5 Star Rating

We are proud to say we have earned the 5 Star rating from the state of North Carolina. Five Stars is the highest rating a preschool can earn. We practice the lowest teacher to student ratios available, and adhere to the highest level of safety and sanitation guidelines. All of our teachers meet or exceed the state guidelines for education levels and are trained in CPR and First Aid.

Covered Drop Off Area

Stepping Stones is the only local 5 Star Center that provides a covered area for dropping off and picking up children. It is our hope that this will provide convenience to parents during inclement weather.

Secure Facility

All of the doors opening to the outside remained locked during the day. There is one way in and out for parents. These doors are locked and can only be opened by scanning a keycard that is given to the families upon the child’s first day at our school. Our playgrounds are double-gated, once directly on the playground, and again between the sidewalks and the parking lot. The playgrounds are accessible directly from the classrooms. These doors also remain locked and the teachers are the only people given keys.

Healthy Eating Initiative

Stepping Stones is currently practicing a healthy eating initiative. We are proud to have a cook on site who prepares our meals daily. He is incorporating whole wheat breads and pastas into our menu, as well as fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables as opposed to canned. We are using as little processed food as possible, meaning we are far more likely to bake a whole turkey than warm up chicken nuggets or hot dogs. A balanced diet is the first step to healthy living and we believe this should be established at an early age. Click here to view a sample menu.

Edible Garden

Behind our school, we have planted an edible garden. Our gardener visits a few times a week to tend to our garden and teach the children about upkeep, watering, planting, and harvesting. It is our hope that through viewing and tending to this garden, the children will learn about the natural growth cycle. Each season new crops are planted, harvested, and used in our meals!

Clean Air System

When Stepping Stones was built, a hospital grade clean air system was installed. This system filters the air that is circulated through our school. The air sent through the vents is equivalent in cleanliness to the air dispersed throughout a hospital surgical room. Installed at each of our five HVAC units are the following:

• Electronic Air Cleaner
• HEPA 60 Filtration System
• Germicidal Lights
• ERV Energy Recovery Ventilators

Microbial Flooring

Currently installed in our infant rooms is microbial flooring. This floor actually works to repel and eliminate bacteria. With the reduced amount of bacteria and viruses, the amount of sickness has drastically decreased in these rooms. Not only does this floor help keep the amount of germs low for our infants, they look great as well!

Click here to view our Enrollment Documents.