Mar 20, 2023 | stepping stones
After an inspiring visit to Boulder Journey School for an early childhood conference, we were motivated to jumpstart a project I’m calling Lights and Levels across both Stepping Stones locations. The project includes adding opportunities to diversify play levels and...
Mar 6, 2023 | stepping stones
Towards the end of winter in the midwest, everyone could use a little bit of inspiration. This year I was fortunate enough to visit one of my favorite sources of play-based inspiration, Boulder Journey School. Touring the classrooms at Boulder Journey, I noticed all...
Jan 10, 2023 | stepping stones
As an educator, I love opportunities for reflection. What I love about New Year’s reflection, is not the pressure of total reinvention of self, but rather the idea that there are tiny shifts I can be making mid school year to lean into the educator, parent, and school...
Nov 29, 2022 | stepping stones
The holiday season is upon us, and it is often a time of joy and wonder in early childhood. Gathering with family and friends, engaging in traditions and rituals, the practice of gift-giving and gratitude, cooking and feasts, and the magical transformation of our...
Dec 17, 2021 | stepping stones
Humans are social creatures, and learning how to interact and connect with others is possibly the most important part of a child’s development. One of the functions of early-years education is to provide a safe and supportive environment for learning and practicing...
Oct 18, 2021 | stepping stones
Even before COVID-19, ensuring that nurseries and preschools were fully-staffed was a complex matter. Now, in the wake of the pandemic, the problem has developed into a full-blown crisis throughout the country. Overall, almost a third of early-years staff, about...
