A Secure Place for Your Child’s Exploration and Discovery

Aiding in Your Little One’s Overall Growth and Development/ The Stepping Stones Curriculum

Let your child have a one-of-a-kind learning experience with help from Stepping Stones Learning Center of Littleton. We offer various programs that suit the unique needs and skill levels of children ages 6 weeks to 5years old in and around Littleton, Colorado. These include infant/toddler care and education, preschool, and we are proud participants in Colorado's Universal Preschool (UPK) for 4 year old Pre-K students.

We have 9 classrooms: Brave Bears: 0-6 months, Friendly Foxes: 6-12 months, Happy Hedgehogs: 12-18 months, Brilliant Bunnies: 18-24 months, Silly Squirrels: 2-2.5 years), Creative Cows: 2.5-3 years, Proud Porcupines: 3-3.5 years, Wise Owls: 3.5-4 years, and our Kind Raccoons Pre-K!

In addition to our regular care and education, we do bring in extracurricular programs, such as soccer, gymnastics, yoga, French, American Sign Language, music, and more!

We are enthusiastic about participating in the learning journey of children under our care. In addition, we believe that every child is full of potential, and we are as passionate as you are in guiding your little one in achieving milestones every day. This is why we nurture their skills and boost their knowledge
by conducting enjoyable activities.

Our curriculum, HighScope, is a research-backed culmination of philosophies that are tested and true in the field of early childhood development, and includes an emphasis on the need to learn through play, sensory connections, and learning opportunities where the children are active participants. The activities and lesson plans for each classroom are created by experienced and trained early childhood educators, align with Colorado's Early Learning and Developmental Guidelines, and are individualized for the children in our care. We utilize our knowledge of each child's development, which we track through the use of CorAdvantage (a Colorado aligned observation tool), to create meaningful learning experiences that will support each child. We do not believe that all children should be expected to learn and express their selves in identical manners, and for this reason we believe in assessing when children are ready to transition into the next classroom, rather than moving up children specifically according to age. Additionally, we strongly believe in the effect of continuity of care, in regards to the social and emotional well-being and development of children, and strive to build bonds with children and their families. In order to uphold our passion for social and emotional literacy, we also employ an additional curriculum known as RULER, developed by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. We have a very low turnover rate among our teachers, and we advocate for the happiness, professional development, and support of our staff, and other ECE professionals in our community!

We consider ourselves a family, here at SSLC, made up of the children we care for, their families that we aim to partner with, and the staff who are passionate about our roles!

Mission and Vision Statement

Our aim is to offer a safe and welcoming place where your little one can learn while having fun. We not only improve their academic engagement but also cultivate their character. Additionally, we strongly believe in fostering positive relationships with families, and other ECE programs and professionals.

A little more about us....

Our center was founded over 20 years ago, and has been providing quality care and learning to families in the community for decades! We were one of the original buildings in the Ken Caryl Business Park, and are proud of or long-standing history. Formerly known as Jordan Alexander's Preschool Academy, we underwent a name change in 2018 and became Stepping Stones Learning Center of Littleton. We wanted a name that recognized that we are so much more than a preschool, especially since we serve families with children ages 6 weeks through 5 years of age! We believe that each child participates in experiences that are stepping stones of learning and development, and that will influence his or her health, well-being, and productiveness throughout his or her lifespan!

What sets us apart from other child care center and preschools is that our learning center is owned by two mothers who have extensive experience in childcare, psychology/lifespan development, and education. The owners also serve as our director (Ashley) and school-age program coordinator (Meredith). Being parents themselves, they understand your little one’s needs, and they will do their best to nurture your child’s holistic development.

Another thing we love to offer the families in our community is our partnership with Brightwheel. This awesome program helps us aide in creating solid partnerships with the families of children in our care, as we are able to remain in constant communication throughout the day. We update your little one's daily activities, such as eating, diapering, and learning activities. Families can see real-time updates on what their child played with, ate, or if they are asleep/awake. We are also able to message back and forth with families, which proves to be an effective means to relay emergency information, as well as when supplies are needed, and share information on fun, center-wide events that are coming up, such as soccer classes or Family Nights!

Meet the Owners

Our team is guided by our dedicated owners, Ashley (also the center's Director) and Meredith (School Age Program Coordinator). To learn more about our owners, feel free to read their stories below:

Ashley

"Greetings! I am Ashley, often referred to as Ash, and I serve the co-owner and director of Stepping Stones Learning Center in Littleton. I hold a degree in Criminology and Applied Psychology, with a focus on Lifespan Development, alongside a Colorado Early Childhood Coaching Credential, Colorado State Trainer's Credential, and a National Director's Credential from the McCormick for Early Childhood Leadership. My experience and knowledge are dedicated to advancing the early childhood education (ECE) field. I first began my career in early childhood education as a licensed in-home provider, driven by a passion for creating a warm and nurturing environment for children. In my role as Executive Director, I prioritize maintaining a personal touch while overseeing the center's operations.

I firmly believe in the transformative impact of quality early childhood care and education, acknowledging its critical importance in a child's development. I am committed to advocating early childhood educators, children, and families, collaborating closely with local and national ECE associations, policymakers, and organizations to enhance the field and strengthen support systems for children and families.

Outside of my professional commitments, I am a devoted Minnesota Vikings fan (Skol!). Additionally, I enjoy collecting gnomes, camping, and quality time with my husband and partner of over 20 years, as well as our two sons and daughter."

Meredith

"Greetings! My name is Meredith, also known as Miss Mer, and I am the co-owner of Stepping Stones Learning Center of Littleton. In addition, I serve as the Enrichment Activities Coordinator. I grew up in Texas and earned my degree from Rice University in Houston. In 1993, I relocated to Colorado to pursue my Master's degree at CU Boulder, where I have resided ever since.

My background includes teaching French at CU and Colorado Mountain School, and I have always aspired to introduce young children to the joys of language learning. I am thrilled to offer introductory French lessons to our Pre-K classes, alongside nature studies, cooking classes, and other enriching activities. Furthermore, I lead weekly music and rhythm sessions across all our classes. While I may not consider myself an expert in singing and dancing, the children’s enthusiasm makes it all worthwhile.

As a mother of two wonderful children, I reside in Denver with my partner. Together we have three dogs, and when we are not spending quality time with our children or walking our dogs, we enjoy exploring Denver, traveling, reading, and gardening."

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