Brandon Twp.- A little rearranging and a little more space equals more little ones for Stepping Stone Child Development Center.
The center, which offers childcare for infants and toddlers, as well as preschool for young children, has a new classroom that will separate babies and toddlers for part of their day.
‘This way we don’t have to worry about toddlers running over babies,? said Stepping Stone Director Jenny Smotherman. ‘Toddlers can do more creative art projects and we’ll have six more spots available.?
The new classroom required only some new paint and equipment, including the addition of manipulative sorting toys, shelves, cubbies, and a new ‘house? area, including a play kitchen.
The move allows the center to offer their services to more children. They currently have two full-time spots available for infants from 6-weeks-old to 1-and-a-half years-old, and four full-time spots available for toddlers from 1-and-a-half to 2-and-a-half years-old. Part-time spots are also open.
Preschool is offered for 2-and-a-half and 3-year-olds, and also 4- and 5-year-olds, with five fulltime spots open. Activities at Stepping Stone include circle time, calendar, small and large group time, math and science tables, sensory activities, books, songs, games, and most popular? art.
‘Kids like to get messy and we let them,? Smotherman said.
Latchkey is available for school-age children, with Brandon Schools providing bus transportation.
The mission of Stepping Stone, which employs 10 staffmembers, is to provide a quality, comprehensive early childhood environment for nurturing and facilitating the growth and development of young children.
‘Because we don’t have quite as many kids here as big centers, it’s more of a family atmosphere,? Smotherman said. ‘We hope to make a difference in the lives of children.?
Stepping Stone Child Development Center, 885 S. Ortonville Road, is open from 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Details: 248-627-8800 or www.steppingstonechildcare.com.