Our Families
My wife and I did extensive research into our options when our daughter was born and Stepping Stone School came out on top of our list for a number of reasons: the cutting-edge curriculum based on the latest research, the excellent training program for teachers and the strictest standards for quality and cleanliness. But the real reason we chose the school was more down to earth and personal. It was the first place that I stepped into (unannounced, mind you) where the staff seemed in control and not flustered, the children were happy and excited and occupied with a wide variety of activities. And now that we have become part of the family, everyone in the front office knows my daughter by name and greets us when we step through the door each morning. The highest endorsement, however, comes from our daughter, who calls out each morning when we pull into the parking lot: "Yay, school"" It really makes me feel good to know my daughter feels safe and happy and welcome in her home away from home. - James S.
My family is so pleased with Stepping Stone School. We recently relocated to Austin and found child care with another child care center. We thought the center would be great since it was brand new and received high marks from the press, etc. After a few months in the new center, my daughter started to become unsocial, rough with other children and did not want to go to school. On a daily basis, the center blamed us for our daughter’s behavior. I spoke to other parents that had had the same issues with the center and then pulled their children from this center. After looking for other care, we found Stepping Stone School at Hymeadow and liked the teachers who were down to earth and obviously really enjoyed what they do. My daughter is now a social butterfly and can’t wait to go to school. I now realize the previous child care center had issues. The teachers at Stepping Stone School are great and they really get to know your child. - L & S Price
While touring Stepping Stone V before it opened, I had the opportunity to meet Lauryn's teacher, Ms. Lisa. I truly appreciated the attention she gave to me as the parent, but I really noticed the focused attention she gave to Lauryn. She spent quality one-on-one time, talking to Lauryn and getting to know her. As Lauryn grew up and transitioned from class to class, all of her teachers were very conscious of her...especially paying attention to her likes and dislikes, the way she learned, and the activities she enjoyed. Their attention to her individuality gave her the freedom to learn...of course within a structured environment, but she was always encouraged to express herself. - Lisa M.
I chose Stepping Stone School on Bowling Green based on its size and "home-like" atmosphere. Many a morning, I have arrived in time to get a whiff of something delicious cooking in the kitchen. Brings back fond memories! In addition, all the teachers know my daughter and take the time to greet her and genuinely care for her well being. I truly respect the entire staff. I am very impressed with the director's leadership of the school and appreciate our one-on-one relationship. She is constantly looking for ways to improve the center and it shows! - RP
My husband and I work at Dell, and one of our initiatives at Dell is work-life effectiveness and Stepping Stone School strives to make that happen for us and more! They are committed to ensuring my kids' abilities to learn and grow every year. Our experience has been very good, my kids enjoy attending school there everyday. All the teachers are very friendly and care so much for the kids. They are professional and listen to us if there is anything we need. I cannot stress enough that they are willing to listen. Our experience has been a great one. Thanks to Stepping Stone for making a difference in our children's lives. - LK
I would like to thank you and all the teachers associated with the school for making us feel comfortable and welcome as new parents. Stepping Stone was one of our choices that Dell recommended, and through a personal referral from another family and after meeting the teachers and staff, were quite pleased with the program. We were tickled when Stepping Stone School accepted us into the program. Obviously our son likes it - he has a big smile when we get to his room and he sees his teacher! - LD
I would like to thank you for providing such a great place for my children to learn and play. My eldest son has been attending Stepping Stone in Cedar Park since he was 2-1/2 years old. He is now 9 and has met many great friends and caring teachers along the way. I chose your site because I had heard nothing but good things about Stepping Stone. We now have our 21 month-old attending as well. We have had a wonderful experience with Stepping Stone and plan to keep our children there for years to come. - MA
I am writing to share my experience as a Stepping Stone School parent. Being a teacher myself, I am very particular as to where we decide to school our son! This combined with the fact that I have a special needs child makes it a critical decision to make. These factors considered, we chose to make Stepping Stone School the school for our child. The director and our son's teachers have done a tremendous job with him. Their patience and understanding in the face of some severe situations has given me a peace of mind that was hard to find. They have gone beyond the call of normal duty in dealing with my son and he is all the better for it. Because of my positive experience, I have become a living advertisement for your schools everywhere I go. I believe in your philosophy and I believe in your team of teachers at Stepping Stone! - CP
Internal Memo: Yesterday, I was giving a tour to a couple seeking infant care in June. While I was speaking with them, long-time Stepping Stone School parent, Michele S., approached us. She apologized for interrupting the tour, but said that she felt compelled to let the couple know that her children had been at Stepping Stone for a total of almost 10 years, and that there was no place else she would dream of taking them. She said we were "fantastic" and that if they chose to enroll their baby with us, they would not be disappointed. She ended by apologizing again for the interruption, but said she wanted to contribute her "two cents" and share her amazing experience at Stepping Stone School. After the tour was complete, the couple put their names on our infant wait list and let me know of their full intention to enroll their child in our program in June! - Cindy, Assistant Director, Stepping Stone School VIII
