The Magic of Stepping Stones
At the end of our school year, we celebrate the 5-year-olds and their families who are ready to move on to their next educational adventure with a special ceremony we call
“Fair Thee Well.”
Throughout the week leading up to the event, the eldest children create their own grapevine crowns, adding elements that represent their favorite things from their time at Stepping Stones. During the event, each child wears their crown, crosses a small bridge and views their reflection in a crystal water bowl sitting atop a mirror.
In those last few moments as a Stepper, they have the opportunity to collect thoughts about what lessons they will take with them into life. One precious child shared this with the group of family, friends, neighbors, alumni and teachers gathered:
“It takes a long time to grow friends and become me.
I had that time at Stepping Stones.”
This is the magic of Stepping Stones: children have the time, space, freedom and support to build relationships, explore their world and actualize their potential…at their own pace.
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About Stepping Stones:
​Our School:
Stepping Stones Children's Center is a unique Reggio Emilia-inspired, play-based early childhood program in the heart of Burlington’s South End. Teachers learn along side children ages 2-5 years of age in our inclusive, play-based, multi-age setting based upon the philosophy of Reggio Emilia, Italy.
We believe childhood must be rich with exploration, engagement with nature and the arts, opportunities for creative problem solving and meaningful relationships with loving adults to foster positive social/emotional development. We invite you and your family to come and explore the wonders of the natural world, share our excitement through literacy, music and drama then help engineer the future through the eyes of excited children.
Our team of highly-trained and dedicated early childhood professionals provides full, and part-time care and education in an environment where children learn empathy for their peers and our neighbors, understand that kind words are the best words spoken and cooking our daily hot lunches is an integral part of caring for ourselves and each other.

Schedule:
Full-Time, Full-day, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
*Part-Time, Full-day, Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30 am -4:30 pm
*Part-Time, Full-day, Tuesday, Thursday, 8:30 am- 4:30 pm
* limited part-time slots available
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Steppers is open year-round and our contract year runs September 1, 2024 - August 31, 2025. Check our calendar for full details about Special Events, Parent/Teacher Conferences and scheduled closures
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Meals:
Home-cooked lunches and morning/afternoon snacks (included in your tuition) play a big part in our program nutritionally, socially and as an organic way to introduce math, science, literature and new cultures. Children harvest fresh vegetables from the gardens they raise to integrate into our meals and we utilize a CSA to provide fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers throughout the summer and fall. We are a nut-free environment and do our best to accommodate special dietary needs.
Center Environment:
​Stepping Stones Children's Center does not discriminate against race, color, religion, national/ethnic origin or gender. The Center enrolls children from diverse backgrounds as well as those who are at different developmental stages in their life and all policies, programs and scholarships are administered without discrimination. We comply with all State and Federal Civil Rights Laws.
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Age Groups Served:
2 years old - 5 years old (pre-k)
Address:
75 Hayward St, Burlington, VT 05401
