Stepping Stones

The only reason I dont give five stars is because no one takes care of my kids as good as mommy and daddy. Besides grandparents and Missy’s house, there is no one closer to second best though. I have three kids that have been going to Stepping Stones for almost 3 years now. They range in age from 5.5 — 3.5 and they all have a great time and are well taken care of when they are there. The family that works together and cares for the kids here is wonderful. I love that they are related, work together well and there is a «papa» on staff for those moments a kid needs a male role model. Family environment with teaching and fun mixed in. Also nutrition is a huge thing for me and I cook most of our meals but I am confident they get all the food groups. My kids are not picky eaters and I appreciate they have not become one of those kids that eats only mac/​cheese or chicken nuggets because that is what they get at daycare or school. They love their fruit, beans, chicken, pasta, and of course cupcakes for special occasions. In the summer Missy takes the kids on many adventures to movies, swimming pool, beach, library, discovery museum etc. Missy is passionate about teaching and attends regular continuing education classes and is TK certified with lots of other accolades too I am sure. It is not just daycare, it is a preschool so feel confident your child will be loved, fed, taken care of and taught. Lucy is the art project queen and the kid’s love the things she comes up with. Papa Ron is your man about town on nature walks and dropping kids to /​from school. Mary holds down the fort and has the best sense of humor.

Called today, hung up on twice without even speaking with anyone. I’ll update/​remove with proper explanation.

Finding Stepping Stones was a true blessing. We visited a number of places while our daughter was at a large daycare that never felt quite right. When we met with Missy the owner of Stepping Stones, we were very impressed with the cleanliness of the home & the large play area in the backyard but more importantly how she spoke to our daughter. Missy got down on her level and started asking her questions to get to know her, make her feel comfortable and see if it would be a good fit. As we left we knew this was the place, it just felt right.
I will never forget when our 3 year old daughter said to us at the dinner table. «Hey guys, peace and harmony please.» Adorable! They do a great job with structure while having fun with hands on education that include animals, gardening and nature walks. They even have little field trips to the library, discovery museum, parties, etc… Not to mention the never ending supply of art projects coming home weekly if not daily.
There are so many positive things to say about this loving place. All weekend, we hear stories about Missy, Lucy, Papa Ron and Mary. Come Monday morning she is excited to get back to her school to see everyone and many times when picking her up, she isn’t ready to leave and would like to stay longer. Now that’s a true sign of a great daycare!

I began looking for child care options when I was pregnant with my daughter and had always felt that, if I could not be home with her, having a nanny was the best option. Then I toured Stepping Stones. From the moment I met Missy, I could see the passion she has for running a daycare. I knew instantly this was the place for her. They say it takes a village and Missy, Ron, Mary and Lucy are very important members of our village. It feels like I am dropping her off with family. She learns so much every day in an environment that is educational and also fun and fosters community. They also provide healthy home cooked meals so I know she is getting great nutrition and care. My daughter has been attending Stepping Stones since she was about 7 months old and is now two. She loves going on nature walks and dancing and can count to twenty! As a working mom, I feel so blessed having a place where I know my daughter is happy, safe and well cared for while I am at work. Thanks, Stepping Stones! We just welcomed another baby girl into our lives and she will be joining big sister at Stepping Stones when I return to work. She will be 4 months old.

Our son still attends Stepping Stones after three years. It is such a wonderful place — it is like leaving them with family. He has a wonderful community there. They get him outside and to the library, etc and all while mixing learning in between. I can’t say enough good things about them. We feel blessed to have them.

My daughter started going to Stepping Stones for pre-​school at age 4, she is now 9 and goes back on special days. My other daughter started at age 6 months and still goes for after school care and summer camp. They serve home-​cooked meals and with working full-​time I always knew they would be well fed no matter what the evening had in-​store for us. Stepping Stones has a family atmosphere, loving people to watch over all that happens and a tender care when taking care of them. Missy, Papa Ron, Mary and Lucy are family and treat my daughters and all they come in contact with like family. I always told Missy, that she has raised my children and I do my best to maintain all the good they have instilled. I can’t say enough great things about Stepping Stones.

My granddaughter has been attending Stepping Stones for over 3 years. I feel like I am dropping off my granddaughter with family. Missy, Lucy, Papa Ron, and Mary are all super with the children. They care deeply for each child. Stepping Stones is a good mix of learning and play. The back yard is a great playground. Routinely, they have a nature walks through the neighborhood. On Tuesdays they go to the library. During the summer, Missy has a lot of field trips to keep the kids entertained. I highly recommend Stepping Stones.

I would give Stepping Stones thousand stars if I could :-)
I started looking for daycare last year, when I was pregnant with my son. Few of my co-​workers had or have kids going to this daycare and they had nothing but great things to say. We interviewed Missy and we knew right away this place was amazing. What a bonus that we live in the same neighborhood and this place is few block from our house! Our son has been going to Stepping Stones for about 5 months now (started when he was about 3 months) and we couldn’t be happier. I think he especially loves Papa Ron and always has a big smile for him in the morning.
This daycare is run by a loving family — Missy (the owner), her sister-​in-​law Lucy, and her parents Ron and Mary. Missy’s focus is on education, physical activity and nutrition. Your kids will eat good quality and healthy food here. They also spend lot of time in the yard. They will learn a lot, read lot of books (visit library once a week once old enough). There is no TV on.
There is also a major focus on nature and environment — kids have their little community garden, go on nature walks daily and have variety of pets to take care off (parrots, lizards and other small critters). The family also has multiple small and extremely loving and gentle dogs that play with the children (you really don’t have to be worried, these dogs are sweethearts). Just overall loving and nurturing environment. The babies are held and cuddled all the time.
So far all the kids I’ve met are very well rounded and well behaved and they all play together nicely.
I feel blessed having a place where I know my son is safe, happy and loved.
Thanks, Stepping Stones!

Both of my children have attended/​attend Stepping Stones. My son started at 18 months and my daughter at 5 months. I was VERY sad when they reached school age and we went to school. However, every chance we get, my kids go back to SS. We are just about ready to head back for the summer and everyone is very excited.
Missy, Papa Ron, Lucy and Mary are fabulous and I always feel like I am leaving my kids with family. The kids get to do lots of fun and educational activities. There is plenty of learning and structure — tempered with lots of love and fun. I always feel like everyone there genuinely cares about my kids.
I recommend the Stepping Stones family to everyone I know that is looking for daycare. Every parent knows the immeasurable value of the peace of mind that comes from being able to know that your kids are safe, loved and taken care of when you can’t be there. I never worry when I drop my kids off with Missy and the Stepping Stones family.
I could go on and on but, really, call for yourself and check it out. You will definitely see what I mean!

Both of my boys, ages 7 and 4, attend Stepping Stones and I couldn’t be happier with the care they recieve! They pick my eldest up from school and help him with homework after giving him time to play and unwind. My youngest is enrolled in their preschool program which is structured but not overly so. They learn alot through music, play, and «nature walks», which my son adores. Both boys have some special needs but are treated with the utmost love and respect for their individuality. Stepping Stones is owned and run exclusively by family members and treat the children in their care as such.“Peace and Harmony“is their mantra, and my boys are quick to point that out if I get angry at home! Healthy lunches and snacks are provided as well as arts, crafts, and lots of outdoor time in their large backyard. During school breaks and summer vacation, they take the children on fun outings to local venues, which they love! My boys continue to thrive in their nurturing environment and I breathe a bit easier at work knowing they are well cared for.