaces of a car or an airplane. Helpful Tips for Your ...
Screen Time Guidelines
At Stepping Stone School, we continue to explore the latest research on behalf of our families to remain current with the most up-to-date educational practices regarding early childhood development. In doing so, we have closely monitored the developing body of research surrounding the use of technology in early childhood education. Our desire is to support families as they determine how best to balance healthy technology usage in their home while enabling their child to learn about the benefits technology offers. In recent months, much research has surfaced regarding the effects of e...
School Safety: Stepping Stone School Emergency Preparedness Plan
Stepping Stone School is committed to every facet of safety and security for the children we care for each day. That’s why, in addition to all of the safety lessons incorporated into our classroom curriculum, we have developed an Emergency Preparedness Plan that is implemented in all Stepping Stone Schools. This plan details the policies and procedures for handling a variety of emergency situations, allowing Stepping Stone School to be fully prepared to protect our children, staff and families. This plan incorporates several features that allow for the highest level of se...
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town!
Monday, Dec. 4th–9:00 a.m. Cat Hollow (hosts) visiting: 10:00 a.m. Pflugerville / 11:00 a.m. Parmer Tuesday, Dec. 5th–9:00 a.m. Crestview (hosts) visiting: 10:00 a.m. Hyde Park 10:45 a.m. Northcross / 11:15 a.m. Shoal Creek Wednesday, Dec. 6th—9:00 a.m. McNeil (hosts) visiting: 10:30 a.m. Anderson Mill 11:00 a.m. Lakeline Thursday, Dec. 7th—9:00 a.m. Teravista (hosts) visiting: 10:00 a.m. Leander / 11:00 a.m. Round Rock Friday, Dec. 8th—9:00 a.m. Brodie (hosts) visiting: 10:00 a.m. Kyle / 10:45 a.m. Plum Creek 11:15 a.m. Southpark Meadow...
3 Ways to Teach Compassionate Living
As this year’s calendar flips to its final month, I reflect on moments over the past eleven, noting certain instances which stand out in my mind. These times are often the result of either being on the giving or receiving end of compassion. Whether by tangible gifts of charity or simply the exchange of encouraging words, compassion takes many forms. In children, compassion may involve one child offering a comfort item like a teddy bear or blanket to a crying child. Helping a friend pick up her toys or asking someone to come play. Recent research supports theories stating childr...
Helping Families Cope with Separation Anxiety
For many parents, it is the most challenging part of the decision to go back to work after having a child: the idea of leaving your child in the care of another. This feeling of separation can be emotionally challenging for both parent and child alike. At Stepping Stone School, the initial separation of the child from their parent(s) is of utmost importance. Rhonda Paver, M.A., founder and executive director wrote her master’s thesis on this topic and we continue to provide the smoothest transitions for families possible since our inception. Helping Parents Cope with Separation Anxie...
Benefits of Play
Two-year-old Ellie set the baby doll in a chair at the table. She balanced a stack of pretend food, a small plate, and a cup and set them on the table before her doll. Ellie took great care to put the food up to the doll’s mouth and hold the cup to his lips. Then, Ellie picked up the baby doll, patted his back and laid him carefully in the doll bed for his nap. Through her play, my daughter showed me just how well she knows her routine. Ellie demonstrates caring attitudes as she fed her baby doll and gently tucked him into bed. She is making connections between the symbolism ...
Importance of Sleep
I pulled up to my daughter’s elementary school at the end of her first day of Kindergarten. I saw her waiting in the car rider lane with half of her hair pulled out of her pony tail and her thumb in her mouth – the tell-tale signs that my five-year-old was exhausted. Not all children are as obvious in displaying their exhaustion. Dr. Michael Breus, clinical psychologist and a leading specialist on sleep disorders, connects a slew of behaviors with the amount of sleep a child gets each night. Children who get enough healthy sleep are “optimally alert” which means they demo...
It’s a matter of Integrity…
This morning a parent told me, “I was so surprised… my children (almost 5 and 3) got themselves dressed, made their beds, and brushed their teeth without me asking them!” I told her their actions demonstrate that she is consistent in her expectations and she has established good routines in their home. I heard her repeat those words to herself as she headed out the door, “consistent expectations and good routines.” Each month, we at Stepping Stone School focus specific activities to teach character development through our Kindness and Empathy™ curriculum which is a p...
The Importance of Reading Aloud
It was just like every other afternoon in fifth grade, Mr. Huff gathered my classmates and me together to read a chapter aloud from a book. This particular afternoon, we had set aside a few extra minutes to finish reading Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. A coming of age story about a boy, Billy, and the two dogs he loved dearly: Little Ann and Old Dan. After just a few short weeks of following Billy and his dogs through the woods chasing racoons, we came to the saddest part of the story and there wasn’t a dry eye in the entire classroom. That school year as we sat at our...
The Benefit of After School Programs
Parents often enroll their child in Early Childcare at Stepping Stone School because they recognize the benefits of preparing him or her for Kindergarten through hands-on learning and academic preparation. But, what happens when that same child goes on to elementary school? Do the benefits of outside programs cease? After school care is as important as early childcare to continue to build and support a child’s development. Research and study spanning over ten years by a team of specialists from the Harvard Family Research Project (HFRP) confirm that “children and youth who participate ...
5 Ways to Encourage Cooperation
I heard excited tones from across the room. Children had gathered around the block center in anticipation. Four children had been working for the past fifteen minutes creating a structure. Their goal was to use every block in the center. Making sure everyone had stepped back and out of the way, Elijah stood on his tip toes to reach across the broad base of their structure and set the final block in place exclaiming, “It’s the tallest tower ever!” The class erupted, “Wow, that’s so big!” … “I want to build one next!” … “I wonder how big it is?” … ...
Coding Foundations
This past Saturday, I sat waiting for my four-year-old to complete his swimming lesson. Looking around the pool deck, I noticed several people (children included) who were engaged with electronic devices: tablets, cell phones, e-readers. I began to think about the many aspects of our lives affected by changes in technology both socially and economically. Due to advancements in technology, the job market has changed doing away with some current jobs, but also creating new ones. Years from now, there will likely be jobs available which do not exist presently, but are brought abou...
Stepping Stone School Children Safely Observe the Eclipse of the Sun
EDIT: Update July 2024- Stepping Stone School has now won Austin's Best in Childcare for a 26th year! Stepping Stone School Children Safely Observe the Eclipse of the Sun Austin, Texas – August 18, 2017: On Monday, August 21, 2017, all of North America will be experience an eclipse of the sun. Anyone within the path of totality can see one of nature’s most awe-inspiring sights–a total solar eclipse. In Texas, we will experience a partial eclipse of the sun. During the eclipse, our children will stay indoors and all safety precautions will be in place. This is a wonder...
Stepping Stone School Children Award Donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Texas
EDIT: Update July 2024- Stepping Stone School has now won Austin's Best in Childcare for a 26th year! Stepping Stone School Children Award Donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Texas Austin, Texas – August 17, 2017: Today, the school age children of Stepping Stone School and Rhonda Paver, M.A. owner and executive director proudly presented at check for $12,860.14 to the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Texas. The funds for this generous donation were raised by the school age children of Stepping Stone School who participated in t...
Annual Fall Teachers' Conference
Stepping Stone School teachers, principals, staff, and administrators will gather Saturday, Sept. 9, for our annual educational conference. Each year, Stepping Stone School sponsors this event to provide our teachers with a deeper understanding of age-specific needs, instruction techniques and variations, S.T.E.A.M. integration ideas and more. Our teachers look forward to the fall conference each year, not only for the invaluable learning benefit but because the event is fun and has a real feeling of fellowship! This year's workshop highlights included: Math is Everywhere!...
5 Things to Do with Your Children Before School Starts
My soon-to-be kindergartener asks regularly, “Do I get to go to Kindergarten today?” We’ve marked the calendar, purchased school supplies, met with other up-and-coming Kindergarteners, but, the day is not coming soon enough for my excited five-year-old. Whether your child is entering elementary school for the first time or returning for another year, here are five things you can do to help your child prepare mentally for the challenging rigors of the upcoming school year: Get Reading. Beginning in infancy, reading together builds language acquisition and literacy skills. A ...
Four Ways to Teach Young Children Fairness
That’s How You Play Three children were sitting around a table playing Candy Land. After a few rounds, Naomi, age 5, picked up the deck of cards and started flipping through them to find the Princess Frostine card which would move her piece to a space close to the finish. Isaiah, age 7, spoke up, “You can’t do that. You have to take the next card in the pile or it’s not fair.” “But last time, I got the Gingerbread card and had to move backwards, that wasn’t fair,” whined Naomi. “But that’s how you play the game. I would have to go back to the gingerbrea...
Loose Parts
Four-year-old, Ethan, was huddled over a pile of rocks he had collected from around the playground. As I walked over to him, he told me he was looking for “interesting” rocks. Naturally, I wondered what made a rock “interesting.” As I watched, he began sorting his rocks into several piles according to the level of interest: crystal-like formations, streaks of a different color, or a unique shape. I asked him to tell me which pile had more and then watched as he pointed. Pressing further, I inquired as to how he knew it had more. First, he compared the size of the piles sh...
Stepping Stone School voted BEST IN CHILDCARE for the 19th Year
EDIT: Update July 2024- Stepping Stone School has now won Austin's Best in Childcare for a 26th year! Austin, Texas – July 4, 2017: Stepping Stone School has been voted the BEST IN CHILDCARE for the 19th year according to Austin Family Magazine Readers Poll. Since 1998, Stepping Stone School has earned this prestigious honor with community support and a continuous commitment to nurture the whole child through cognitive, physical and social-emotional development. Stepping Stone School would like to thank our families, friends, and partners for voting our program the Best in ...
Stepping Stone School Voted ”Best in Childcare” for the 19th Year!
EDIT: Update July 2024- Stepping Stone School has now won Austin's Best in Childcare for a 26th year! We are excited to announce that we’ve been selected “Best in Childcare” by Austin Family magazine’s readers! Stepping Stone School would not be the best without the support of our wonderful teachers and amazing families! We’d like to say a HUGE thank you to all our families and friends who voted for us. We’re honored to have won this prestigious title for 19 years! ...
