About Us

Stepping Stones Early Learning Center, formally the VA Child Care Center, believes that a quality child care center should be family centered, representing a cooperative effort by parents and teachers to provide a stimulating learning environment. We became accredited in 1999 with the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

We are fully licensed by the Department of Human Services, receiving the Gold Star Award in 2000.

The VA Child Care Center opened its doors in July 1982 and Stepping Stones Early Learning Center will continue its commitment to providing quality child care. We believe that children are our future and deserve the best that we can give them to get them a “step up”.

Head teachers hold bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood Development or a related field. Teacher’s Aides must have a high school diploma and many have an associate degree or child development degree. All staff members receive continuous on-site training as well as attending workshops and conferences. Staff implements a child-centered, hands-on, developmentally appropriate classroom environment that challenges them to be successful in kindergarten.

Stepping Stones Early Learning Center believes that every infant and child deserves the opportunity to experience a quality education in a safe and creative loving environment.

Stepping Stones Early Learning Center keeps the child in mind when establishing goals and philosophy. Children have the right to safe, creative and enjoyable child care, just as parents have the right to quality, affordable and accessible child care arrangements. Our program has a child-centered curriculum, providing developmentally appropriate practices. Our philosophy promotes “the whole child”, by helping him/her develop and grow cognitively, socially, emotionally, physically and creatively through organized developmental activities.

Underlying our program are four basic goals for the children:

• Provide a warm, accepting and understanding atmosphere in which children develop confidence and a positive self-image.
• Encourage and promote independence by allowing the children to make their own choices and help them become responsible for their actions.
• Provide opportunities that enable children to socialize in a group atmosphere, interact with peers and adults and master conflicts and challenges.
• Provide a stimulating environment where children can learn by doing, develop their own interests, and discover the joy of learning about themselves and their environment.

Goals for Parents:

• To provide opportunities to meet and work with other parents and teachers who have as their common concern the interest and needs of the child.
• To provide care of the child while the parent pursues their own work or other interests.

For the Employer:

• To contribute to the wholesome growth and development of the future citizens of the community.
• To reduce the cost of absenteeism and turnover.
• To aid in the recruitment of staff.
• To improve employee relations.

In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).