About Us
Stepping Stones Childcare & Pre School | Kerry
Why Choose Stepping Stones Childcare & Pre School?
Choosing the right childcare is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent and this can be an emotional time, especially for first time parents. At Stepping Stones we will work together with you and your child during a settling in period until you are happy and comfortable with this change to your child’s day.
Our home from home atmosphere means children are cared for in a warm environment and our open door policy invites you to visit and spend time with your child whenever you may wish. Where siblings are enrolled important family time can also be provided upon request. Daily feedback is given by your child’s key workers and a communication diary is also kept allowing both parents and staff to record helpful information.
Our purpose built facility provides safe and secure spacious classrooms and as your child grows with us they will transition into age appropriate rooms with stimulating curriculums enhancing their learning and development.
We offer full-time, part-time, sessional and free ECCE Pre-school places. Our fees include no additional extras with all meals, including a cooked dinner, provided in our price. There are no charges for holiday or sick days and a 10% discount applies for siblings attending on a full time basis.
Curriculum
We follow a play based curriculum in accordance to Aistear: The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework. With much of children’s early learning and development taking place through play and hands on experiences we aim to nurture the holistic development of the child by providing children with a wide variety of age appropriate play opportunities and curriculum activities.
Relevant meaningful experiences make learning more enjoyable and our curriculum is adapted to support the individual needs and interests of the children in our care. We also invite parents and families to provide input during curriculum planning ensuring cultural diversity is reflected. Every child’s journey is unique and developmental observations and learning journals are recorded and shared with parents regularly.
Since 2017 we have held Healthy Ireland Pre-School Service status and provide children and families with education and support helping them to establish a maintainable healthy family lifestyle.
Our Staff
We employ 17 staff all of whom have dedicated childcare qualifications including 7 at degree level and 3 Special Needs Assistants. Our team at Stepping Stones has a wealth of knowledge and experience and is committed to delivering high quality childcare with staff regularly undertaking continuous professional development.
We guarantee low child to staff ratios and boast a low staff turnover allowing children to build caring and trusting relationships with staff members. No request is too big or small and will be carried out during your child’s day with us.
All staff have child protection training and a qualified first aider is on site at all times.
Awards
At Stepping Stones we strive for excellence and to date are the proud recipients of the following awards…
• Customer Service Award (Connect Kerry Women in Business): Recognising our flexibility for parents and the positive relationships between staff and all children and their families.
• Healthy Ireland Pre-School Service Status: Measuring the level of education and support your child will receive with us in establishing an early healthy lifestyle.
• Féile na mBláith Art Competition: 6 time consecutive winner of this local award highlighting the creative opportunities experienced by children in our service.
Location
We are located in Lee Drive, Ballinorig, Tralee. Our purpose built facility has CCTV and controlled access in operation guaranteeing your child’s safety and security at all times. Spacious age appropriate classrooms provide a comfortable and stimulating environment for children and our large outdoor area allows for plenty of play and exploration opportunities.
Located within five minutes of Tralee Town Centre we are also in close proximity to University Hospital Kerry, Kerry County Council Buildings, Manor West Retail Park, Clash Industrial Estate and I.T Tralee (North & South Campus).