Nurturing the Development of Responsibility
Just after my daughter turned two, she moved into Ms. Alisa’s classroom at one of our Stepping Stone School locations. My daughter had a doctor’s appointment that day, so I picked her up early. I walked into the classroom just as the children were transitioning between activities and was amazed to see each child pick up his or her toys and place them back on the shelves where they belonged. “How did you get them to do that?” I asked. “They’re cleaning up after themselves and putting things away nicely… they’re only two!” Alisa looked at me very matter-of-factly, ...
Now Enrolling for Fall
Get an early start on your fall planning! Stepping Stone School is now enrolling all ages for fall (6 weeks-11 years). Be sure to ask about our proven Kindergarten Readiness Academy and our After-School Enrichment Program! Please contact or visit a school near you for more information....
The Power of Touch
Over nine months of waiting for that moment when I would finally hold my child for the first time. It is one thing to carry a child through pregnancy, but something completely different to touch his face, feel his tiny fingers wrap around your own, and to kiss his soft cheeks. Touch is the first sense to develop in utero and is the most strongly developed by birth. Through the science of touch, we learn about the presence of neurons in our skin which relay information about our environment through receptors specialized for touch. Our sense of touch enables us to learn about ourselv...
Stepping Stone School Brings High-Quality Early Care and Education to Kyle’s Plum Creek
EDIT: Update - Stepping Stone School has now won Austin's Best in Childcare for a 26th year! Stepping Stone School Brings High-Quality Early Care and Education to Kyle’s Plum Creek Award-Winning Child Development Center Opens 20th Campus AUSTIN, Texas, June 8, 2017 - With the population boom in Hays County continuing, Stepping Stone School is pleased to announce the opening of a new state-of-the-art early care and education campus located in the Plum Creek master planned community of Kyle, TX. Stepping Stone School is renowned for its commitment to education, the communit...
Learning Through Play
Children across generations no matter their race, culture, or gender participate in play: enjoying games, inventing stories, imagining and creating worlds within their world. Psychologist David Whitebread of Cambridge University states “Play is essential to their development. They [children] need to learn to persevere, to control attention, to control emotions. Kids learn these things through playing.” (Kohn, 2015). Behavior research connects play to children’s development at several levels: linguistically, cognitively, mathematically, scientifically, and socially. Young c...
What I Learned at Stepping Stone School
It seems that many of our most important life lessons are learned during our early formative years. As adults, we take for granted these instrumental lessons picked up while painting and playing in our earliest classroom settings. Excerpt from “All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten” by Robert Fulghum “These are the things I learned: Share everything. Play fair. Don't hit people. Put things back where you found them. Clean up your own mess. Don't take things that aren't yours. Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody. Wash your hands before you eat. Flush. Wa...
Teaching Ownership
In early elementary school, I started playing The Blame Game. My parents would confront me about a situation and I would blame someone else or something else for my choices. My dad’s solution - a song he made up and would sing with enthusiasm: “No more excuses, excuses are useless!” Too embarrassed to stick around, I often missed Dad’s choreographed dance moves. Through my dad’s refusal to accept excuses and his “delightful” little song, I learned to take ownership of my attitude and actions. As children grow, they often go through periods when they assume shifting b...
Benefits of Early Bilingualism
Infants have the innate ability to learn multiple languages. According to research by expert Linda Espinosa, Professor Emeritus at the University of Missouri at Columbia, the early years are an ideal time to acquire multiple languages. (Espinosa, 2015) Her research demonstrates when young children are exposed to a secondary language at an early age - no matter how short the experience and no matter the pairs of languages involved - there are observable neural changes in the way in which language is organized in the child’s brain. Children as young as seven months, demonstrate highe...
Gardening with Children
“Gardens offer children perfect laboratories where scientific concepts literally come to life.” -Pam Mohrmann, author and educator My three-year-old can tell you the parts of a plant, a plant’s life cycle, and which parts of the plant are good to eat. He can identify several insects that help our plants along with several of the harmful ones. He enjoys pulling weeds, inspecting fruit and vegetables, and eating them fresh from our garden. This knowledge is the result of numerous experiences “playing” in the garden. Shortly after his second birthday, I gave him his fi...
Block Play for Essential Early Development
It is a widely-held belief that block play is an essential part of early childhood development, but why? What do these seemingly simple toys help cultivate and why is it so vital to development? Here are some reasons you should consider forgoing those new expensive toys for this simple and superior option: Problem Solving – Intentional “I want to build a house.” And unintentional – “if I want to make it high on this side how can I do it?” The child has to figure out how they will accomplish these tasks and answer these questions. Self-Expression – Blocks offe...
Journaling with Children
Most of us think of writing in a journal as a “diary” kept locked away or something we wrote in when we were teenagers. However, journaling is an essential literacy experience. Journal is defined as… Journal 1 a: an account of day-to-day events b: a record of experiences, ideas, or reflections kept regularly for private use. Given this definition, a journal can be a rich resource for all. For young children, journaling can be an opportunity to write the experiences and reflections of their lives. How can a preschool child journal if they cannot write? Literacy activi...
Austin Family Magazine 2017 Readers' Poll is Open!
The polls are open for Austin Family magazine’s 2017 Readers’ Poll Favorites! Help make us the “BEST in CHILD CARE” for our 19th year! Don’t forget to ask your friends and family to vote, too! Thank you for your support and votes as we continue to provide the very BEST early care and education possible! Click here to go vote now!...
Three Stars and a Wish
The world we live in is hyper connected and technology driven, but in this fast-paced society we may have forgotten how to be present and connect with those around us. There are many times I catch myself checking e-mail or mindlessly scrolling through the Internet when my two beautiful children are playing happily in front of me. I am missing the most important moments with my children, and I begin to think, “Do I even know my children as well as I think I do?” Taking time to connect and re-connect with those we care about and love is fundamental to our happiness, but how c...
What is Respect?
What is respect? According to four-year-old Julia, respect is “being nice to other people.” Pressing further, I asked “What does being nice mean?” She delightfully answered, “it means you give someone chocolate or a kiss!” As young as she is, this child recognizes that respect is the way you choose to treat another person. “Being nice” as she puts it, is how one acts when demonstrating respect. How does one teach respect to young children? Demonstrate respectful behavior. Children often watch their caregivers looking for clues defining the expectations. If they ...
What to Do on a Rainy Day in Austin?
Although this time of year can bring a wide variety of weather, we can keep our children active and challenge them physically and mentally year round! “Rainy day” activities can be especially helpful to keep handy for any time outdoor play isn’t an option. Physical activity is a vital aspect of development and for leading a healthy life. Benefits of Physical Activity include: Muscle Development Strong bones, muscles, and heart Building stability Locomotor Skills Developing Self Esteem Small and gross motor skills Cardiovascular endurance It is very import...
Stepping Stone School featured in cover story of ChildCare Exchange Magazine
Stepping Stone School featured in cover story of ChildCare Exchange Magazine AUSTIN, TX, February 21, 2017 – Stepping Stone School is featured in the cover story in the January/February 2017 issue of ChildCare Exchange Magazine, the leading national publication on early care and education. The three-page story outlines founder Rhonda Paver’s vision and Stepping Stone School’s programs, philosophy and mission. “We are deeply honored and grateful to be recognized by ChildCare Exchange and we would like to extend our thanks to all the families who, through their support, ...
ChildCare Exchange Magazine Cover Story feature in Jan-Feb 2017 Issue
Rhonda Paver intended to work as a teacher when she and her family moved to Austin, Texas, in 1979. Right off, she needed to find child care for her three children. Unsatisfied with the many large and small operations she looked into, Rhonda visited one final small house. The child care provider, looking exhausted, said she simply couldn’t go on in her business. Right then and there, drawing on her Alaskan family history of pioneering entrepreneurship, Rhonda decided she was going to build what she could not find. She and her family moved into that very building. The family lived on one s...
The Marshmallow Test
Almost 50 years ago, Dr. Walter Mischel, psychologist and, at the time, a professor at Stanford University, conducted a series of studies on delayed gratification often referred to as The Marshmallow Experiment. During the study, Mischel’s team tested over 600 children looking for signs of delayed gratification and self-control. A child was offered a choice between one treat (a cookie, marshmallow, or pretzel) to eat immediately or two treats to eat later if they waited for a period of time (approximately 15 minutes). While the child waited, the tester would leave the room and then return...
Teaching gratitude and giving to young children
*As of August 2019 Stepping Stone School has donated over $80,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas Generosity and gratitude are fundamental cornerstones of character development behind Stepping Stone School’s comprehensive Platinum Learning for Life™ curriculum. As our faculty model, our efforts begin in the classroom, practicing and teaching the value of sharing and caring for others. We promote these attitudes through charitable giving events throughout the year and teach monthly character building with focused learning activities. Research demonstrates that ...
Embracing Nature!
In the spirit of fall, I took my children to a nearby farm for some outdoor fun. Squatting in a small field, I attempted to capture some cute pumpkin patch photos while the children sat on the itchy hay squinting in the sunlight: “It too bright, Mommy!” my three-year old says. My older daughter whines, “I’m hot!” And then the baby falls back, hits her head on a pumpkin and begins to wail. Outdoor time over… All too often outdoor time is grouped in the “Maybe later…” category of our lives or we shorten it to fifteen minute chunks of time and call it reces...
Stepping Stone School Sponsoring Kid's K Race
Join us at the Stepping Stone School Kids’ K at the 26th Annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning at The Long Center. The Kids’ K starts at 8:15am (before the 5-mile run). We group the children according to age and send them off in waves so that the smaller children won’t get run over by the older ones. Every Kids’ K participant receives a finisher’s bracelet! Stop by our Activity Center for projects and games before or after the run. All proceeds benefit Caritas of Austin, a non-profit organization committed to assisting low-income families. We hope to s...
October Character Development: Integrity
All the World's a Stage I sometimes feel as if life is a performance. I put on my makeup and dress according to the role I will play that day, exchange formal lines like “Good morning, how are you?” and move from scene to scene through the business of life. Though many only see the performance on the stage, my children are in a unique position to watch my life play out both as a member of the audience and a part of the backstage crew: they see it all. The thought is both terrifying and compelling: They are learning from me at every moment of every day – understudies, of sort, t...
September Character Development: Cooperation
Two opposing teams stand on the cusp of a pit of mud. A single rope with a flag tied to its center snakes through the ranks as the teams face off. Tensions mount as each individual anxiously awaits the dreaded whistle blow which will announce the start to a summer camp favorite: the Tug of War! The goal: Work as a team, pulling as hard as you can so you all don’t end up in the pit of mud. That “work as a team” part is key. Unfortunately, many of us land in the proverbial “mud” before we realize that working together, cooperating, is key to many of life’s successes. Tra...
