~ON A PATH TO SUCCESS~
Welcome to Stepping Stones Learning Center, Port Orchard's leader in early childhood education. Our decade of experience and testimonials from educators in our community will provide you with a level of confidence necessary to understand how we help our children succeed. We are located in Port Orchard, and we are happy you found time to stop by and check us out !
We believe that YOU are the first and foremost influential teacher in your child's life. We would be honored to be a part of your child's education. We will do everything we can to help you and your child have a successful school year and develop an educational foundation second to none. Our desire is for your child to have a positive impact that will have life-long benefits, and we have a proven track record to support this. Don't take our word for it; ask around.
We are a Christian-based early childhood educational center. God has led us on this amazing leap of faith and we are delighted to share our love of education & faith with your child.
Our mid-week preschool has always been a passion for us. Quality early education and intervention is pivotal from birth to age 8. Our teaching team understands that every child is unique, has acquired learning styles, and will learn at their own level. We often strategize on recognizing individual strengths and gifts while supporting areas that a student may need extra support in. We have two curriculum specialists on staff that meet regularly with lead teachers. Our teachers are paid to prep and plan their lessons weekly, we offer a structured program that models what it's like for a child to be in a kindergarten setting. This helps students to transition into kindergarten with a firm foundation. We are NOT a play-based preschool.
Being an active participant in our community is part of our goal. It truly takes a community to raise a child. We value and are a part of programs like READY! for Kindergarten and the Professional Learning Community. We also welcome any organization that is willing to partner with us to further develop your child's education. For Stepping Stones, it is important that our community work together to benefit all children.
We believe that YOU are the first and foremost influential teacher in your child's life. We would be honored to be a part of your child's education. We will do everything we can to help you and your child have a successful school year and develop an educational foundation second to none. Our desire is for your child to have a positive impact that will have life-long benefits, and we have a proven track record to support this. Don't take our word for it; ask around.
We are a Christian-based early childhood educational center. God has led us on this amazing leap of faith and we are delighted to share our love of education & faith with your child.
Our mid-week preschool has always been a passion for us. Quality early education and intervention is pivotal from birth to age 8. Our teaching team understands that every child is unique, has acquired learning styles, and will learn at their own level. We often strategize on recognizing individual strengths and gifts while supporting areas that a student may need extra support in. We have two curriculum specialists on staff that meet regularly with lead teachers. Our teachers are paid to prep and plan their lessons weekly, we offer a structured program that models what it's like for a child to be in a kindergarten setting. This helps students to transition into kindergarten with a firm foundation. We are NOT a play-based preschool.
Being an active participant in our community is part of our goal. It truly takes a community to raise a child. We value and are a part of programs like READY! for Kindergarten and the Professional Learning Community. We also welcome any organization that is willing to partner with us to further develop your child's education. For Stepping Stones, it is important that our community work together to benefit all children.
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Kind words from our supporters...
"I have had the opportunity to observe Terri in action with children and families. She offers, in my opinion, a high quality early learning program that is inclusive of all learners and respectful to children and their families. Children will be intellectually challenged in a developmentally appropriate manner while practicing the essential social emotional skills necessary for a successful elementary school experience."
Gayle Dilling
Early Childhood Professor and Program Director, Olympic College
Early Childhood Faculty and Coordinator
Olympic College, SBCDC #103
“Terri Nakamura has been an integral part of our Professional Learning Community between the early childcare providers and the South Kitsap School District since its inception three years ago. Terri’s strong leadership and organizational skills as well as Terri’s passion for and dedication to early learning have greatly enhanced our PLC. This past year Terri has been instrumental in organizing and facilitating our PLC meetings. As a result, our attendees are increasing in numbers and are enthusiastic about participating in our early learning PLC. I attribute our PLC’s growing success this year to Terri’s efforts! “
Lonnell Kyle
Kindergarten Teacher,
Mullenix Ridge Elementary,
Port Orchard, WA..
_________________________________________________________________________________________
"READY! for Kindergarten is a research-based parent education program. South Kitsap parents and childcare providers receive free tools and training to support children ages birth to five.
Terri Dettloff has played an active role in READY! as a facilitator for the past four years. She is energetic and interactive with families. Co-facilitators benefit from the professional and invitational example she sets.
