About Us
At Stepping Stones Early Learning Center, we believe every child’s journey begins with a single step — and every step matters.
Founded and led by experienced educators, our center was created with one purpose in mind: to provide a calm, nurturing, and developmentally intentional environment where children can grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
We are more than a childcare center. We are an early learning community built on strong foundations, meaningful relationships, and a deep understanding of how children learn best.
Our Core
We believe that regulation comes before readiness.
When children feel safe, understood, and supported, they thrive. That’s why our approach blends:
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Social-emotional development
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Play-based learning
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Structured academic foundations
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Intentional guidance from trained educators
From early literacy and number sense to emotional regulation and confidence-building, we focus on developing the whole child.
What Makes Us Different
Educator-Led Design
Our programming is thoughtfully created and implemented by experienced education professionals who understand child development and foundational learning skills.
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Calm, Nurturing Environment
We prioritize a peaceful atmosphere that supports focus, emotional regulation, and positive peer interactions.
Strong Foundations
Children build early skills in literacy, math, and problem-solving through meaningful, hands-on experiences.
Inclusive by Design
We believe every child deserves to feel capable and valued. Our environment is intentionally structured to support diverse learners and individual growth.
Our Commitment
to Families
We understand that choosing early childhood care is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Our commitment is to partner with you — offering communication, transparency, and trust as we walk alongside your child’s early learning journey.
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At Stepping Stones, we don’t rush childhood.
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We nurture it.
We guide it.
We protect it.
We build strong foundations that last a lifetime.
Meet Our Team
Experienced. Compassionate. Intentional.
At Stepping Stones Early Learning Center, our team is made up of dedicated educators who believe that early childhood is the foundation for lifelong success.
Each member of our staff is carefully selected not only for their qualifications, but for their heart — their patience, their consistency, and their ability to nurture meaningful relationships with children and families.
We believe children thrive when they feel known, safe, and supported — and that starts with the adults guiding them each day.
Cassandra Vinson
Assistant Director & Lead Educator
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​Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education (K-6)
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Endorsed in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL, PreK-12th)
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LETRS Certified (Kansas Reading Endorsement)
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Current Licensed Educator
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11 Years of Teaching Experience
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Preschool (4 years)​
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Kindergarten (7 years)
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CPR & First Aid Certified
Cassandra brings over a decade of classroom experience in both preschool and elementary settings. Her expertise in early literacy instruction and language development supports strong foundational reading skills from the very beginning. With specialized training and experience teaching diverse learners, she is passionate about creating structured, nurturing classrooms where children build confidence, independence, and a love of learning.
Caitliné Christenson
Founder & Director
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Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education (K-6)
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Master's Degree in Special Education
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LETRS Certified (Kansas Reading Endorsement)
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Current Licensed Kansas Educator
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10 Years of Teaching Experience
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K-6, High-Low Incidence (3 years)​
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K-4, High-Low Incidence (7 years)
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CPR & First Aid Certified
With 10 years of classroom and special education experience, Caitliné founded Stepping Stones with a clear vision: to create a calm, inclusive early learning environment where regulation, foundational academics, and intentional instruction work together.
Her experience in child development and individualized learning supports the intentional design of our curriculum and classroom environments.
She believes that when children are emotionally supported and developmentally understood, they build confidence that lasts a lifetime.
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Leadership Team
We Are Growing Our Team
Stepping Stones Early Learning Center is expanding, and we are currently hiring:
Lead Teachers
Assistant Teachers
We are seeking dedicated, compassionate educators who believe early childhood is the foundation for lifelong success.
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Ideal candidates value:
Calm, structured classroom environments
Social-emotional development
Play-based and intentional learning
Professional growth and collaboration
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Qualifications
Lead Teacher Candidates:
Degree or Experience in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or related field (preferred)
Experience in early childhood settings
CPR & First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain)
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Assistant Teacher Candidates:
Experience working with children (preferred)
CPR & First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain)
Commitment to ongoing professional development
We offer:
A supportive, educator-led environment
Professional growth opportunities
A positive, team-centered culture
Competitive compensation
If you are passionate about building strong foundations for young learners, we would love to connect with you.
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Apply by emailing: admin@steppingstoneswamego.com
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