Stepping Stone School raises $10,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas
*As of August 2019 Stepping Stone School has donated over $80,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas From selling refreshing lemonade, warm cookies and creative crafts, the students of Stepping Stone School in Austin, TX put their business minds and giving hearts to work at the schools’ Young Entrepreneurs & Philanthropists™ summer camp program – all to support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas (RMHC CTX). The students raised over $6,000 through the sale of their goods, effectively doubling the amount raised last year including additional monetary ...
Stepping Stone School Raises $10,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities
*As of August 2019 Stepping Stone School has donated over $80,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas STEPPING STONE SCHOOL RAISES $10,000 FOR RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES AUSTIN, TX (September 2, 2016) – From selling refreshing lemonade, warm cookies and creative crafts, the students of Stepping Stone School in Austin, TX put their business minds and giving hearts to work at the schools’ Young Entrepreneurs & Philanthropists™ summer camp program – all to support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas (RMHC CTX). The students raised over $6,000 t...
The Benefits of Handwriting for Young Children
This past school year my kindergartener spent several hours a week learning keyboarding and document processing right alongside reading and writing. As an up and coming first grader, he has been begging for access to my computer all summer long. Beyond the games he can play, he has stated his joy at being able to write quickly while using the keyboard. It is the same reason many adults enjoy using a computer versus writing with pen and paper: in the words of my six year old, writing by hand “Takes FOREVER!” But, the formation of letters through the sequence of hand strokes prov...
Why young children are thoughtful and curious beings.
“Don’t put that in your mouth!” “How did you get there?” “Yuck, don’t touch that!” Sound familiar? Phrases like these are often heard erupting from the mouths of the parents of young children. So close to the ground, infants and toddlers often find the one lost cheerio that rolled behind the couch or wriggle their way into the kitchen cabinet with no plan of how to get back out. Their eyes ever scanning their surroundings, touching everything, tasting anything, listening to the background noises we adults have learned to tune out - using each of their senses ...
Why is it Fair…?
“Why is it fair that I have so much when other kids don’t?” kindergartener, Rachel Harris, pointedly asked. With her mother’s support and guidance, Rachel founded Let’s Help Kids, a nonprofit company which works alongside teachers and case workers to provide toys and experiences for the children of families who would otherwise not be able to afford life’s little luxuries. Over six years later, Rachel has helped over 2,000 children by providing presents for birthdays and holidays, Halloween costumes, summer camp tuition, swim lessons, and even movie tickets. It all began w...
Welcome, Dr. Chris Lemons to our Advisory Board
Dear Valued Stepping Stone School Families, Twenty years ago, I hired a bright young man as a school age teacher at our Northcross campus. At the time, he was a Psychology undergraduate student at the University of Texas. His love for our students was evident from the start, even when I had to remind him to curb his enthusiasm when pushing the children on the swings. This young man was Chris Lemons and he is now the newest addition to the Stepping Stone School Advisory Board. Chris is currently the leading researcher in the nation on Down Syndrome and an Assistant Professor in the Depar...
Responsibility. What’s that? 5 Actionable Tips to Teach Your Child How to be Responsible.
I recently spoke to an aquatics director at a large facility. The majority of her faculty is made up of young adults ages 18-24. Each year this director is surprised by the number of new applicants whose parents call to try to get them a job working in her facility. She refuses to hire those applicants. Why? Because if those individuals have not shown that they are responsible enough to find their own job, then she does not want to give them the responsibility to guard someone’s life while they are in the water. Responsibility is necessary for future success. How do parents teach th...
Stepping Stone Announces: “The Atelier”
Stepping Stone School’s latest innovation brings students an all-new learning environment in the fields of Art & Design, debuting at our Lakeline location. The Atelier at Stepping Stone School Lakeline is a unique and innovative concept designed specifically by Stepping Stone School to expand educational opportunities in the fields of art and design. Created for ages four and up, The Atelier is raising the bar for Early Care and Education experiences. It focuses on the creative genius intrinsic to all children and provides them with character and creative role models allowing them to...
School Readiness
Will my child be on the same academic level as his classmates? Will he be able to make new friends? Will he know how to let his teacher know what he needs? Parents with perspective kindergarteners have many concerns as their child embarks on his first year of formal schooling. In the stress and rigor of modern education, parents often wonder if their child is prepared for kindergarten. What determines School Readiness for an up and coming student? An earlier generation defined school readiness as whether or not a child is five years old. In recent years, however, stat...
Effective vs. Ineffective Praise
“Ineffective Praise?” How can praise be ineffective? Aren’t parents supposed to praise a child’s efforts? Yes and no… America, as a culture, thrives on praise. The idea of not praising a child seems outrageous to many parents. However, in recent years research has demonstrated that there is a difference between effective praise and ineffective praise (wrong praise). Ineffective Praise Praising Traits In one study, two groups of four-year olds were given puzzles to complete independently. One group was encouraged with the phrase, “You’re so smart!” The other group ...
School to Home Connection Folders
Stepping Stone School is excited to announce a wonderful addition to our Platinum Learning for Life Curriculum™ for our Advanced Pre-Kindergarten classes: School to Home Connection Folders! The addition of these at-home learning and communication tools is supported by research which states, “Meaningful family engagement in children’s early learning supports school readiness and later academic success. Parental involvement is a critical element of high-quality early care and education” (Snow, 2012). School to Home Connection folders provide an educational link between learning whi...
What is Resilience?
It can be seen in the significant moments in our lives: how we respond to our greatest challenges, our ability “to overcome the odds,” to learn a new skill, and to perform under pressure. Resilience is defined as the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. People who are resilient understand that one can learn more through challenging circumstances than sidestepping demanding situations. They retain an attitude which enables them to keep pressing forward through life’s obstacles. Resilient people recognize their own strengths and abilities. They demonstrate responsibility an...
The Effective Use of Computers with Young Children
Stepping Stone School recently made a major investment in new computer hardware and learning software which has been installed in every three year old through school age classroom at each campus. The use of computers with young children has been intensely studied since the early 1980s. Research has taught us that technology can change the way children think, what they learn, and how they interact with their peers and adults. It can also be used to teach the same old stuff in a thinly disguised version of the same old way. That is why Stepping Stone School has been a pioneer in the placement...
Play Time is Essential
Today’s early childhood education research continues to bring evidence to light that play time is essential for social-emotional and academic development in young children. In The Importance of Being Little, child development expert Erika Christakis emphasizes that freedom to participate in unstructured play is crucial for children to inspire key learning connections. She says, "We have very crammed [preschool] schedules with rapid transitions. We have tons of clutter on classroom walls. We have kids moving quickly from one activity to another. We ask them to sit in long and often boring ...
Nine Things Parents of Successful Children Have in Common
"While there isn't a set recipe for raising successful children, psychological research has pointed to a handful of factors that predict success," states Rachel Gillett in her article from Independent, "Nine Things Parents of Successful Children Have in Common." According to a series of studies from psychologists at Duke University, UCLA, and other esteemed university research departments, these factors predict success: 1. They teach their children social skills. 2. They have high expectations. 3. The mothers work. 4. They have a higher socioeconomic status. 5. They've attained hig...
$100 Summer Camp Referral Credit!
Summer is just around the corner, and Stepping Stone School’s Summer Camp is filling up fast! Stepping Stone School is extending a special offer of a $100 tuition credit for families who have a school age child currently enrolled in our school age summer camp for a minimum of 5 weeks, who refer another school age child not currently enrolled in our school age program and who enrolls in summer camp for a minimum of 5 weeks. As a bonus, the newly enrolled family will also get a $100 tuition credit. This offer is good through May 31, 2016 - for more information, please call (512) 459-0258 ...
Stepping Stone School Named 25th Largest Childcare Organization in the Nation
In a recent national survey, Stepping Stone School was named 25th largest early care and education organization in the nation, based on size and capacity. This is a remarkable and impressive designation for a center that began in 1979 with 5 enrolled children! Stepping Stone School has achieved national recognition for program quality and leads the region with accolades for curriculum, programming and community service. Rhonda Paver, M.A. Executive Director was quoted and noted as a partner with the Seton Health Network on behalf of child care services for the employees of the Seton sys...
Stepping Stone School Featured on Texas Homes For Sale!
" One of the most fraught decisions that a parent has to make is the decision of where and when to place your child in child care. Will this place keep my child safe? Will this place support my child's learning, emotional, social, and intellectual growth? Can we afford it? These are just the first questions that anxious parents ask before they send their young children off to a school. The Stepping Stone Schools in Austin, Texas, have found ways to provide children with caring, developmentally attuned programs based on the latest research in early childhood education. " We are thrilled th...
Stepping Stone School Rolls Out Its Newest Curriculum, Platinum Learning for Life™
Over the last three decades, Stepping Stone School has developed its own proprietary and comprehensive early education curriculum. The curriculum is based on 40 years of direct teaching experience and interacting with children, but also on the finest and most up to date research and best practices regarding how children learn, grow and develop. It also takes into consideration the needs of every type of learner and fosters friendships and relationship-building in children at an early age. Stepping Stone School is consistently upgrading and changing our curriculum to ensure we are always ...
SPRING Into SUMMER!
The Spring Break in mid-March is not far off and before you know it, the school year will be ending! Now is the time to plan ahead and reserve a place for your school age child's care and education during the Spring and Summer breaks! Our exciting Spring Break theme will be In the Museum where we will be studying the vast variety of museums throughout the world and the treasures that lie within them! This summer, our campers will explore the continents of the world along with the countries that populate each continent in The World Awaits! Our campers and their friends will develop a mean...
Winter Special: Waived Enrollment Fees!
Looking to enroll your child in a premier early education program this winter? We invite you to take a tour of any of our campuses to explore our Platinum Learning for Life curriculum and learn more about our innovative Early Achievers Program, which features S.T.E.A.M. and literacy. For the months of December and January, we will be waiving our enrollment fee for all families new to Stepping Stone School – start by January 31, 2016, and we'll credit the enrollment fee to your first month's tuition* ($100 value). As you visit, see how our campuses are designed to facilitate chil...
Winter Break Camp 2015
Winter Break will be here before you know it, and Stepping Stone School is gearing up to launch our winter program to keep our students’ minds engaged while school is closed for the holidays. At The Brainery, we will be immersing ourselves in the bygone times of “The Middle Ages.” We will investigate the era of knights and castles through science experiments, critical thinking exercises, engineering activities and a number of other S.T.E.A.M. related exercises. Students will have the chance to design and test a catapult, create a coat of arms, and write and perform a ballad of th...
