920-725-1200

ABOUT US

Where We Help Your Children Reach Their Milestones.”

Sue previously owned elderly facilities and has much experience in administration and nursing. Sue also has many years of first hand experience raising Sue and Steve's six children, one child who is adopted from Ukraine. As a parent, Sue asks herself daily, "Is this where I would leave my child for care and pre-school?" This helps put into perspective what most parents should be asking as they search for child care for their young child.

"It has to be an ultimate fit, and feel right."

After losing their little son Evan, Sue missed the personal contact with children that she so dearly loved. Sue and Steve's eldest daughter, Courtney Smet, had a strong desire to own and operate a child-care center. Courtney, also a registered nurse, became the Stepping Stones Learning Center's Executive Director. Sue and Courtney, along with excellent teachers, are making a dream come true.

As the name states, this is truly a stepping stone for both Sue and Courtney after the loss of Sue and Steve's young son and Courtney's brother, Evan, at such a tender age. "The hugs and love that a child can bring to you are the greatest reward a parent or teacher can receive and are irreplaceable," says Sue. "It now helps to be with children." This was difficult to deal with after Evan died. "The heartache of losing a child never goes away, but this helps make it a bit softer, it truly does matter to make the difference in the life of a child." If you'd like more information about our program, please look at our service page or call Stepping Stones Learning Center at (920) 725-1200.

Evan’s Story

Why we do what we do: If you are reading this page, you are probably looking for a child care center to care for the most precious gift in your life. Having lost our precious son at the tender age of 6, we have a mission-to own and operate a child care center with a child's well-being truly at heart. Plain and simple, we care!

Children are given to us as gifts, never to be taken for granted. Everyday that we had our Evan, we gave him all that we could. Love, tenderness, and quality care are what we have to offer as parents and as a child care center.

When Evan died July 6th, 2000, we had no idea how our lives would change, and that this is the path we would walk down. However, one path does lead you down another path. There was a time when I could not even look at another child; now I thrive on caring for and loving all “our children”. Despite all the heartache we've endured, we have found joy and happiness once again. Evan, though his time on earth was short, gave his all to everybody. He was kind and ever so loving. He would stop and help you if he saw or thought you needed help in any way. His kisses and hugs were endless…

Evan left us one night, shortly after we shared a chocolate peanut butter-filled ice cream cone. We had no idea what to do with our lives after that nightmarish night. After a step out of life a bit and selling our elderly homes, the opportunity came along for me and my eldest daughter Courtney to take over a failing child care center. Not knowing if we could do this, it was a brave undertaking. We have since rebuilt that failing business, and Stepping Stones Learning Center evolved. The name simply came about; some days it’s still a “stepping stone” for us.

“One day at a time” became our motto. You see, when you bury a child, it does something to you. You look at life differently from most people. You realize even more than most people what a precious gift your children are, and what “irreplaceable commodities” you have! Enjoy your gift, a child is priceless. – Sue

Click here to read more about Evan’s story.

http://chrisangels2.bravehost.com/evans.html

Stepping Stones Learning Center has a unique learning environment. Our program emphasizes each individual child and his or her abilities. Individual instruction is offered, and an anti-biased curriculum is used to promote individualism, independence, and your child's self-esteem.

A wide array of weekly themes are used to give your child a broad atmosphere of learning. Children are encouraged to explore through individual and hands-on activities that strengthen dexterity. Group activities are also implemented to enhance the social development of your child. Your child is allowed to develop at his / her own pace, and our teachers and assistants are trained in child growth and development stages. They will assist and guide your child with compassion, respect, and direction. Additionally, our teachers and assistants will help your child develop a healthy attitude toward all people and your child's environment. We aim to hire certified child care teachers and fully-licensed Wisconsin teachers.

Along with the center's curriculum, we encourage parent involvement. You can be as involved as much or as little as you choose to be, or as your time allows. You are most welcome to visit and participate in your child's day with us. We have special activities such as the Mother's Day Luncheon, Father's Day brunches or lunch with your child, plus many

more fun events.

You’ll have the comfort of knowing your child is in caring, competent hands that monitor your child’s health and development daily.

Call Us Today At ♦ (920) 725-1200

State Licensed Child Care Center
Accepting Children Ages 6 Weeks to 12 Years Old
Full Time Care
Before & After School Care Programs
Preschool Curriculum for 3, 4 and 5-Year Olds