In collaboration with other READY! folks Terri established a professional learning community (PLC) that connects South Kitsap School District with area early learning providers. The cohort developed a Kindergarten Readiness Checklist aligned with READY! targets that helps provide a seamless transition to kindergarten. This, our third, year Terri assumed a leadership role, continuing our commitment to provide professional development. Topics have included Early Brain Development, Math and Science, Kitsap Regional Library resources, SK Child Find Screenings, and Brain Development (I-LABS, Univ. of WA). Terri demonstrates a deep-seated commitment to youngsters."
Marcia Coyne
South Kitsap Coordinator, READY! for Kindergarten
Port Orchard, WA.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
"I had the privilege of working with Terri for four wonderful years. I learned and flourished under her direction in my teaching career. Terri’s love for her profession is evident in everything she does. She was patient, kind and nurturing and did a wonderful job of making sure the teachers and children were safe at all times. Her energy was refreshing and her enthusiasm contagious. She thought of creative ways to bring learning experiences into the children’s playtime and our curriculum was strengthened by her cutting edge methods and teaching techniques. Terri did a wonderful job of communicating effectively with parents and teachers. She addressed all concerns that were brought to her attention and helped teachers and parent’s feel more comfortable. Terri educated teachers and parents with techniques that could be used at home to support the efforts in the classroom and help the children progress and stay on track. She cares deeply about each and every child’s education and emotional stability as well as her teaching staff."
Anna Tovar,
Former Teacher
_________________________________________________________________________________________
"I have had the opportunity to observe Terri in action with children and families. She offers, in my opinion, a high quality early learning program that is inclusive of all learners and respectful to children and their families. Children will be intellectually challenged in a developmentally appropriate manner while practicing the essential social emotional skills necessary for a successful elementary school experience."
Gayle Dilling
Early Childhood Professor and Program Director, Olympic College
Early Childhood Faculty and Coordinator
Olympic College, SBCDC #103
“Terri Nakamura has been an integral part of our Professional Learning Community between the early childcare providers and the South Kitsap School District since its inception three years ago. Terri’s strong leadership and organizational skills as well as Terri’s passion for and dedication to early learning have greatly enhanced our PLC. This past year Terri has been instrumental in organizing and facilitating our PLC meetings. As a result, our attendees are increasing in numbers and are enthusiastic about participating in our early learning PLC. I attribute our PLC’s growing success this year to Terri’s efforts! “
Lonnell Kyle
Kindergarten Teacher,
Mullenix Ridge Elementary,
Port Orchard, WA..
_________________________________________________________________________________________
"READY! for Kindergarten is a research-based parent education program. South Kitsap parents and childcare providers receive free tools and training to support children ages birth to five.
Terri Dettloff has played an active role in READY! as a facilitator for the past four years. She is energetic and interactive with families. Co-facilitators benefit from the professional and invitational example she sets.
In collaboration with other READY! folks Terri established a professional learning community (PLC) that connects South Kitsap School District with area early learning providers. The cohort developed a Kindergarten Readiness Checklist aligned with READY! targets that helps provide a seamless transition to kindergarten. This, our third, year Terri assumed a leadership role, continuing our commitment to provide professional development. Topics have included Early Brain Development, Math and Science, Kitsap Regional Library resources, SK Child Find Screenings, and Brain Development (I-LABS, Univ. of WA). Terri demonstrates a deep-seated commitment to youngsters."
Marcia Coyne
South Kitsap Coordinator, READY! for Kindergarten
Port Orchard, WA.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
"I had the privilege of working with Terri for four wonderful years. I learned and flourished under her direction in my teaching career. Terri’s love for her profession is evident in everything she does. She was patient, kind and nurturing and did a wonderful job of making sure the teachers and children were safe at all times. Her energy was refreshing and her enthusiasm contagious. She thought of creative ways to bring learning experiences into the children’s playtime and our curriculum was strengthened by her cutting edge methods and teaching techniques. Terri did a wonderful job of communicating effectively with parents and teachers. She addressed all concerns that were brought to her attention and helped teachers and parent’s feel more comfortable. Terri educated teachers and parents with techniques that could be used at home to support the efforts in the classroom and help the children progress and stay on track. She cares deeply about each and every child’s education and emotional stability as well as her teaching staff."
Anna Tovar,
Former Teacher
_________________________________________________________________________________________