Severe Weather Monitoring and Safety 10/30
Stepping Stone School follows the highest order of safety practices for severe weather. We are monitoring all weather conditions and applying safety precautions continuously. Faculty members are thoroughly trained for all severe weather safety procedures to keep your child protected and secure....
The Emergent Writing Philosophy of Stepping Stone School
At Stepping Stone School we are laying the foundation for success in literacy by providing children with early writing opportunities. Children begin demonstrating pre-writing skills as toddlers and these abilities continue to develop through the prekindergarten years. The Progression of Writing The first stage of writing development emerges between 15 and 30 months of age when children begin scribbling. Between 2 . and 3 . years, children incorporate circles and repeating lines into their artwork. These letter-like symbols may appear in a line or randomly on the page. At this age, most c...
Reading Readiness at Stepping Stone School
Research demonstrates that the single activity that has the greatest impact on reading readiness is being read to on a regular basis. Each day, the children at Stepping Stone School listen to read-alouds, observe environmental print, delve into the classroom library, interact with our classic children’s literature collection, and explore other books and printed material. These activities benefit children of all ages and support numerous pre-reading skills. Daily Reading As Stepping Stone teachers read to the children in their classrooms, they employ a number of strategies and activities...
Bob Books For Reading Readiness and Early Literacy!
In keeping with our pledge to prepare children for kindergarten, Stepping Stone School has recently adopted a Learn-to-Read Curriculum for our Advanced Pre-Kindergarten Classes. The Bob Books were chosen based on their reputation for supporting reading readiness in young children and their adaptability for use in whole group and small group settings. Through daily practice, children will build pre-reading and reading skills that are foundational to a lifetime of reading. Our wonderful teachers have undergone training on the use of these books and have learned various reading strategies to a...
Bus and Van Safety is our Top Priority!
When leaving their child in the care of someone else, most parents say the safety of their child is their number one concern. At Stepping Stone School, we could not agree more, especially when it comes to safety in and around the vans and buses. Since 1979, Stepping Stone School has always been at the forefront of safety protocols, often implementing procedures many years before they become law. Here are some of our tried-and-true policies, many of which have become state regulations: Our vehicles have an alarm that goes off anytime children are unloading to alert anyone in the area ...
Stepping Stone Students Donate $6500 to Ronald McDonald House Charities
From selling refreshing lemonade, warm cookies and creative crafts, the students of Stepping Stone Schools in Austin, TX put their business minds and giving hearts to work at the schools’ Young Entrepreneurs & Philanthropists summer camp program – all to support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas. The students raised over $3,000 through the sale of their goods and Stepping Stone School matched and exceeded all funds. Together, they donated $6,500 to support the families with hospitalized children that rely on Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas. Steppin...
Young Students at Stepping Stone School Raise Over $3,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities
Young Students at Stepping Stone School Raise Over $3,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities AUSTIN, TX (August 20, 2015) – From selling refreshing lemonade, warm cookies and creative crafts, the students of Stepping Stone Schools in Austin, TX put their business minds and giving hearts to work at the schools’ Young Entrepreneurs & Philanthropists summer camp program – all to support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas. The students raised over $3,000 through the sale of their goods and Stepping Stone School matched and exceeded all funds. Together, they dona...
A Fresh Look at Our Latest Campus - Southpark Meadows
Here is a virtual tour of our newest campus at Southpark Meadows, which opened in March 2015! This campus has a nature conservation theme woven into every facet of the school, from the heritage oak tree giving shade to the playscape to the hands-on learning gardens that house flowers, fruits, and vegetables. The Southpark Meadows campus features state-of-the-art technology and classrooms designed using top research on learning environments, creating a setting that engages hearts, bodies, and minds of our students. Read more about the philosophy of our campus design >> ...
Summer Camp Enrollments Filling up Quickly
It’s not too late to give your child the gift of “Summer’s Smartest Destination,” a whole-child adventure that will nourish his or her mind, body and heart! This summer, we are exploring the far reaches of the Earth as we investigate the environments of the world we live on. Our Summer Camp offers the unique benefit of preventing summer brain drain with six specialty camps, all in one place. Each of our biweekly subjects is presented to your child through our specialized literacy, character-building and S.T.E.A.M. curriculum, which uses science, technology, engineering, arts ...
Stepping Stone School at Northcross Accreditation Renewed
Stepping Stone School is pleased to announce that its Northcross campus has again been awarded accreditation by the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs! NAC Accreditation signifies that Stepping Stone School at Northcross was found by the commission to adhere to the highest standards for early care and education, including things like environments, staff development, teaching interactions and parent communications. The Association for Early Learning Leaders is the body that defines, evaluates and oversees this accreditation. All Stepping ...
2015 Spring Break Camp
There's still time to sign up for Stepping Stone School's 2015 Spring Break Camp featuring the Hidden World of Spies! This spring break, we will use S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) principles and activities to delve into the world of spies and secret agents. Stepping Stone School offers a safe, fun place for children to learn and explore during their break from school. Each of our classrooms is an exciting environment in which children can strengthen their knowledge through chess and math & literacy time, as well as meet and socialize with frie...
Southpark Meadows Campus to Open March 2
EDIT: Update July 2024- Stepping Stone School has now won Austin's Best in Childcare for a 26th year! Stepping Stone School Bringing High-Quality Preschool, Childcare to Austin’s Southpark Meadows Award-Winning Child Development Center Opening 19th Campus AUSTIN, Texas, February 11, 2015 – In an area renowned for its commitment to education, the families of South Austin are about to have a real choice in high quality, educational child care. Stepping Stone School is set to open its new state-of-the-art campus in Austin’s Southpark Meadows located at 9325 Alice Mae Lane on March 2....
Stepping Stone School Southpark Meadows
Stepping Stone School Bringing High-Quality Preschool, Childcare to Austin’s Southpark Meadows March 2, 2015 Award-Winning Child Development Center Opening 19th Campus AUSTIN, Texas, February 11, 2015 – In an area renowned for its commitment to education, the families of South Austin are about to have a real choice in high quality, educational child care. Stepping Stone School is set to open its new state-of-the-art campus in Austin’s Southpark Meadows located at 9325 Alice Mae Lane on March 2. “Southpark Meadows is the perfect location for us to serve the pr...
Be the First to See Our Newest Campus
We are currently accepting enrollment applications for our newest state-of-the-art campus being constructed in Austin's Southpark Meadows. Get an early look at our new school, which will feature a nature conservation theme. Like all of our original campuses, this location will include design elements throughout that spark curiosity and encourage interactive play – such as hallways that hold a 3-D fossil timeline or a network of giant, working mechanical cogs along the walls. Join us for a Construction Tour on one of these dates: Nov. 15, 2014 – from 10:00 a.m-1:00 p.m. De...
Hatch Technology Wins Fourth National Educational Technology Award
TeachSmart® 3.0 by Hatch has been recognized as the Best Software for Early Learning by the ComputED Gazette in the 19th Annual Education Software Review Awards Stepping Stone School is proud to use Hatch interactive technology. WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Oct 07, 2014 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- For the fourth consecutive year, Hatch®, the leading provider of technology for early childhood classrooms, received a national award for its newest software for kids. TeachSmart 3.0 by Hatch school readiness software for interactive whiteboards and multi-touch displays was selected by the Compu...
Southpark Meadows Campus Update
We're making great progress on our next premier early care and education campus, being built in Southpark Meadows. The school will have a nature/conservation theme and will meet the nurturing and educational needs of infant, preschool and school-age children. The campus, designed by Stepping Stone School's own business development and architectural staff, continues the legacy of our outstanding schools. Each Stepping Stone School campus is a unique learning environment for children and features elements that naturally encourage curiosity and opportunities for teachable moments. ...
Acing the Transition to Kindergarten
At Stepping Stone School, we’ve designed our kindergarten-readiness programs to give your child the skills and confidence to make the transition to elementary school an exciting but comfortable one. But as your child’s first teacher, you are your child’s most powerful influence. Parents contribute enormously to school and life success. Young children are learning all the time, but the lessons they need most are not learned through workbooks or flashcards. With this transition approaching quickly for some, below are some things you can do to help your child feel prepared for kinder...
Stepping Stone School Awards CDA Scholarships to Teachers
Twenty educators throughout our campuses are on their way to expanding their knowledge and skill in early childhood education, thanks to CDA scholarships from Stepping Stone School! The group of 20 Stepping Stone School teachers will begin their paid classes this month to earn their Child Development Associate credentials. The CDA program will reinforce the teachers’ knowledge and understanding of the intellectual, social, emotional and biological development of children and the planning and design of related curricula. “We’re pleased to contribute to the advanced education of ...
Encouraging Healthy Eating on a Working Parent's Schedule
Healthy eating for children sometimes seems to be a bumpy road pitted with obstacles and hurdles. As parents, we want to give our children the foundations for achieving all their current and future goals. And of course, we know that achieving goals requires a healthy body, which in turn, requires healthy food. With many children, this can be a challenge, especially for working parents with busy schedules. So how can you serve healthful meals … and how can you get your child to eat them? Planning A little planning can go a long way toward preparing nutritious (and stress-fre...
Visit Saturday to Learn More about our Future Southpark Meadows Campus
Join us this Saturday, June 7, from 10:00 a.m. to noon to learn more about our Southpark Meadows campus. Stop by our Kyle campus to get an idea of what your family can expect when our latest state-of-the-art campus opens in January 2015 in Southpark Meadows. We'll be conducting tours of our most current Austin-area Stepping Stone School campus, which has many similarities to those planned for our next South Austin school. The address for the open house is 4624 Ratcliffe, Kyle, TX 78640. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday!...
Stepping Stone School’s Marilee Blackwelder Receives Education Award
The AAEYC honors Stepping Stone School educator Stepping Stone School, the largest privately owned childcare provider in Central Texas and a pioneer in early childhood education, has announced that its director of training, Marilee Blackwelder, has received the prestigious Austin Association Education of Young Children (AAEYC) Administrator of the Year Award. Each year, the AAEYC recognizes early education professionals in the areas of teaching, leadership, advocacy and training, those who have “honorably enriched the lives of children through their service to children and families....
