Overview

At Stepping Stones Early Learning Academy, we provide a nurturing, faith-based environment where children grow academically, socially, and spiritually from infancy through Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK). Our early childhood education programs are designed to support holistic development, emphasizing kindergarten readiness, character building, and lifelong learning. With a strong foundation in Christian values and a commitment to quality over quantity, our curriculum blends play-based learning with structured academic goals to ensure every child thrives. Our VPK programs specifically focus on preparing students for kindergarten by strengthening early literacy, math, and social-emotional skills—setting the stage for long-term academic achievement. Led by passionate educators and supported by our deeply rooted community, we partner with families to build confident, capable learners ready to shine in school and beyond.

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Programs

Info-Packet!

The Infant Room!

Our Infant Room offers a nurturing and developmentally supportive environment for babies starting at 3 months old. Designed to promote early brain development, emotional bonding, and sensory exploration, this program provides individualized care and gentle routines that help infants feel safe, loved, and engaged. With a low caregiver-to-child ratio, our experienced staff builds strong, trusting relationships that support healthy attachment and early learning. Daily activities include tummy time, music and movement, storytime, and responsive interactions that encourage key developmental milestones. As part of our faith-based early childhood education philosophy, we create a peaceful space where your baby can thrive during these foundational months.

Inchworm Program!

Our Inchworm Program is a nurturing and developmentally appropriate early childhood education experience tailored for toddlers ages 12 to 36 months. This program supports key milestones in language development, gross and fine motor skills, and social-emotional growth through hands-on learning and guided play. With a focus on early learning, developing independence, and individualized care, our experienced caregivers create a safe and engaging environment where toddlers build confidence, curiosity, and independence. The Inchworm Room is a joyful space where children begin their journey as active learners in a faith-based preschool setting.

Dragonfly Program!

Our Dragonfly Program is specially crafted for two-year-olds who are eager to explore, express, and grow. This stage of early childhood is full of wonder, and our program supports it with a balance of structured learning, creative play, and faith-based guidance. Children in the Dragonfly Room build foundational skills in language development, early literacy, fine and gross motor coordination, and social-emotional learning. With supportive routines and gentle transitions, we also assist families with potty training and encourage independence through age-appropriate responsibilities. Our nurturing educators create a joyful, safe space where each child is celebrated and prepared for the next stage of their learning journey.

Caterpillar Program!

Our Caterpillar Program is a vibrant and engaging preschool experience tailored for three-year-olds who are ready to stretch their imaginations and build essential early learning skills. This program emphasizes pre-academic readiness, language development, fine and gross motor growth, and social-emotional learning through hands-on activities, creative play, and structured routines. Children in the Caterpillar Room begin exploring early concepts in literacy, math, and science, while also learning to follow directions, work cooperatively, and express themselves with confidence. As part of our faith-based early childhood education philosophy, we nurture each child’s curiosity and character in a safe, joyful environment that prepares them for VPK and beyond.

Butterfly Program!

Our Butterfly Program is a dynamic and enriching VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten) experience tailored for four-year-olds preparing for kindergarten. This program focuses on school readiness, early literacy, math concepts, and critical thinking skills, all delivered through engaging, hands-on learning in a nurturing, faith-based environment. Children in the Butterfly Room build independence, confidence, and collaboration skills while exploring structured lessons and creative play. Our curriculum aligns with Florida’s VPK standards and supports each child’s unique learning style, ensuring they are well-prepared for the transition to elementary school. The Butterfly Program is where young learners spread their wings and soar into the next chapter of their educational journey.

Chapel Enrichment Program!

(All Ages)

Our Chapel Enrichment Program is a cherished part of the weekly rhythm at Stepping Stones Early Learning Academy, designed to nurture children’s spiritual growth through age-appropriate lessons rooted in Christian values. Led by our beloved team member and former center director, Miss Joyce Saito, this program reaches children of all ages, from infants to VPK, across each of our school locations. Miss Joyce travels to every campus to personally share the week’s chapel lesson, using engaging stories, songs, and interactive moments to help children learn about kindness, gratitude, and God’s love. As part of our faith-based early childhood education, the Chapel Program reinforces character development and community in a joyful, welcoming setting.

Frog Street Curriculum

Stepping Stones Early Learning Academy proudly uses the Frog Street Curriculum as the foundation of our early childhood education programs across all age groups—from infants to VPK. This research-based curriculum supports whole-child development through intentional, hands-on learning experiences that align with each child’s developmental stage.

What Makes Frog Street Special?

Comprehensive Learning Domains: Literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development.
Conscious Discipline® Integration: Promotes self-regulation, empathy, and classroom community.
Structured Weekly Themes: Engaging lessons with literature, music, manipulatives, and digital tools.
Mascot-Led Routines: Freddy the Frog guides children through daily activities like Brain Smart Start and Morning Message.

Kindergarten Readiness

Our VPK students benefit from a robust kindergarten readiness program, introducing letters by writing patterns and reinforcing concepts through multi-sensory activities and family engagement tools.

Faith-Based Foundation

As a faith-based preschool, we complement Frog Street with our weekly Chapel Enrichment Program, led by Miss Joyce Saito, to nurture spiritual development and character education.

By employing skilled educators and engaging curricula, we aim to prepare children for future academic success while instilling values that promote social and emotional growth.

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Licensing & Compliance Standards

At Stepping Stones Early Learning Academy, the safety, well-being, and development of every child are our highest priorities. All of our campuses—Niceville, Bluewater Bay, and Destin—are fully licensed and regulated by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), adhering to the rigorous standards outlined in Chapter 65C-22 of the Florida Administrative Code

What Licensing Means for Families

Being a DCF-licensed child care provider means we meet or exceed state requirements in:

Health and safety protocols
Staff training and background screening
Facility cleanliness and emergency preparedness
Child-to-teacher ratios and supervision
Curriculum and developmental practices

Our license numbers are posted at each location and listed in our parent handbook

Families can verify our licensing status or learn more about Florida’s child care regulations by visiting the DCF Child Care Licensing Portal. We’re especially proud to have Miss Kaitlyn—a former team member from the Florida DCF Child Care Licensing Office—on our leadership team. Her firsthand experience ensures our programs remain compliant, proactive, and aligned with best practices in early childhood education licensing and regulation

DCF Portal

Gold Seal & NECPA Accreditation

At Stepping Stones Early Learning Academy, we go beyond basic licensing standards to deliver exceptional early childhood education. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our participation in Florida’s Gold Seal Quality Care Program and our accreditation through the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA).

Gold Seal Quality Care Program

The Gold Seal designation, awarded by the Florida Department of Children and Families, recognizes child care providers that demonstrate excellence in programming, staff qualifications, and family engagement. This honor assures families that our preschool meets high-quality standards in:

Curriculum and learning environments
Health and safety practices
Teacher-child interactions
Parent communication and involvement

Gold Seal providers are eligible for enhanced funding and are recognized as leaders in early childhood education across Florida.

NECPA Accreditation

Our NECPA accreditation confirms that Stepping Stones meets nationally recognized benchmarks for preschool quality, including:

Developmentally appropriate curriculum
Qualified and trained educators
Safe and nurturing classroom environments
Ongoing program evaluation and improvement

This accreditation reflects our dedication to continuous growth and excellence in serving children and families.