My daughter was just 7 months old when she started out at the Richcreek location and had never been put in anyone's care besides her parents and grandma. Being a first time mom, you would agree with me that putting your child into a child care facility is not something you could take with levity. We just relocated to Austin and so could only depend on testimonials of other mothers. On getting to the facility and meeting with the staff, my first fear of not wanting to leave my baby was alleviated. I liked the environment as I felt at home there personally. It was a neat place and I was confident that my child was going to be taken care of. Although I took this as a first impression and decided to watch for changes as events continued for my child's care. As days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months, I have come to believe that my "first impression will last a longtime!" The teachers are very friendly, accommodating and warm, and they do their job with an uncompromising passion that lets you know they love not only their jobs, but the children in their care. I love the center's academic curriculum and lessons my daughter learns. She is growing to be very sociable, caring and loving; this may not be achievable if our efforts as parent are not enhanced at Stepping Stone. I would like to thank the Stepping Stone team at Richcreek for their efforts and accomplishments. Keep up the good work! - OAO
We chose Stepping Stone School for our children after researching and visiting many, many childcare providers in the greater Austin area. Stepping Stone stood out because of its engaging staff, high quality curriculum, excellent extra-curricular activities, comfortable facilities and entertaining outside play areas. Our daughter has been at Stepping Stone for almost two years now and our infant son for just over half a year. We continue to be impressed with Stepping Stone School; our only wish is that there were one in Georgetown! - LOR
My husband and I made the tough decision to start our 19 month-old twins in a child care setting and we chose Stepping Stone School. As an IBM employee, I'm writing to say that our family has been very pleased with Stepping Stone and I'm delighted that my company has a partnership with Stepping Stone School. I am happy that when I come to and from Stepping Stone, any of the staff know who I am and know who my children are. This goes for any of the teachers or other support staff. They have been so supportive and understanding as I make trips to check-in, call multiple times a day to check on my sons, and are always friendly when I have any questions. We are very pleased with the quality of the facilities and all the staff and teachers. - MW
What I value at the center is the love my child gets! - LF
I am very pleased with the leadership and direction of the center's director. The teachers at Stepping Stone School are caring, responsible and good teachers. We are very happy at Stepping Stone! - R & DF
What I like is the personal attention my son gets and the wonderful personality of each instructor and how they interact with all the children. The educational environment is superb! - NT
Heather has always been so friendly. I always feel like they really know me and my child and that they (all the staff) truly care about our needs! - HB
My daughter and I love all her teachers. Thank you for a wonderful experience! - GB
I love the balance of nurturing interactions and academic versus child-led learning that I see in my child's classrooms. My children LOVE their teachers and have learned to communicate so much better than I could have taught them by myself at home! - MC
The staff rocks! My daughter loves this program! - PS
I value all the teachers. They always greet me and my child and take time for us. They are very professional and friendly and the director is outstanding! - CST
The staff is very caring and always happy and friendly. They show it in how they interact with my son and I am impressed with it. - SY
The people here are the key pieces in making Stepping Stone School such a magnificent place. With their support and love for their jobs and children, they reinforce the curriculum and the positive environment that Stepping Stone offers. Great Job! - A, I & E
It doesn't seem possible that it's been a little over 4-1/2 years since we first started at Stepping Stone School with Parker. It has been a good experience and we've greatly appreciated each teacher's dedication to our children. Thank you to each of you for your love, kindness, and guidance for our children. - LW
I would like to express my sincerest thanks to Leslie Harwell and her staff at Stepping Stone School IX. I recently took a new job offer in Hawaii with the United States Air Force Audit Agency and had to move from Austin, TX, on October 3rd, 2005. Unfortunately, my son, Austin, had to stay behind with his mother. I was scared that his transition would be full of turmoil and insecurity but the staff at Stepping Stone has been extremely helpful and loving to my son. I have called in on numerous occasions to speak with him and Ashley is always delighted to hear me calling in and transfers me to his classroom without hesitation. Austin's teacher Roxanne has also been a joy to speak with because she gives me progress reports of how he is doing and how the transition of Daddy being gone is going. Nobody has ever cut me short from speaking with him and all have even gone to the extent of going out of their way to take pictures and create artwork that Ms. Harwell forwards to me in Hawaii. If I wouldn't have found Stepping Stone School, I don't believe Austin would be as well off as he is today. Again, to the entire staff at Stepping Stone, Thank You! - Cory L.