Stepping Stone School Debuts Groundbreaking New Summer Camp Concept
Stepping Stone School, the largest privately owned childcare provider in Central Texas and a pioneer in early childhood education standards, has recently unveiled its newest program – a comprehensive school-age camp that includes an innovative core curriculum, along with upgraded environments and equipment to support the experience. This newest program, The Brainery™ at Stepping Stone School, is the latest enhancement of the Future Leaders and Innovators summer program for school-age children. It features all new lesson plans, activities, field journeys and educational themes – all...
The Importance of Vocabulary Development
Vocabulary development begins in infancy and is the foundation on which children’s language and literacy skills are built. Research shows that the size of a child’s vocabulary is a strong indicator of future school success. At Stepping Stone School, your children develop vocabulary through developmentally appropriate planning, interactions and instruction from their teachers. Infants & Young Toddlers: The very youngest are spoken to in soft, high tones that draw attention. Their teachers ensure that the children see their mouths while talking and that their actions correspon...
Raising a Resourceful Child
“Resourcefulness, the ability to meet challenges in a variety of ways, is a by-product of creative intelligence. “As children develop resourcefulness, they learn to trust their instincts and unique abilities. They acquire a positive attitude toward problem-solving. Resourceful children mature into confident and industrious people. Just as important, they tap into the multitude of joys life has to offer.” This was the beginning of Karen Stephen’s article, “20 Ways to Encourage Children’s Resourcefulness and Creativity.” Following are her helpful suggestions for increas...
The Benefits of Signing with Young Children
Our curriculum incorporates American Sign Language into all of our classrooms. We know that children build confidence as they increase their ability to communicate in signs. This leads to a greater confidence in oral communication as well. And, as in learning any language, it fosters a greater understanding and appreciation for the culture of that language. Signing is a kinetic act that stimulates activity in both the right brain, which is responsible for visual-spatial reasoning and long-term memory, and the left brain, which is responsible for processing language. When we sign wi...
Raising a Reader: Tips for Parents
How can you help your child be ready to read and ready to learn? Talk to your infant and toddler to help him learn to speak and understand the meaning of words. Point to objects that are near and describe them as you play and do daily activities together. Having a large vocabulary gives a child a great start when entering school. Read to your baby every day starting at 6 months or earlier. Reading and playing with books is a wonderful way to spend special time with her. Hearing words over and over helps her become familiar with them. Reading to your baby is one of the best ways to...
Smooth Sailing to Kindergarten
Ensuring your children acquire the knowledge and skills to be ready for kindergarten is the highest priority in our advanced pre-K classrooms. Our Early Achievers Program blends into our Kindergarten Readiness Academy not only the Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines criteria, but kindergarten-level activities as described in the Kindergarten Standards of the Texas Education Code. We have purposefully designed our curriculum to target the skills your children will need to succeed as they move into elementary school. For example, the kindergarten standards for language arts and reading req...
Discoveries in Nature
Children’s discoveries in nature can be made wherever there are trees, grass, dirt, leaves, twigs, sunlight or rain. We facilitate the discoveries by pointing out leaf shapes, insect life under a rock, ladybugs on a plant, worms in the soil and thorns on a rose bush. Of course, children really don’t need our assistance to make their own discoveries! They love the open-ended play of digging a hole in soft garden soil and adding a bit of water. They may make mud pies for a picnic or their own garden by “planting” twigs and leaves. Nature supplies the materials for play. Natur...
Sign up for Onsite Swimming Lessons
Eleven of our Austin-area schools will offer water safety and swim instruction to children this summer. Swimming lessons are a great way to beat the heat and learn how to swim or sharpen swimming techniques. Our swim instructors are certified lifeguards and have been through our extensive training program here at Stepping Stone School. Our instructors will teach the children basic swimming skills and other lessons to keep them safe around water. Lessons are available for a fee to children ages 3 and over and will be offered at: Crestview Northcross McNeil Anderson Mill Lakeline C...
Using Work Strategies at Home
We may joke that working with our coworkers is like working with children. But did you know that you can apply some of the same strategies to get things done at work and at home? Foster teamwork – Let your children contribute ideas just as you encourage input at work meetings. Children tend to try harder to reach goals they’ve helped establish. Communicate to be heard and understood – Keep requests and instructions short and specific. Talking slowly, calmly and softly means others must listen closely to hear. And of course, what would communication be if we forgot to liste...
Raising an Empathetic Child
When we empathize with children, they learn from us the following: Their feelings are valid Recognition and acceptance of emotions Ability to label feelings with appropriate words Knowledge that emotions can be expressed to others Self-awareness Self-control Understanding that feelings influence behavior Realization that relationships are based on mutual esteem and communication Dr. Becky Bailey writes in Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline, “I cannot stress enough the importance of empathy. Empathy is not weak-kneed permissiveness, nor is it passive...
Five Tips for Healthier Eating
Stepping Stone School is your partner in raising healthy, happy and confident children. To that end, we serve balanced and nutritional meals and snacks and offer the following suggestions for encouraging healthy eating in children. 1. Keep healthy food on hand. Keep snacks like fruits, veggies and low-fat cheese in a special place that children can access easily. It's OK to have an occasional treat, but if you buy smaller packages of "junk food," it's easier to keep these snacks to a minimum. 2. Acknowledge healthy choices. When your children choose healthy foods, praise the...
Easing Separation Anxiety
At Stepping Stone School, our expert team of professionals recognize and are sensitive to the anxieties parents and children often feel when separating from one another. While separation anxiety is a natural experience for both children and parents, our expert teachers hold in high regard the critical role they play in guiding families through this difficult experience and providing peace of mind for both parent and child. Stepping Stone School’s Executive Director, Rhonda Paver, M.A., has devoted much of her career and graduate studies on this topic. As a mother of five, it was the s...
Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead Spring Break Camp
We're excited to announce Stepping Stone School’s “Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead” 2014 Spring Break Camp! Over the course of the spring and summer breaks, we will be investigating the S.T.E.A.M. domains of science, technology, engineering, arts and math. We are kicking off this study during spring break with the subject of “Chemistry.” During this unit we will examine the building blocks of life and witness what happens when we mix certain chemicals together! Stepping Stone School offers a safe, fun place for children to learn and explore during their break from school. Each...
Math for All Ages
Concrete experiences with math concepts and interactions with teachers have a direct impact on your children’s acquisition of mathematical skills. When children manipulate materials in their classrooms and learning centers, they practice math skills. For example, in block centers, children explore the differences in sizes and shapes of blocks, count the blocks in a tower and experience cause and effect when the tower tumbles down. In the library center they find books that promote shape recognition and sequencing knowledge, and teachers may read stories that focus on problem sol...
Encouraging Self-Regulation in Young Children
Children’s self-regulation is closely tied to school readiness and success. As children develop and practice self-regulation skills, they are less frustrated and more successful, not only in school, but in social interactions and personal pursuits. Stepping Stone School teachers develop programming and environments that foster self-regulation skills for infants through school age. Each classroom offers opportunities for children to explore and take healthy risks while learning to respect the autonomy and interests of others. Teachers listen thoughtfully to children, encouraging ...
Electronic Reporting Coming to All Campuses
We are pleased to announce that Tadpoles, our electronic communications system for photos, daily reports, other notifications, will be in all of our schools in the next couple of months. Tadpoles makes it easy for you to follow your child's day, giving you: Photos, videos and notes by email Details about your child's learning, eating, sleeping, exercise and toileting activities (as appropriate) Your children’s history via the mobile Tadpoles application The ability to mark your child out sick or on vacation using the mobile application Emergency alerts by text message ...
STREAM Curriculum Coming Soon!
This January, we are launching an exciting curriculum emphasis that incorporates the principles of STREAM (Science, Technology, Relationships, Engineering, Arts and Math) education! "This is the culmination of months of research," said Rhonda Paver, MA, Stepping Stone School founder and executive director. "As always, we are keeping pace with the most updated curriculum and thinking in the nation." The addition of STREAM into our lesson plans will give our students an advantage in school readiness as more schools are adopting this modern learning. Children’s earliest developments a...
Students Kick off 2013 Turkey Trot
[caption id="attachment_5996" align="alignright" width="150"] Stepping Stone School Turkey Trot[/caption] The students of Stepping Stone School at Shoal Creek competed in yesterday's cool morning to determine which of them was the Turkey Calling Champion. The Turkey Call is a contest among some of our 4- and 5-year-old children to see who can elicit a response from a turkey. The students each have their own unique turkey impressions, making this a highly entertaining event. This year's contest featured a new jake turkey who seemed to enjoy the children's attention, rewarding their eff...
Stepping Stone School Sponsoring Kids' K Race
Join us at the Stepping Stone School Kids’ K at the 23rd Annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning at The Long Center. The Kids' K starts at 8:45am (before the 5-Mile Run). We group the children according to age and send them off in waves so that the smaller children won't get run over by the older ones. Every Kids' K participant receives a finisher's bracelet! Stop by our Activity Center for projects and games before or after the run. All proceeds benefit Caritas of Austin, a non-profit organization committed to assisting low-income families. We hope to see yo...
Join Us for Our 2013 Winter Break
December 23, 2013-January 3, 2014 We are looking forward to our 2013 Winter Break Camp, “European Adventure!” Plan to have your school-age children join this fun & educational school break camp. European Adventure Our Winter Break camp activities and discussions will revolve around exploring the facets of Europe. We will investigating the culture and cuisine of different European countries and regions. Each day, the children will be cooking a dish from each country/region. Queen Elizabeth II is the Person of Interest the children will study. Field Journeys We will be going on sever...
Tadpoles Instant Reports Are Here!
We're excited to add Tadpoles electronic daily reports to our offerings. These private and secure communications give our parents greater insight into their children's school day. Parents can: Receive photos, videos, notes and daily charts by email Receive emergency alerts by text message View their children's history using the mobile Tadpoles application Mark their child out sick or on vacation using the mobile application Our parents now can read about their child's activities, meals and daily highlights, making the car-ride conversation much more meaningful! Tadpoles is currentl...
Stepping Stone School to Open New South Austin Campus
Newest School Expected to Provide Early Care, Education by January 2015 Stepping Stone School today announced its plans to bring a new state-of-the-art early care and education campus to Austin’s Southpark Meadows. This will be the privately owned Austin preschool’s nineteenth location in Central Texas. “We have proudly served the Austin and College Station areas for 34 years,” said Rhonda Paver, Stepping Stone School founder and executive director. “We are thrilled to have this new opportunity to further serve the families of south Austin.” The child development center w...
