Stepping Stones Learning Center, PLLC
Stepping Stones Learning Center, PLLC
EDUCATION is not preparation for life;
EDUCATION is life itself
About Us
About Us
Our Classrooms and Curriculum
Our Classrooms and Curriculum
Stepping Stones Learning Center offers an inclusive educational program that combines the Montessori approach with tailored support for students with diverse needs. Our classroom is co-taught by a licensed special educator and a certified Montessori general educator. The curriculum is adapted to meet each student's individual needs while aligning with Arizona state standards.
In the 2024-2025 school year, we introduced a more intensive program designed specifically for students with autism. This smaller, structured environment uses materials and curriculum from our inclusive classroom to help students develop the skills necessary for success in an inclusive setting. The program incorporates principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, visual supports, and TEACCH learning models to provide targeted assistance and promote positive development.
Our Mission and Vision
Our Mission and Vision
Our mission is to deliver a personalized education that nurtures students' strengths and cultivates essential skills for success in a diverse environment. Education should encompass collaboration with peers of varying abilities while leveraging these skills to achieve a collective goal of each student's potential. Our vision is to GUIDE students in recognizing, appreciating, and harnessing their unique strengths, enabling them to express these strengths in meaningful and rewarding ways.
Get to Know Us
Dr. Anna Hart, Ed.D. SLPA is the Owner and Executive Director of Stepping Stones. Anna is a special educator with 28 years of experience teaching students with special needs. Her areas of interest and expertise are in curriculum and instruction for students with autism, screening, treatment, and interventions for students with dyslexia, and inclusive education. Anna is an adjunct faculty member at Grand Canyon University. She also works on many research projects that help to improve the inclusionary education of students in the general education environment.
This year we welcome back Ms. Robin Kerckhof, our general education teacher. Robin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and brings 16 years of classroom experience. Ms. Robin leads the scope and sequence of our curriculum, ensuring students engage fully with the Montessori method while aligning with the Arizona State Standards. Together, we co-teach to provide a unified and inclusive learning experience for all students.
Ms. Rosemarie Juarez joins our class again this year as our classroom teaching assistant. She brings over 20 years of classroom experience. Ms. Rose's experience and training in early childhood education help to shape the lessons and experiences provided in our program.
This year we welcome Ms. Madison Turfler. Ms. Madison has experience supporting students with special needs in inclusive environments. She is passionate about working with students with special needs and brings personal and professional experiences to support her role at Stepping Stones.
Our Services
Our Services
Math and Reading Tutoring utilizing the Montessori Method of teaching
Math and Reading Tutoring utilizing the Montessori Method of teaching
Specialized instruction in Reading for students with dyslexia using the Orton-Gilligham approach
Specialized instruction in Reading for students with dyslexia using the Orton-Gilligham approach
Speech/language therapy services
Speech/language therapy services
- Elementary Montessori Curriculum
- Highly Qualified, Certified/Licensed, and Experienced Staff
- Small Class Environment/Open Door Policy
- Specialized instruction in reading using research based interventions (Orton-Gillingham)
- Implementation of Social Thinking® and Zones of Regulation® curriculums.
- Weekly Music Therapy classes with a certified Music Therapist
- Cooking, art, and physical education curriculum
- Differentiated curriculum for students with special needs
- Specialization in modification of curriculum and behavior supports for students with autism (i.e. token economies, visual schedules and supports, scaffolded materials)
- Modifications, accommodations, and Universal Designs for Learning (UDL) to meet individual needs
- Speech/language services
- Tutoring services in elementary reading and math
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Resources for practicing skills at home
At home reading practice is a helpful tool to help students master reading skills; however this can be challenging to navigate if your child has reading challenges. The following websites have research-based activities that are fun and increase learning.
Our daughter absolutely loves this school. Ms. Anna takes time to study each student and is attentive at planning a curriculum to the individual success of each student. Field trips, special events, and projects, planned out, broken down and executed to make learning fun and exciting. Our daughter is thriving.
Dahlia G : Parent of a Stepping Stones student
Stepping Stones has been such a blessing in our lives.
Carrie G: Parent of a Stepping Stones student
I'd like to commend Stepping Stones school . The teachers are phenomenal. My son Daniel has come along way from educational to socializing with his peers. I highly recommend this school.
Angela G: Parent of a Stepping Stones student
Coming Events
Coming Events
Stepping Stones Learning Center has some openings. Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about our program.
Donate
Make a donation
Stepping Stones Learning Center, in conjunction with Stepping Stones Educational Services 501(c)(3) is accepting donations that support Stepping Stones Learning Center and the Maricopa community. We are working on purchasing a property that can house multiple microschools to increase the inclusion of students with special needs as well as a location that will offer our students an outdoor space for play, socialization, and gardening.
Frequency
One time
Monthly
Amount
$5
$10
$25
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Contact Us
Contact Us