About Us

• Stepping Stone's Mission
• What makes us different?
• History of Stepping Stones
• Accreditations
• How to Choose a Quality Child Care Program

Stepping Stones Children's Center Mission Statement

Stepping Stones Children's Center, Inc. is a private non-profit organization whose mission is the total development of children. We are committed to providing high quality education and child care in an environment that fosters positive relationships among our children, staff, families and the community we serve.

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What makes Stepping Stones Children’s Center different?

There are a lot of qualities that set Stepping Stones apart from other child care centers. First and foremost, we are a non-profit organization that cares deeply about the children and families we serve as well as our staff and community. We have a very low turnover rate among our staff which contributes to the quality care we provide as well as the family atmosphere that is felt by all who enter our doors. We also have a very high rate of return among parents and families and have even had children of former students enrolled in our programs!

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History of Stepping Stones Children’s Center

In 1979, a group of parent volunteers turned an old farmhouse on Eden Hall Farm in Gibsonia, PA into a schoolhouse in just 9 days and Stepping Stones Children’s Center was born! Programs included Extended Day Child Care, Home Based Child Care, Preschool Education, and Time Out (a play group for toddlers). In 1981, Stepping Stones became a 501c (3) organization. Over the next 15 years, Stepping Stones expanded its programs, adding Before/After School-Age Child Care, School-Age Summer Camps, Extended Day Child Care for Infants and Toddlers, and Kindergarten Care.

In 1990, Stepping Stones began its relationship with the Pine-Richland school district with the creation of the Work-Study program in Child Development for High School Juniors and Seniors. The Before/After School-Age Child Care program also moved to Hance Elementary.

In 1993, Stepping Stones began operating in the Crossroads Church site, where it continues to operate today and in 1995 opened the Main Center site which currently houses Extended Day Care as well as the Stepping Stones administrative offices.

Currently, Stepping Stones Children's Center operates in six sites with over 350 children enrolled. We will proudly celebrate our 30th Anniversary this year.

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Accreditations

Stepping Stone’s Child Care center in the Main Center location has obtained NAEYC Accreditation. All of our program facilities are registered in the Keystone Stars program.

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How to Choose a Quality Child Care Program

When choosing a child care program, look for a program that provides a safe and nurturing environment while promoting the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of young children. You should look for the following:

• Frequent, positive, warm interactions among teachers and children
• Planned learning activities appropriate to children’s age and development, such as reading stories, block building, painting, dress-up and active outdoor play
• Specially trained teachers and administrators
• Many varied age-appropriate materials
• A healthy and safe environment for adults and children
• Regular, two-way communication with families who are welcome visitors at all times

Please call or stop by any time for a visit. We would love to show you why Stepping Stones is so special! See the Locations page for contact information.

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