I have not encountered another child care facility with the same consistent quality of teachers and programs exhibiting such a loving, supportive environment for children. - Jim P.
We just wanted to thank you and your staff for taking care of our Alejandro for the past three months. You all have been extremely professional, always with an added personal touch. This was always very comforting to us knowing that our son was in such good, caring hands. - Susan & Jay S.
Thank you so much for taking such good care of Dakota. Just wanted to let you know that we have been very pleased with the care he has received here. - Kelly S.
Just a note to let you know how much I truly appreciate all the loving care you give to my Christiano. Christiano means the world to me. And it's easier for me to go to work knowing my baby is being taken well care of. I do know my baby is happy with you all. - Kay
Dear Mrs. Rhonda Paver,
I felt compelled to write to you concerning Stepping Stone School X in Blockhouse Creek. It is a true testament to the work you started many years ago of providing fantastic child care for our kids. I certainly hope you could take a moment to read it and share the accolades with your staff as they truly deserve some wonderful recognition. I am sure the content of this letter is of no surprise to you concerning the great staff you have maintained in the 4+ years since I began taking my daughter there, but I just felt the true need to express my gratitude to these ladies who brought so much joy to our lives on a daily basis.
Sincerely, Rene S.
Dear Mrs. Rhonda Paver and the Stepping Stone Family,
My name is Rene S. and I am the proud single mother of a beautiful little girl named Saibree. Saibree has been attending Stepping Stone School X since we returned to Texas from active duty service in the Army in 2002. I began construction on a house in Blockhouse Creek when Saibree was only 12 months old and I placed her on the waiting list to attend your wonderful school. I got the phone call in late April from Lisa Tate informing me that Saibree was next on the list but the house would not be ready until late June. My daughter was staying with my parents in Houston until the house was completed so I was frantic as I did not want to lose my spot! Lisa assured me that she would hold my spot for me and tuition would only begin when she began attending in June. Immediately, I knew this was a school that not only cares about the well being of all their children but they care about the parents concerns as well.
That was only the beginning of my wonderful experience with your staff at Stepping Stone in Blockhouse Creek. I have many wonderful stories including a time when Lisa had to calm a frantic Mom (me!) because Saibree had a "biter" that sent her home with many more bites than a new Mom could handle. Lisa was professional, caring and provided the education that I needed in what Saibree was going through as the victim of a biter. She vowed to do everything she could to protect Saibree and also help the "biter" with his/her behavioral problems. I later realized that "Hey, what if my child had been the biter?" I certainly would need and definitely would want the help that Lisa had offered to the other child. I was grateful to her once again.
From caring notes and loving arms, from Ms. Kalina, Ms. Rebecca to the BELOVED Mrs. Carla, Ms. Jaime, Ms. Michelle, Ms. Dion, and finally Ms. Christina. These ladies took care of my baby girl like she was one of their own. Through all of these classes and teachers, Lisa along with Ms. Marcia and Ms. Amy made a conscious effort to keep Saibree together with a friend she met almost immediately. His name is Dylan and it turns out they were born on the same day, at almost the same time but in 2 different states. The teachers and I often joke that this must be the reason why they are so inseparable. "After all, they have been boyfriend and girlfriend longer than most Hollywood couples!!"
