Stepping Stones Nursery School

Providing a safe, nurturing, fun environment for young children
to learn and grow since 1969

About Us:

History
Calendar 
Program
Tuition
Registration and Admission
Learning environment
Parent Involvement
Transportation
Safety

HISTORY
Founded in 1969, Stepping Stones Nursery School is a nonprofit, nondenominational, fully accredited and licensed pre-school for three- and four-year-old children sponsored by Calvary Episcopal Church.

In our warm, clean, safe, supportive environment — and through a rich variety of daily learning activities — young children are encouraged to learn, explore, have fun, and develop socially, intellectually, physically and emotionally.

Stepping Stones meets weekdays in the spacious (nearly 1000-square feet), light-filled nursery school located behind the welcoming red door at 46 Cherry Street.

We maintain an impressive faculty-student ratio of 1 to 8, and our teachers are fully certified and/or credentialed in early childhood education. At Stepping Stones, children develop such socialization skills as playing, sharing, listening, and talking. A developmentally appropriate curriculum ensures that each child has a positive, challenging school experience. 

We invite you to find out more about Stepping Stones, its staff, and operating philosophy. Discover why families throughout the greater Danvers area are entrusting their children to our care.

CALENDAR (Click to go to our activities calendar)

 School begins the week following Labor Day and closes the Week before Memorial Day. Holidays and vacations coincide with those of the public schools. If public school is canceled due to inclement weather, Stepping Stones also closes. If Danvers Public Schools delays opening, Stepping Stones will be closed for the day.

PROGRAM

We offer two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Morning Sessions:
Tues. – Thurs. 8:30 a.m. – 10:55 a.m.
Mon. - Wed. – Fri. 8:30 a.m. – 11:25 a.m.

Afternoon Sessions
Tues. – Thurs. 11:30 a.m. – 1:55 p.m.
Mon. - Wed. – Fri. 12:00 noon  – 2:55 p.m.

Typical session activities include Welcome, Circle time, Special small group activity (craft, outdoor play, playtime, free choice), Toileting, Handwashing, Snack, Rest, Story, Games, Songs, Goodbyes.

Tuition (2005—2006)
DEPOSIT - $125.00 (nonrefundable and nontransferable)
$50 applied toward first month’s tuition.

Annual Tuition —September through May, based on a 32-week school year and paid in eight (8) installments.

Two day (a.m. & p.m.) $1160/ $145 mon.(Sept.- April)

Three day (a.m. & p.m.) - $1560/$195 mon.(Sept. – April)

A Rich, Stimulating Learning Environment
Children enrolled in Stepping Stones get the attention they need from a caring, committed staff that understands children thrive in a positive, happy environment where they are treated with respect and understanding.

We provide a full range of learning activities and materials that help your child develop and grow academically and socially. In our bright, multi-colored school house, children find a rich palette of options to help them learn while they play — whether it is reading from our large selection of age-appropriate books, exploring computers, playing instruments, or participating in one of our hands-on learning centers.

Joining Our ‘Family’

Registration and Admission
Gaining admission for your child involves a visit to the school, an interview with the director, and the submission of a completed application along with consent and medical forms, and payment of the non-refundable registration fee.

Tuition is due on a monthly basis. A schedule of payments will be provided. Tuition is due for holidays and snow days. Tuition is not due for the Christmas recess or the fall, winter or spring break. Complete details are provided in a Parents Handbook issued upon admission.

Parent Involvement Encouraged
Parents are encouraged to visit when their child is in school and to observe or participate in daily programs and classes. No appointment is necessary – we invite you to drop in at any time.

Although our staff cannot take time to talk with parents during school sessions, they are happy to arrange to meet any time to discuss the progress your child is making. Progress reports and conferences with teachers help you to understand the nursery school experience and help teachers learn more about the children.
Parent volunteers are welcome to assist with a range of classroom activities, including reading stories, crafts projects, and helping with interactive computer games.

Transportation
Transportation to and from Stepping Stones Nursery School is not provided. Car pools are often formed among the parents. We can help you get together with parents who are nearby. 

Safety
Stepping Stones requires, in writing, the names and relationships of any persons whom parents or guardians authorize to pick up children from school. A picture I.D. must be presented before your child can be released to these individuals.