What is the one thing that
stays constant in the field of
education? The answer: nothing.
Education is always changing.
With over 50 years in
operation, Stepping Stone
is no longer just a school; It
has become a comprehensive
service provider to people with
developmental disabilities and
their families.
Stepping Stone's therapeutic
preschool is the only full-time one
of its kind in Crawford County.
They offer educational training,
speech therapy, occupational
therapy, physical therapy, behavior
management; as well as, family case
management and training.
As new research becomes
available, it is important for the
staff at Stepping Stone School
to stay on top of current trends
in education in order to better
serve their students. With 90%
of brain development occurring
in the first five years of life,
parents and educators certainly
have their work cut out for
them.
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.
"Professional development trainings
allow me to expand my knowledge
base in different areas. The
more trainings 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,"
said Kristina Yones, an Arkansas Better Chance
teacher at Stepping Stone.
To help their students thrive, Stepping
Stone's teachers and teacher aides devote
their time to expanding their knowledge on
a variety of topics. During the past year, the
early childhood developmental specialists and
direct care support staff have learned about
classroom management to make the
transition between school and home
easier for their students. They have also
studied various disorders so they can
best prepare their classrooms to meet
individual students' developmental
needs. In addition, the staff receives first aid
and CPR training to be better prepared in the
event of an emergency.
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.
A Stepping Stone to the
future for special needs
children and their families
SPONSOR CONTENT
Kristina Yones is dedicated
to expanding her childhood
development knowledge to
help her students.
1036 Highway 64 East
Alma, Arkansas 72921
479-632-3813
www.steppingstonearkansas.com
Erica Holland,
Child Development
Coordinator,
conducts many of the
trainings for Stepping
Stone educators. She
also works daily in the
classrooms and with
individual students
and teachers helping
to handle behaviors.
4 • AUGUST 2023 • www.Of f icialKidsMag.com
