A Welcoming and Secure Place for

Your Child’s Growth and Discovery

At Stepping Stones Learning Center of Littleton, we believe every child possesses unique potential!

That's why we offer a one-of-a-kind experience for each student, tailored to support the needs

and skill levels of children from 6 weeks to 5 years old.

Our Classrooms:

• Brave Bears (six weeks - 6 months)

• Friendly Foxes (6 - 12 months)

• Happy Hedgehogs (12 - 18 months)

• Brilliant Bunnies (18 - 24 months)

• Clever Coyotes (24 months)

• Silly Squirrels (24 - 30 months)

• Playful Porcupines (3 - 3.5 years)

• Wise Owls ( 3.5 - 4 years)

• Kind Raccoons/UPK (4 - 5 years)

All our classes offer a consistent daily routine, with a mixture of child-chosen and adult-led activities, developmentally appropriate materials, and ample outdoor time.

As a privately-owned small business, we

Researched-Backed Curriculum

Children learn best through active, hands-on experiences.

Our research-backed curriculum, HighScope, provides a

developmentally-appropriate framework, with an emphasis

on active engagement and social interactions.

Lesson plans for each classroom are created by experienced

and trained early childhood educators and align with

Colorado's Early Learning and Developmental Guidelines.

Tracking Milestones

We carefully observe and track each child's specific strengths and areas for growth using the CorAdvantage tool. This knowledge allows us to individualize activities and create meaningful learning experiences to support each child. We hold family conferences twice a year to discuss your child's development and we're happy to schedule

Qualified Caregivers

Our Leadership Team consists of highly experienced certified Lead Teachers We also have three Continuity Leads,

Communication and Family Engagement

Daily communication, family events like End-of-Summer Carnival

Locally-Owned Small Business

Our learning center is owned by two mothers who have extensive experience in childcare, psychology/lifespan development, and education. Ashley serves as Executive Director while Meredith is the Enrichment Activities Coordinator. Both are on site daily supporting our teaching team and spending time with the children. Being parents themselves, they understand your little one’s needs, and they will do their best to nurture your child’s holistic development.

So much more!

We offer enrichment activities like Music and Movement, nature study, and much more at no extra cost. We also host many optional programs like soccer, gymnastics, dance, and yoga!

We understand that children learn best through play and active, hands-on experiences.

Children learn and develop on their own timelines and in their own ways, and for this reason we assess when children are ready to transition into the next classroom, rather than moving up children specifically according to age. Additionally, we strongly believe in the effect of continuity of care, in regards to the social and emotional well-being and development of children, and strive to build bonds with children and their families.

Supporting Growth and Development

The Stepping Stones Way

Mission and Purpose Statement

Everything we do begins with our “why.” We know that choosing a childcare center is one of the biggest decisions a family makes, and we want you to feel confident in who we are and what we stand for. Our Mission Statement is a reflection of the love, learning, and partnerships that guide us each day:

At Stepping Stones Learning Center of Littleton, our mission is to provide a safe, loving, and welcoming environment where every child can grow, explore, and thrive. We believe in the power of play, creativity, and hands-on experiences to nurture social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.

Our programs, guided by the HighScope Curriculum and aligned with Colorado’s Early Learning and Development Guidelines, focus on fostering curiosity, independence, and academic engagement while cultivating character and confidence.

We also integrate the RULER social-emotional learning framework, helping children build strong self-awareness, empathy, and positive relationships. We recognize each child’s unique pace of development and provide individualized support to encourage their self-expression and sense of belonging. Just as importantly, we value and honor the essential role of families, working in partnership with you to celebrate milestones, guide growth, and support lifelong learning.

Together with our staff, families, and professional community, we are committed to shaping not only curious learners but also kind, resilient, and compassionate individuals who will positively impact their world. We’re sharing this because your trust means everything to us. Our mission is not just words on paper — it’s the foundation for the hugs, the learning, the laughter, and the milestones your child experiences here every day.

A little more about our locally-owned small business...

SSLC is located in the original Jordan Alexander's Preschool Academy, one of the first businesses in the Ken Caryl Business Park. In 2018 we became Stepping Stones Learning Center of Littleton because we wanted a name that reflects everything we have to offer!

What sets us apart from other child care centers and preschools?

We are a small business owned by two professional moms.

Our team is guided daily by our dedicated on-site owners,

Ashley and Meredith.

Ashley

Meredith

"Greetings! I am Ashley, often referred to as Ash, and I serve as a Co-Owner and Executive Director of Stepping Stones Learning Center of Littleton. I hold a degree in Criminology and Applied Psychology, with a focus on Lifespan Development, alongside a Colorado Early Childhood Coaching Credential, Colorado State Trainer's Credential, and a National Director's Credential from the McCormick for Early Childhood Leadership. My experience and knowledge are dedicated to advancing the early childhood education (ECE) field. I first began my career in early childhood education as a licensed in-home provider, driven by a passion for creating a warm and nurturing environment for children. In my role as Executive Director, I prioritize maintaining a personal touch while overseeing the center's operations.

I firmly believe in the transformative impact of quality early childhood care and education, acknowledging its critical importance in a child's development. I am committed to advocating early childhood educators, children, and families, collaborating closely with local and national ECE associations, policymakers, and organizations to enhance the field and strengthen support systems for children and families.

Outside of my professional commitments, I am a devoted Minnesota Vikings fan (Skol!). Additionally, I enjoy collecting gnomes, camping, and quality time with my husband and partner of over 20 years, as well as our two sons and daughter."

"Hello! My name is Meredith, also known as Ms. Mer, and I am a Co-Owner of Stepping Stones Learning Center of Littleton, as well as the Enrichment Activities Coordinator. I grew up in Texas and graduated from Rice University in Houston. In 1993, I moved to Colorado to pursue my Master's degree at CU Boulder, and I have called Colorado home ever since.

I taught college French classes at CU and Colorado Mountain School, but I always hoped to introduce younger children to the joys of language learning. I'm thrilled that I get to do fun, informal, active (and frequently silly!) language activities with our Pre-K classes, along with nature study, music and movement, and other enriching activities in all the classrooms.

I believe that every child should know they are a valued part of a community and have ample opportunities to follow their own curiosity. I also believe a connection with the natural world helps children build confidence and empathy, exercises their problem-solving skills, and develops their ability to self-regulate. These beliefs inform our mission at SSLC and the way I interact with our students every day.

My daughter and son are "grown and flown" now but I get to see them often as they live nearby. I live in Denver with my partner, Meg, and we have two cute-but-mischeivous little dogs, Otis and Ava. When we're not spending quality time with family or walking our dogs, we enjoy traveling, reading, gardening, and doing projects on our 120 year-old home.

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