CDA Scholarship Winners Announced
Stepping Stone School has once again awarded CDA scholarships to many of its employees. The group of 20 Stepping Stone School teachers will begin classes next week to earn their Child Development Associate credentials. The CDA program will reinforce the teachers’ knowledge and understanding of the intellectual, social, emotional and biological development of children and the planning and design of related curricula. "We're pleased to contribute the education of these bright and talented teachers," said Rhonda Paver, founder and executive director. "Congratulations to these smart (and lu...
Fall Enrollment Specials Extended
Specials Extended! Stepping Stone School already is the best early care and education value. But now we're giving you even more reason to see for yourself all we have to offer your family. Free Enrollment! Enroll by October 31, 2013, and we'll credit your enrollment fee toward your first month's tuition. This is a $100 value! Sibling Discount Enroll two or more children before October 31, 2013, and receive 10% off your monthly tuition! Our sibling discount is regularly 5%, but enroll now, and we'll double it for as long as you have two or more siblings attending any Stepping Stone School w...
School Age Children Raise $3,000 for Charity
*As of August 2019 Stepping Stone School has donated over $80,000 to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas We're so proud of our Austin Young Entrepreneurs and Philanthropists! These school-age children, who attended our summer camp program, raised $3,032 planning and running mini businesses, such as a lemonade stand. The children are always so excited to know that the money they raise will go to families in need. The Austin school-age children recently presented their check to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin....
Stepping Stone School Adds Gymnastics Enrichment Classes
Beginning next week, Stepping Stone School will offer a gymnastics class for 2-6 year old girls and boys. Flippers, taught by Gym Station instructors, will be a weekly onsite extracurricular activity available to our students. This pre-school gymnastics program uses a variety of equipment such as bars, beams and vaults. Each week brings a new and exciting curriculum to encourage your child's physical ability. This non-competitive program will challenge, excite and reward your child. We are pleased to add this healthy program to our lineup of enrichments that promote healthy living and exe...
Elementary School Pickups and Dropoffs
It’s hard to believe that the summer is winding down and school will be starting in a few weeks! We’ve had a great time with our Future Leaders & Innovators during Summer Camp and are looking forward to a busy and productive school year! Austin area First day of classes: Austin ISD: August 26 Hays Consolidated ISD: August 26 Hutto ISD: August 26 Leander ISD: August 26 Pflugerville ISD: August 27 Round Rock ISD: August 26 Elementary School Transportation (subject to change): Morning drop-off is offered for Anderson Mill, Blockhouse, Boone, Brushy Creek, ...
Stepping Stone School Founder Featured in Local Magazine
We are pleased and honored to be featured in Austin Family magazine's August issue. This Q&A interview with Austin Family's Melanie Dunham covers topics ranging from the history of our 34-year-old company and its curriculum to our care for families and community to our plans for the future. Click here to read about Rhonda Paver, Stepping Stone School founder and executive director, and her words on our history, philosophy and future....
KEYE Meteorologist Visits Stepping Stone School
KEYE meteorologist Allison Miller visited with our school-aged children this week to talk about meteorology and careers in broadcasting. These visits are a part of our Children's Conference Center series, during which community members visit to discuss a topic related to the educational unit our children are studying. Click the links below to watch! July 9 at our Brodie campus July 8 at our Teravista campus ...
Stepping Stone School Wins 'Best in Childcare' Honors for 15th Year!
EDIT: Update July 2024- Stepping Stone School has now won Austin's Best in Childcare for a 26th year! Our amazing families have once again chosen us as Austin’s Best Childcare in Austin Family magazine’s annual Readers’ Poll. Our sincerest thanks go out to everyone who voted for us. We are so honored!...
Limited Time Enrollment Specials
These specials have been extended until August 31, 2013!! Stepping Stone School already is the best early care and education value. But now we’re giving you even more reason to see for yourself all we have to offer your family. Free Enrollment! Enroll by August 31, 2013, and we’ll credit your enrollment fee toward your first month’s tuition. This is a $100 value! Sibling Discount Enroll two or more children before August 1, 2013, and receive 10% off your monthly tuition! Our sibling discount is regularly 5%, but enroll now, and we’ll double it for as long as you have...
Openings Still Available for Summer Camp
It's not too late to give your child the gift of “Summer’s Smartest Destination,” a whole-child adventure that will nourish his or her mind, body and spirit! CURRICULUM (Mind) – Our educational themes are the basis for fun, interesting activities and field journeys. Your children will also take part in an organized math and literacy time each day to help them focus and hone the skills they learned during the school year. We are dedicated to preventing summer “brain drain.” Check out the smart and engaging subjects we'll be studying this summer: June 3-14: Gro...
Stepping Stone School at Lakeline Receives NAC Accreditation Notice
Stepping Stone School at Lakeline today received a letter notifying the school of its renewal of accreditation from the Association for Early Learning Leaders (formerly known as the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs, or NAC). NAC accreditation documents Stepping Stone School’s quality performance using research-based criteria. “All of our schools follow our strict quality guidelines and curriculum, but it is always nice to be recognized for our excellence,” said Rhonda Paver, Stepping Stone founder and CEO. "We're proud of the staff and acknowle...
Positive Parenting Meetings: Kindergarten Readiness Academy
We invite families to attend one of our Positive Parenting Meetings during the months of March and April. Learn how our Kindergarten Readiness Academy provides the ideal components to ensure your child’s successful transition to elementary school! Meeting schedule: March 5, Crestview March 6, Northcross March 7, Round Rock March 19, Leander March 20, Teravista March 27, Shoal Creek April 2, McNeil April 3, Pflugerville April 5, Hyde Park April 9, Brodie April 10, O’Connor April 16, Anderson Mill April 17, Parmer April 18, Capitol April 23, Kyle Apr...
Advanced Pre-Kindergarten Week, March 4-8
We invite you to learn more about our Kindergarten Readiness Academy during our ADVANCED PRE-KINDERGARTEN WEEK March 4-8! Stop by and view the impressive Advanced Pre-K displays presented this week! Each day, different kindergarten-readiness skills are identified and illustrated with photos and work samples. See learning and mastery in action. Know that Stepping Stone School children enter Kindergarten confident, prepared and eager to continue learning! Our research-based curriculum has focused programming criteria for all children we serve. Stepping Stone School’s skilled teachers ...
We're Celebrating Dr. Seuss's Birthday
We will be celebrating this much-loved children’s author with daily events throughout the week of March 4-8! Stop by to see all the festivities as the children learn about this writer, poet and illustrator known formally as Theodor Seuss Geisel (March 2, 1904 – September 24, 1991). On the schedule are: Monday, March 4 Hat Day Create hats to wear just like the cat in the hat Tuesday, March 5 Silly Socks & Rhymes Children can wear silly socks to school and create their own classroom rhyme Wednesday, March 6 One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish Children can wear red and b...
Stepping Stone School is 'Summer's Smartest Destination!'
Start planning now for summer! “Summer’s Smartest Destination” is a whole-child approach that will nourish your child’s mind, body and spirit! CURRICULUM (Mind) – Our educational themes are the basis for fun, interesting activities and field journeys. Your child will also take part in an organized math and literacy time each day to help them focus and hone the skills they learned during the school year. We are dedicated to preventing summer “brain drain.” FIT FOR LIFE (Body) – We are pleased to offer our innovative “Fit For Life” program — health and physical act...
Ornithological Observation Subject of Smart Spring Break Program
This year's spring break theme, Ornithological Observation, and activities will keep your child learning while having fun. Reading, reflective thinking, writing and fine arts provide educational opportunities to build skills in leadership, cooperation, communication, self-discipline and compassion. Chess Club, science experiments, math puzzles and our unique “Fit for Life” health and fitness enhancement are just some of the activities that will fill your child’s day. Come explore the world of our fine feathered friends by: building original bird houses discovering owls as you dis...
Exciting Winter Break Camp Planned
We are looking forward to our 2012 Winter Break Camp, “A Day at the Museum!” Plan to have your school-age children join our fun & educational school break camp. A Day at the Museum Our Winter Break camp activities and discussions will revolve around exciting museum experiences. We will explore the different types of museums: history, art, natural history, cultural, etc. The children will create a variety of museum exhibits through art, science, math and literacy and critical thinking activities then display them in their own classroom galleries. Come see exhibits including apple mu...
Beloved Pre-K Teacher Nominated for Mother Ginger Honor
We have the best families! Maryam Gharbi, one of our parents, has nominated our very own Colleen Paulk for the honor of performing in Ballet Austin's The Nutcracker production on Dec. 23. Please help us and her families by voting for her on the Ballet Austin website. You can vote once every 24 hours between now and Dec. 7. We have long treasured Colleen. Her students LOVE her and graduate from her advanced kindergarten-readiness class more than prepared for school. But don't take our word for it. This is what Maryam had to say: Vote for Ms. Colleen Paulk! In appreciation of our...
Stepping Stone School Turkey Callers Featured on TV
Stepping Stone School was the site of the annual Turkey Call, promoting the 22nd annual ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot and Stepping Stone School Kids' K race. The sounds of “Gobble! Gobble!” filled the autumn air Tuesday when the students of Stepping Stone School Shoal Creek competed to determine which of them was the Turkey Calling Champion. Stepping Stone School and ThunderCloud Subs kicked off the 22st annual Turkey Trot and Kids’ K with a live Turkey Call. The contestant who elicited the best response from the turkey was to be declared this year’s champion with full rights to ...
Stepping Stone School Adds New Layer of Quality Assurance
Several times a year, our Quality Assurance specialists assess every classroom, nutrition center and administrator in every school to ensure the highest standards of safety, nurturance, environment and curriculum for each child in our care. Our new QA coordinators are teachers and administrators at each school who consistently excel in their classrooms' quality assurance assessments and who have an exceptional understanding of how to maximize safety, nurturance, and learning environments of young children. "Providing the best implementation of our award-winning accelerated curriculum in t...
Stepping Stone School-Age Children Earn, Donate Money to Charity
Katy Scott, Director of Community Engagement Brazos Valley at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas (right) with Lindsay Trimble, Campus Principal of Stepping Stone School at Rock Prairie and Heather Richter, School Age Teacher along with participating students present a check for $405 to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas. We're so proud to say that our Austin Future Leaders & Inventors school age children raised $2,134 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas! Additionally, our newest Stepping Stone School in College Station ear...