Mrs. Carla still asks how Grampy and Grammy are doing (my parents in Houston) and my Dad still asks how Mrs. Carla is doing. I guess this inquiry stems from Saibree visiting them and having so many adoring stories to tell Grampy about Mrs. Carla. Mrs. Carla lovingly called my daughter "Saibree Susanna" and Saibree would grin from ear to ear when she did. My Dad thought that was cute and he often commented on the fantastic care she was getting. He LOVED talking to Saibree on the phone and having her tell him all the colors in Spanish that she flawlessly knew. To this day, I still see little tots scrambling out of their mother's arms to go get a hug from Ms. Carla. Ms. Kristina is Saibree's final teacher and exclaims how much she will miss my girl. Kristina is a very bright light in all of the wonderful stars that work for you, always laughing and hugging the kids and keeping them in touch with proper respect towards others. I don't know how she does it but she makes it look so easy and we all know that it is definitely not an easy job!!
Well, I could go on and on about the joys we have experienced with your staff and your wonderful school. As with everything, life moves on and we are now building a house in Steiner Ranch. Saibree is almost 6 and she will be attending Laura W. Bush Elementary and their after care program. I am so sad to say we will be leaving the Stepping Stone Family in mid-August when Kindergarten starts. If there was a SS close by I would enroll her immediately in the aftercare program!! When the teachers found out that Saibree will be leaving in August they gasped "OH GOSH, we are going to miss Saibree SO MUCH." It is so sweet.
These ladies warrant the very best of compensation they so undeniably deserve. They have such a tough job to do and I know in an hourly position, wages and insurance can always be a challenge for all involved. However, I have never heard an SS staff member comment about the need for more wages out of respect for their employer, though there is always a need with rising gas prices, and inflation. The only comment I have ever heard a staff person talk about was wishing they had more supplies for the kids and some even told me they made it a habit to go to weekend garage sales to look for things for their kids and their rooms - AMAZING!! I am so impressed by all of these wonderful and caring women. They made a single Mom, who had to go to work everyday, go to work with the confidence of knowing that my child would be loved and well cared for.
I just wanted to share these wonderful and fond memories with you. Saibree was more than just another child to these wonderful ladies and I know you must consider yourself very, very lucky to have them. They deserve the very BEST!!
Sincerely, Rene S.
Dear Rhonda,
I am writing you for the wonderful care that Stepping Stone School provided to my daughter. Victoria, who is now almost four years old, was enrolled at the Brackenridge Hospital Stepping Stone center since she was three months old. She rotated through all 5 of the classes there and all of them were a fabulous experience!
All of the Stepping Stone teachers were professional, warm and worthy of our trust. They helped guide us through a multitude of challenges (teething, feeding, potty training, discipline, etc.) with their knowledge and experience. They always welcomed our input and respected our wishes. Communication was excellent and the comprehensive curriculum got Victoria off to a great start developmentally and academically. The facility was organized, clean and inviting. It was very clear when we picked up Victoria each day that she loved being at Stepping Stone.
It is a huge accomplishment to create and maintain such an excellent team. It helps to have fabulous leaders like Heather Bradley. Heather has done a remarkable job at the Brackenridge campus and we are very fond of her. I would like to thank you, Heather, and the entire staff for your vision, commitment and dedication.
Victoria is now attending church school at All Saints' Episcopal Day School. Her transition there has been very smooth, largely due to the excellent preparation she had at Stepping Stone. We will always have warm memories about the time that she spent at Stepping Stone. It was huge blessing for Victoria to have been at Stepping Stone and we are so appreciative of all of your efforts. We recommend Stepping Stone highly and would be happy to provide references for if ever needed.
Sincerely, Charlotte S., M.D.
Dear Lisa,
I want to tell you that I have nothing but accolades for you and your staff regarding your program. Thomas has been in your facility for 4+ years and it's been truly an outstanding experience. Your staff is compassionate, empathetic and incredibly caring.
I will never forget the special care Thomas received when his father passed away. Thomas was in such a state of shock and pain but going to Stepping Stone eased his mind. It was familiar to him, his teachers loved him and he absolutely played a role in his increased self-esteem and pain reduction at that time. I will forever hold you all in my heart for the way in which your experienced staff handled that situation. Thank you so much Lisa for all you have done. If I can ever reciprocate please don't hesitate to call.
Hugs, TS
I would like to thank everyone at Stepping Stone School who has helped me on my difficult journey over the last 2 years. You helped ease the passing of my wonderful wife and helped me transition to a life without her as a single parent. Sky & Gem begin Kindergarten on Monday marking another stage in our journey as a family. I will always remember the help I was given and will do my best to pass that loving help on to others. - One Grateful Parent