|
Stepping Stones Learning Center
History
Victoria Weaver and Mariellen Cupini, licensed speech pathologists and certified School District Administrators, are founding partners of Stepping Stones Learning Center (SSLC). Dedicated to inclusive early childhood education, their dream of developing and leading an early childhood educational facility became a reality in September of 1994.
Their first school month began with Mariellen and Vicki teaching their student body made up of 9 students in one nursery school classroom at their present site in West Irondequoit. Thus, their dream took shape and SSLC was born. In January, 1995, approval was granted by NYS Department of Education and Department of Health to service children with special needs. Vicki continued to teach in the classroom setting, they hired their first special education teacher, who is still employed by the agency, and Mariellen took to the road to service students in the community setting. The student body increased to 26 in the classroom plus 25 in the community
SSLC soon was recognized as a very special place -- where caring and learning, child laughter and joy, and children, with and without special needs, could learn together and be happy. News of SSLC spread throughout the community and the enrollment for early childhood and community services increased for the second year of operation. Additional staff were added that year to help provide services.
Mariellen and Vicki were approached soon thereafter by a group of parents whose children had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. They were asked to develop a unique program for children using a specialized therapeutic intervention method, and have become a leader in autism services for preschoolers in Rochester and surrounding communities. Research and collaborative efforts are an integral part of the process.
The number of students and staff have continued to grow over the years and, nine years later, SSLC services over 450 students in Monroe, Wayne and Ontario counties.
Mariellen and Vicki, along with their staff of over 100 dedicated professionals, continue to be renowned for their exceptional approach to early childhood inclusive education. Remarkable professionals and paraeducators, along with a loving atmosphere, whether at their school site, in students’ homes, in community childcare, or in nursery school sites, continue to set SSLC apart from other early childhood programs.
Contact: Info@steppingstoneslearning.com
for more information.
|
