Dearest Supporters, As we welcome 2023 into our lives, it is a natural time to reflect on the past, revel in the now and plan for the future. As you continue reading below, you’ll note statistics about what we have done in the past, our current status and our plans for the future. LEAF:…Continued
A Stepping Stone Foundation is so much more than a preschool program. When a child enrolls in preschool, the whole family enrolls. Many of you already know that at least one enrolled parent must attend adult education (English or GED prep classes), parenting classes, work in the preschool classroom and participate in home visits. Below…Continued
This week’s blog theme has been about how the pandemic has shifted how we live our lives and how those shifts have impacted A Stepping Stone’s enrolled families and scholars. How has COVID19 effected how we deliver our award-winning LEAF (Literacy Elevates Arizona Families) program to young children and their families? That is today’s subject. …Continued
COVID19 has taken a dramatic toll on our lives. I hope we always remember the almost half million people who have already succumbed to its effects and all the families who have been touched by that loss of life. Just as important to those of us remaining behind them, are the secondary effects: the heroic…Continued
DL is Distance Learning. Our children and parents have been learning together through DL for four months now. DL has given A Stepping Stone Foundation families the opportunity to participate in our LEAF (Literacy Elevates Arizona Families) program at almost the same level as if they were in person. The preschool children still…Continued
A Stepping Stone has engaged in two-generation family literacy for 30 years now. While others talk about it, we do it!! Check out this link to a recent paper posted on Archbridge Institute’s website September 2020 from James J. Heckman (see HeckmanEquation.org). Of special interest is Key Takeaway #2 two: “Families are the primary producers…Continued
A Stepping Stone Foundation Board Member, Gabriel Escontrías, Jr., sent me an article today about work similar to that of our LEAF (Literacy Elevates Arizona Families) Program in Phoenix. It touts the rich return on investment that programs like LEAF have to society in concrete terms. The article was published online at TheScientificAmerican.com, (originally published at JAMA…Continued
Dear Readers, please find and follow the link below regarding new research which affirms intuitive and previously proven best practices for early education. It is certainly how A Stepping Stone has been practicing for the past 27 years! Enjoy! -Cindy Click Here for Recent Harvard Research Article.
When our mom began our LEAF (Literacy Elevates Arizona Families) program this fall with her preschool child, we soon found out the she had been diagnosed with cancer. She was taking chemotherapy treatments and the situation was and remains quite serious. A few short weeks ago, the mom approached one of our staff and asked if they…Continued
Imagine being pregnant with your sixth child and learning that your husband has a very serious illness. He is admitted to the hospital. What will you do if he passes away? He is the sole bread-earner for the family and you do not have proper documentation to stay in the country, even though all your…Continued