Empowering children to be leaders, innovators, thinkers, creators, philosophers & poets!
Logan Square
Lincoln Square
Portage Park
explore
Stepping Stones Nursery School has three early childhood centers in Chicago with an emphasis on play-based preschool and high quality infant care. Located in Logan Square, Lincoln Square and Portage Park.
discover
We believe in giving children space to learn independently and connecting children with the magic of nature — even our littlest ones! We have taken the philosophy of an outdoor preschool and created early childhood education programs that are accessible to all.
grow
Our teachers are dedicated early childhood educators that develop authentic relationships with each child and meaningfully guide your child’s development. They are experts at crafting curriculum that is developmentally appropriate and that places your child at the center of their learning.
the latest from our blog
The benefits of outdoor play on childhood stress
Childhood stress and trauma is a big topic of reflection for caregivers and parents alike as we live through waves of pandemic life, and adjust to the changes and challenges it brings. Being a part of a nature-based nursery school is a source of pride for me because I...
To Share or Not to Share
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...
The Holiday Season and Child-Led Learning
The weather has gotten cooler, the leaves are falling, and the holiday season is just around the corner. In most preschools, this is the cue to get out the orange and brown art materials to create a “handprint” Thanksgiving turkey, complete with feathers (often glued...
Employment shortage – the great resignation
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...
Happy New Year – reflections on 2020.
We did it! We’re right on the brink of this ruthless year! Questions without answers still linger for all of us but there is finally hope; Vaccines are being distributed, a new cabinet is being stacked with hardworking and honest professionals, and (although late and...
How to talk about death with young children.
Lets talk about death… Today, in the United States, many people of Mexican heritage will be celebrating Dia De los Muertos (Day of the Dead). I’m not going to say too much about it because I’m English so it’s not my story to tell. However, one of the things I really...