effectiveness in the entire nation.
The staff at Stepping Stone recognizes the
importance of their work and the role they
play in the development of each student. As
a result, they have completed over 900 hours
of educational training during this school
year alone – a phenomenal accomplishment
given the Department of Human Services only
requires each staff member to obtain 15 hours
per year.
To help their students thrive, Stepping
Stone's teachers and teacher aides are
consistently expanding their knowledge on
a variety of topics. During the past year, for
instance, the early childhood developmental
specialists and direct care support staff have
been learning ways to make the transition
between school and home easier for their
students.
"Professional development trainings allow
me to expand my knowledge base in different
areas," said Kristina Yones, an Arkansas Better
Chance teacher at Stepping Stone. "The more
training I receive, the more knowledge and
insight I gain. Developing new skills and
learning the best practices according to the
latest standards in education will help me
become the best educator I can be."
Stepping Stone School
for Exceptional Children
1036 Highway 64 E.
Alma, Arkansas 72921
479-632-3813
www.steppingstonearkansas.com
Kristina Yones is dedicated to expanding
her childhood development knowledge to
help her students.
Turning
Disabilities Into
Capabilities
Jobs+Plus, the vocational
division of Stepping Stone,
works to meet the needs of
adults, ages 18 and over, with
developmental/intellectual
disabilities. They offer job
training and daily living skills to
help these individuals become
as independent as possible.
This, in turn, builds their self-
esteem and allows them to
make a positive contribution
to their community. Stepping
Stone's adult program also
provides independent living
opportunities, transportation
and supportive living services,
as well as a 24-hour medical
intermediate care facility.
Stepping Stone's adult program
currently serves 80 individuals.
For more information about
what sets Stepping Stone apart
from other educational and
therapeutic programs in the
region, schedule a tour and see
firsthand the hard work and
dedication that goes into helping
children and adults with special
needs succeed.
OZARK LIVING • S E P T E M B E R 2023 • 25