Stepping Stone School Families Donate to Vets' Pantry
Again this year, Stepping Stone School delivered hundreds of pounds of food donated by its families and employees to the Killeen-Heights Veterans Center food pantry in Harker Heights near Fort Hood. In early June, the children at Stepping Stone School learned that returning disabled veterans often have to wait more than a year to get their first disability payments. Finding that many of the veterans and their families have a hard time making ends meet or even go hungry while waiting for assistance, the children of Stepping Stone School and their families wanted to help and organized the ...
CPR Positive Parenting Meeting July 21
Stepping Stone School is offering an infant/child/adult CPR/first aid training class for the convenience of our families. Call today and make reservations for yourself, a friend or teen babysitter to attend. WHO: Anyone who wants to learn CPR. WHEN: Saturday, July 21, 9:00-11:30 a.m. WHERE: Stepping Stone School III, 6616 McNeil Road. TRAINERS: CPR Resources (off duty firefighters and EMTs). COST: $25 per person at the door. RESERVATIONS: Please call 512-459-0258 to reserve your place so we can be sure to have enough trainers available. Reservations may also be made through your cen...
Stepping Stone School Summer Reading Challenge Begins
Stepping Stone School school-age students have taken on a 13-week summer reading challenge. This contest encourages our young readers to spend more time reading and helping others with their reading skills, and is just one of many ways Stepping Stone School helps prevent "summer brain drain." The three classrooms that log the most reading minutes will receive a pizza party and be featured in the Stepping Stone School Book of World Records. The Stepping Stone School Book of World Records also will highlight: The child that logs the most individual reading minutes; The child that logs t...
Stepping Stone School Observing Sun Safety Week
This week, the children at Stepping Stone School are learning about UV rays, SPF, heat and other things related to summer sun! Here are some of the tips they will be studying to help keep them and their families safe during our Texas summers. Block the Sun, Not the Fun! Monday: Insect repellants reduce sunscreen’s SPF by up to 1/3. When using a combination, use a sunscreen with a higher SPF! Tuesday: Overexposure to the sun’s harmful rays can result in sunburns which increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Therefore, check your local UV index which gives important information ...
Stepping Stone School 20 Now Open!
Stepping Stone School is pleased and excited to announce the opening today of its newest early care and education facility in College Station, Texas! The school, located at 205 Rock Prairie Rd., serves children ages 6 weeks through 11 years old and opened at near full capacity. Like all Stepping Stone Schools, the Rock Prairie school was designed to provide children with a multi-sensory experience that inspires their intellectual, physical and social/emotional development. See more about our innovative campuses here. Please join us in welcoming this new school, its amazing families...
Learning Happens All Year Long at Stepping Stone!
The beginning of summer may mark the end of the official “school year,” but at Stepping Stone School, the learning never ends! Our year-round developmental learning curriculum continues to provide your children with intellect-stimulating activities incorporated into seasonal themes. Whether working with infants or school-agers, teachers help children build their academic skills while providing joyful summer learning opportunities. Our summer curriculum is now the focus in our ongoing professional development program. With thoughtful planning and intentional teaching, our educato...
Enrolling Now for Our Premier Summer Program
We are now enrolling for our School Age Summer Adventure Camp! Highlights include: Exciting Field Journeys like bowling, rock climbing, ceramics, Inner Space Caverns, Lego Robotics and Stepping Stone School’s Private Movie Theater! Weekly themes with topics like airplanes, endangered animals, oceanography, anatomy/physiology and foreign cultures promote learning, character and values. MENSA-inspired activities, brain teasers, and math, literacy and science enhancements. Chess Club & Dual Language Immersion Labs – child and parent favorites! Sports & Fitness Camp...
Stepping Stone School Donates Cribs to Charitable Organization
Cribs to benefit vulnerable families, survivors of domestic violence Stepping Stone School has donated approximately 230 gently used infant cribs and mattresses valued at about $50,000 to a family shelter in Monterrey, Mexico. Continuing Stepping Stone School’s dedication to the environment and to repurpose items it no longer uses, the cribs will be contributed to DIF Nuevo Leon. The organization assists homeless families and those who have escaped domestic violence in Mexico get back on their feet. Six months ago, Stepping Stone School began its search for an organization in Mexic...
Leveled Readers Coming to Stepping Stone School Pre-K Classrooms
We are introducing Beginning Level Early Readers into our Advanced Prekindergarten class libraries this spring! Children in these classrooms will use these graduated readers to fine tune the literacy skills that enable them to decipher words and meaning. As your children become ready and interested, they each discover the excitement of reading. These skills come together at a unique time for every child. Our experienced teachers respectfully encourage each child to be a confident, exploring reader and learner!...
Premier Private Kindergarten Now Enrolling for Fall!
Stepping Stone School is now enrolling for its Premier Private Kindergarten! Your child's kindergarten year is a very important foundational experience. We invite you to stop by and see how our curriculum and programs can best prepare your child for "big school" success. You want this important year to be the very best for your child, and you will find that at Stepping Stone School. Our kindergartners discover their potential, eagerly explore new concepts and are inspired to be adventurous learners. Advantages of Stepping Stone School’s private kindergarten: Stepping Stone School’...
Stepping Stone School Offers Organic Gardening Spring Break Camp
Stepping Stone School is excited to announce its “Start Smart” 2012 Spring Break Camp, “Organic Gardening & Healthy Living.” Some of the highlights include field trips to such places as: Austin Nature & Science Center; Zilker Botanical Garden; or Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center The children will learn about growing and nurturing living things. Your child will explore the world of plants and botany by: Planting and growing real tomato plants; Creating original vases and flower pots; Charting and discovering the growth rates of various plants; ...
Stepping Stone School Now Provides Hot Lunch to School-Age Children
NEW! Stepping Stone School is now serving nutritious and healthy hot lunches to our school-age children during school holidays and breaks. This service is always provided to our younger children at no additional cost, but has now been expanded to include our older children when they attend full days. We are pleased to provide this convenience for our families!...
Stepping Stone School Named 21st Largest Preschool
In its January/February 2012 issue, Exchange magazine has listed Stepping Stone School as the 21st largest for-profit child care organization in North America. The list, which is based on the licensed capacities of all centers, included many publicly traded companies and large chains. Stepping Stone School was among the highest placed privately owned organizations. "We are very pleased to be part of this list," said founder and executive director Rhonda Paver. "Stepping Stone School remains a tight-knit, family-owned organization where we are small enough to be vigilant and responsive...
Students Kick Off Turkey Trot with Turkey Call
Echoes of “Gobble! Gobble!” filled the autumn air Tuesday when the students of Stepping Stone School IX competed to determine which of them was the Turkey Calling Champion. Stepping Stone School and ThunderCloud Subs kicked off the 21st annual Turkey Trot and Kids’ K with a live Turkey Call at Stepping Stone School, 8121 Shoal Creek, on Nov. 15. The contestant who elicited the best response from the turkey was to be declared this year's champion with full rights to “crow” about it, however, because Tom Turkey was silent, all earned honors for their enthusiastic attempts! The...
Dual Language Immersion Lab Newest Enrichment at Stepping Stone School
Stepping Stone School is pleased to announce the addition of its new foreign language enhancement! The Dual Language Immersion Labs will give students at each school a jump start at learning a second language. According to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, learning a second language at an early age... Has a positive effect on intellectual growth; Enriches and enhances a child's mental development; Leaves students with more flexibility in thinking, greater sensitivity to language, and a better ear for listening; Improves a child's understanding of ...
Chess More Than a Game at Stepping Stone School
"That's what chess is all about. One day you give your opponent a lesson, the next day he gives you one." - Bobby Fischer, American chess grandmaster Chess – These classes and tournaments provide a multitude of benefits to our young strategists! Children who play chess have been shown to improve their math and reading skills, but the benefits go far beyond academic. Stepping Stone School is proud to introduce the traditional, yet revolutionary game of chess to its advanced pre-k and school-age masterminds! These students are learning about the history of the game as well as how the ...
Stepping Stone School Leaders Expand Knowledge at NAEYC Conference
Stepping Stone School campus principals and curriculum leaders recently returned from the NAEYC 2011 Annual Conference & Expo in Orlando, FL, where they attended workshops and sessions by other experts in child development. "These workshops covered all the latest research about how children learn," said Marilee Blackwelder, Stepping Stone School director of training. "There were workshops that explored developmentally appropriate and effective teaching practices, the importance of relationships and attachments, and the different ways in which children learn to read, for example." Step...
Stepping Stone School 17 Relocates to Beautiful, New Campus
Stepping Stone School opened the doors to its newest campus on Monday, Oct. 3, to the delight of its students and parents alike. Children were seen at Thursday's open house event excitedly exploring their new school, its play areas and classrooms. Many, even, were reluctant to leave. That excitement carried over to opening day. One parent, Karen Barry, said of her son, "It usually takes a while for him to get going in the morning, but not today. He popped right up and said, 'I'm going to my new school today!'" The school, previously located at Dell Children's Medical Center, is the new p...
Stepping Stone School Families Donate Busload of Food to Disabled Veterans
Stepping Stone School delivered hundreds of pounds of food donated by its families and employees to the veterans' counseling center in Harker Heights near Fort Hood. In early June, the children at Stepping Stone School learned that returning disabled veterans often have to wait more than a year to get their first disability payments. Finding that many of the veterans and their families have a hard time making ends meet or even go hungry while waiting for assistance, the children of Stepping Stone School and their families wanted to help and organized the food drive. "We are so proud of ...
Stepping Stone School Awards CDA Scholarships to Its Teachers
A group of 22 Stepping Stone School scholarship-winning teachers have just begun classes to earn their Child Development Associate degree.The CDA program will reinforce our teachers' knowledge and understanding of the intellectual, social, emotional and biological development of children and the planning and design of related curricula. Congratulations to these smart (and lucky) educators!...
Rhonda Paver Appointed to Governor's Council
Gov. Rick Perry has appointed Stepping Stone School Founder Rhonda Paver to the Texas Early Learning Council. This council assesses early childhood education and care programs across the state and develops opportunities for collaboration among entities carrying out federally and state funded child development, child care and early education programs. Read the press release on the governor's website....
Six Schools Awarded Texas School Ready! Certification
Six Stepping Stone School locations recently earned the Texas School Ready! certification for 2010. Among private preschools in Austin, Stepping Stone School now has the largest number of Texas School Ready! certified schools. The TSR! Certification is determined by the combined results of a 2 year process that includes assessment of the Pre-K classroom program followed by tracking of the same children through their kindergarten classrooms. This certification means that children who attend Stepping Stone School’s pre-k program are equipped with the foundation skills they need to be succes...
