Stepping Stones Learning Center: Where We Help Your Children Reach Their Milestones

Interested to learn more about Stepping Stones Learning Center? Read the information below to learn how we were established and what motivates us every day. Feel free to contact us today for more information.

Our Story

If you are reading this page, you are probably looking for a child care center for the most precious gift in your life. Stepping Stones Learning Center was founded in September 2003 in loving memory of Evan Jamison Schmidt. Evan, son of Sue Schmidt and brother of Courtney Smet, passed away very unexpectedly at the age of 6 years. Together, Sue and Courtney ran Stepping Stones Learning Center for 20 years. With Sue’s retirement in June 2023, Courtney decided to take on Stepping Stones Learning Center and continue their mission to offer exceptional child care with a dedication to helping your child reach their developmental milestones.

As the name states, this is and continues to be a “stepping stone” for both Sue and Courtney after the loss of Evan. With Evan’s passing, there have been many paths traveled with brave undertakings, and to this very day, it is still a “stepping stone” in our lives. Stepping Stones Learning Center will always be remembered as a journey Sue and Courtney started together, giving it their all to turn it into one of the most reputable learning centers in the Neenah area. Courtney, a registered nurse and mother of two beautifully adopted children of her own, now more than ever wants to continue Stepping Stones Learning Center’s legacy. I remind myself frequently, “If it is not good enough for my own children, then it’s not good enough for yours. We must constantly keep striving to keep our mission going.” Thank you, Little Buddy (Evan); we could not have done this without you by our side, guiding us!!

Stepping Stones Learning Center has a unique learning environment. Our program emphasizes each 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 childcare 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