Renee Spivey and her husband, Willis, took over the school in July and have already instituted changes to the school, including a new nutrition plan and turning it into a clean air facility.

"There have beeen many studies that show childhood obesity is on the rise," Renee Spivey said. "We're getting rid of foods that are pre-packaged, processed, and have loads of sodium. We have a cook on staff, Tara McAlister, who has helped us institute healthy alternatives. The kids are getting things like fresh turkey, whole wheat pasta, English muffin pizzas and new twists on things that they already like."

Spivey added that the two are excited about new ideas they'll soon be implementing, including an edible garden the children will participate in as part of their "healthy foods initiative."

Director of Stepping Stones Academy Julie Gibbons said the trick to conquering picky eaters and getting kids to try new things is to simply offer them.

"So many parents don't expose their children to new foods because they have it in their mind that the children won't eat broccoli or cauliflower," she said. "We're exposing the kids to new foods here and they're seeing their peers eat them, so they want to. Parents are surprised that simply exposing their kids to vegetables is sometimes all it takes."

Making food fun is another good strategy.

"You can also cut the foods into fun shapes or mix the food with something you know the child likes," Gibbons said. "Just a few days ago, I had a mom who said she was shocked to see her child eating the English muffin pizzas because she hated pizza. I love that she likes the healthy version and the muffin does make a difference in taste."

Changes are being instituted in the classroom as well. Stepping Stones has lowered their teacher to child ratio for more one-on-one time and separated the mobile and non-mobile infants. The children are also getting a new science room, computer lab and can now learn Spanish, yoga, soccer and music.

"Young children are impressionable and it's important for them to be exposed to things that may pique their interests," said Gibbons.

An afterschool program has been added to help with homework while parents are still at work.

"Most of the time, the children's work is finished when their parents come to pick them up," Gibbons said. "It's one less thing for parents to worry about."

Also in the works is a monthly Parent's Night Out.

The school accepts children from six weeks of age and has 90 students and is located at 203 Singleton Road. Contact Renee Spivey at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.