Stepping Stone Childrens' Gobbles Kick Off 2010 Turkey Trot
Stepping Stone School kicked off the holiday season and this year’s Turkey Trot with the annual Turkey Call yesterday. The children in the advanced pre-K classes at Stepping Stone IX dressed up, sang, and demonstrated their best turkey calls in hopes that the live turkey would answer back. The judges deemed four-year-old Wylie the contest winner, as his turkey call elicited the best response from Turkey Tom. The Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot and Stepping Stone School Kids K will be held Thursday, Nov. 25 at the Long Center in Austin, TX. All proceeds from the event benefit Carita...
Stepping Stone Voted Best Preschool by Nickelodeon Parents!
We would like to say a huge THANK YOU to Austin parents for choosing us Best Preschool! We're so pleased to be Austin's 2010 Nickelodeon's Parents' Pick. Thank you for your support ... we couldn't have done it without you!...
Kyle Stepping Stone School Opens
Our newest location opened on Monday, Aug. 23, and we're so excited to be part of the Kyle community! We look forward to providing Hays County with the same excellent early care and education that has earned us the "Best in Austin" designation from the readers of Austin Family Magazine for 12 years! The "School of Knowledge & Innovation" is offering Stepping Stone School's nationally recognized curriculum to the children of Hays County ... the same curriculum that has prepared Central Texas children for school success for 30 years!...
Stepping Stone School Voted Austin's Best for 12th Year!
Updated July 2024 - Editors note: Stepping Stone School has won Austin Family Magazine's Best in Childcare Award for a 26th year! Stepping Stone School has been named "Best Preschool 2010" in the Austin Family Magazine Readers' Poll. This is the 12th year Stepping Stone School has received this honor. Thank you to all our families for your support!...
Watch Us Grow!
Stepping Stone School is expanding to Kyle, Texas! Our Daycare center in Hays County is scheduled to be open and bustling with academic energy this Fall....
Advanced Pre-K Week - March 8-12
During the week of March 8-12, we celebrated the education and remarkable achievement of our children with Advanced Pre-Kindergarten week. Each day of this fun learning week, educators highlighted a different Kindergarten Readiness skill that is practiced throughout our school. Day one showcased print concepts and alphabet awareness. Day two focused on the physical development of our children, including fine and gross motor development. Day three involved math concepts, such as sequencing, matching, and shape recognition. Day four encompassed self regulation and social/emotional readiness, ...
Stepping Stone School 6 Receives NAC Accreditation
Stepping Stone School 6 received notice of accreditation from the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAC). NAC Accreditation demonstrates and documents Stepping Stone School's quality performance using research-based criteria. "We're so proud of our staff at Stepping Stone School VI," said Rhonda Paver, Stepping Stone founder and CEO. "All of our schools follow our strict quality guidelines and curriculum, but it is always nice to be recognized for our hard work."...
Stepping Stone School Appears at Breakfast with Santa at the Capitol
The Texas Capitol building was a-buzz with the laughter of children mixed with holiday sounds Saturday, Dec. 5 when Stepping Stone School, exclusively selected to provide arts and crafts activities, helped the children make ornaments and "jingle-bell" necklaces. Stepping Stone School donated its time and supplies to help make the annual Breakfast with Santa at the Capitol a merry holiday event for children....
Stepping Stone School Kids K Helps Caritas
The thunder of footsteps is now just a memory, but the Stepping Stone School Kids K Race was a huge success! About 900 children participated in the one-kilometer race, benefiting Caritas of Austin. Children and parents alike enjoyed the Stepping Stone School Activity Tent before and after the race. Activities included face painting, making crafts and playing in the bounce house. The Kids K is part of ThunderCloud Subs' annual Turkey Trot, which raises money for Caritas. Stepping Stone School is proud of its ten-year partnership with these organizations in the fight to stamp out poverty!...
Stepping Stone School Gobblers Open Season on Turkey Trot Registration
Echoes of "Gobble! Gobble!" filled the crisp autumn air Nov. 18 when the students of Stepping Stone School IX competed to determine which of them is the Turkey Calling King or Queen. This year's winner was 5-year-old Evan. Stepping Stone School families collected non-perishable items for Caritas and were pleased to present the non-profit group with an amazing 594 pounds of food! This annual event kicked off registration for the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot and Stepping Stone School Kids K, which took place Thanksgiving morning. All proceeds from the Turkey Trot benefit Caritas ...
Stepping Stone School Summer Bash a 'Smashing Success'
Stepping Stone School topped off its Summer Adventure Camp in style with the Annual End of Summer Bash. There were clowns, slides, face-painting, food, fun and LOTS of foam! Although we're sad to see the summer end, we're thrilled that we still get to see so many of our school-agers in our After-School Care! Check out the video here. What better way to kick off the new school year? ...
Summer Specialty Camp!
Stepping Stone School is now enrolling for our School Age Summer Adventure Camp! Exciting weekly and monthly camps including Science Experiments, Culinary Academy, and Theater Productions and exciting activities such as Lazer Tag, Rock Climbing, Water Golf, Zoo Shows and Stepping Stone School's Private Movie Theater! FREE, summer-long Academic Super Skills Camp featuring MENSA-inspired activities, brain teasers, and math, literacy and science enhancements. Use of Nintendo Wii rewarded for Academic Achievement! State licensed, regulated environments ensure your child’s safety, securi...
Stepping Stone School Guides Parents in Preschool Search
In a recent issue of the Austin American-Statesman, Stepping Stone School offered guidance for working parents who are searching for quality early care and education. Marilee Blackwelder, Director of Training at Stepping Stone School provided her insights, including valuable information regarding what parents should look for and specific questions to ask. Click here to read the full article, "Safety, security top list of what pre-school should offer families". ...
Health Advisory
Stepping Stone School will continue updating you on important health-related information as it becomes available. Please click here to read our letter to parents including helpful tips on preventing the spread of illness (PDF). For tips on discussing swine flu with children, please visit the CDC's website....
NAC Accreditation
Stepping Stone School I on Richcreek and Steppping Stone School V on Wells Branch Parkway were recently accredited by the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs (NAC), recognizing the schools for exemplifying excellence in the education and care of young children. NAC Accreditation is one of the highest recognitions awarded to Early Childhood Development programs, signifying that a program meets NAC's high quality standards and is distinguished as superior child care. ...
2009 Austin Family Readers' Poll
Polls are open! Help keep Stepping Stone School "Best in Child Care". Thank you for your support and votes as we continue providing the best early care and education! [*Update 5/15/2009 - Polls are now closed. Thank you for your support!]...
National Recognition
Stepping Stone School has been recognized as the 21st largest privately owned child care organization in North America by Exchange magazine, the official publication of Child Care Information Exchange. ...
Car Seat Calendar
Properly installing a car seat is one of the most important aspects of ensuring a child's safety. To ensure that all parents are familiar with how to effectively, safely use car seats, the Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas provides a comprehensive Calendar of Car Seat Safety Checks. Please visit their website to take advantage of this valuable resource....
Stepping Stone School Kids' K at Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot
Join us at the Stepping Stone School Kids' K at the 18th Annual Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning at Waterloo Park. Children can run or walk the Kids' K and then head over to the Stepping Stone School Kids' Area featuring games, activities, snacks, and a moonwalk. All proceeds benefit Caritas of Austin, a non-profit organization committed to assisting low-income families. We hope to see you there! ...
Stepping Stone School Turkey Call Kicks Off Thanksgiving Festivities
The children at Stepping Stone School IX on Shoal Creek participated in Stepping Stone School's annual Turkey Call to initiate the Thanksgiving festivities leading up to the Stepping Stone School Kids' K at the 18th Annual Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. View some of the Turkey Call excitement! Turkey Call Video ...
Texas School Ready! Certification
Five Stepping Stone School locations—Richcreek, Woodland Village, Pflugerville, Blockhouse, and Red River—recently earned the Texas School Ready! certification for outstanding preschool education classrooms that effectively prepare students for kindergarten....
Texas Rising Star Four-Star Certification
Stepping Stone School II on Bowling Green has been named a 4-Star Texas Rising Star vendor, the highest award offered by the program. The Texas Rising Star program is designed to provide families with the highest quality child care available by closely observing and examining child care programs through certification visits. Four-Star certification is awarded to child care programs that exceed quality standards in all areas and enhance the intellectual, physical, and social development of children in care. Additionally, six other Stepping Stone School locations—Richcreek, Woodland Village...
Early Childhood Education Consortium
Stepping Stone School founders Rhonda and Bill Paver have been recognized for their contributions to Early Childhood Education by an invitation to join the Early Care and Education Consortium (ECEC). The Consortium represents the largest national and regional early childhood care and education companies in the United States. The ECEC members represent over 8,000 programs serving more than 800,000 children in nearly every state in the country. More about ECEC » ...
Rhonda Paver to present at World Child Care Forum
Stepping Stone School founder Rhonda Paver has once again been asked to present at the international Working Forum for Multi-Site Early Childhood Organizations to take place in October 2008. Mrs. Paver will be presenting on the topic: How Culture is Shaped and Communicated. This event is a project of the World Forum Foundation whose mission is to promote an on-going global exchange of ideas on the delivery of quality services for young children in diverse settings. The complete agenda can be found on the Multi-Site web site. In 2006, Mrs. Paver presented on the topic: Developing Struc...
Stepping Stone School Supports Early Literacy in Central Texas
Stepping Stone School is proud to support early literacy efforts in the community by sponsoring the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation (LEEF), a public charity committed to helping improve academic outcomes in the Leander Independent School District Community. More about LEEF »...
Stepping Stone School featured in Community Impact Newspaper
Stepping Stone School was featured in Community Impact Newspaper's June 2008 edition. Click here to view the entire article (PDF download). ...
Stepping Stone School Voted Best Child Care - 2008 Austin Family Magazine Readers' Poll
Stepping Stone School is as the top of its class! Click here to view the full listing of poll results....
Stepping Stone School XVIII – NOW OPEN!
The School of Life, located at Seton Medical Center Williamson in Round Rock, TX provides on-site care for Seton Healthcare Network employees and the general public. Please call 512.341.0909 for more information or to enroll your child. Hurry... spaces are filling fast!...
The Kids ARE Alright
Slate Magazine reviews an in-depth study on what child care really means!...