Stepping Stones Nursery School
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5910 W. Montrose Ave
Chicago, IL 60634 - (773) 904-7090
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Monday - Friday
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM - Ages: 15 months - 5 years
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- Overview
- Programs
- Our Team
About Stepping Stones Nursery School in Chicago, IL
Founded in 2012, Stepping Stones Nursery School has grown into one of Chicago’s most trusted early childhood education programs, with locations in Logan Square, Lincoln Square, and Portage Park. Each location shares a unified philosophy grounded in the belief that children learn best through exploration, play, and strong relationships.
At Portage Park, our classrooms are designed to feel like an extension of home—filled with soft lighting, natural textures, and open-ended materials that inspire creativity and calm. Children are supported by loving educators who guide their growth through positive guidance and individualized learning experiences.
The school’s environment, both indoors and outdoors, encourages children to explore at their own pace while building a foundation for academic, emotional, and social success.
Early Childhood Programs at Portage Park
At Stepping Stones – Portage Park, we offer a continuum of programs tailored to toddlers and preschool-aged children. While this location does not serve infants, we proudly provide a robust learning experience for children ages 15 months to 5 years. Each classroom has a distinct identity and curriculum based on the unique developmental needs of the children it serves.
Daffodils – Toddler Program (15–24 months)
In the Daffodils classroom, toddlers are supported in developing their independence, communication, and early social skills. Daily routines include music, sensory exploration, group meals, art activities, and park visits. Teachers nurture emerging language and emotional expression while encouraging safe risk-taking and self-help skills.
Violets – Older Toddler Program (2–3 years)
The Violets classroom bridges toddlerhood and preschool, focusing on imaginative play, movement, and early problem-solving. Through open-ended materials, group time, and outdoor adventures, children practice collaboration, build vocabulary, and develop a deeper sense of identity within their classroom community.
Snapdragons – Preschool / Pre-Kindergarten Program (3–5 years)
In the Snapdragons classroom, children engage in more complex projects and hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for kindergarten and beyond. The curriculum fosters early literacy, numeracy, science inquiry, and emotional intelligence. With an emphasis on leadership, creativity, and cooperation, children build confidence and readiness for their next educational step.
All children at Portage Park also enjoy time in our indoor gross motor space, where they climb, move, and explore physical play regardless of weather. Outdoor learning is incorporated through frequent park visits, offering sensory experiences, nature observation, and open-ended movement in a community setting.
Why Families Choose Stepping Stones Nursery School – Portage Park
- Child-Centered Curriculum: Play-based learning that meets each child where they are and builds on their natural curiosity.
- Nature-Infused Environments: Beautiful, calming classrooms and outdoor spaces designed to support focus, comfort, and creativity.
- Experienced, Compassionate Teachers: Educators trained in early childhood development and committed to forming strong relationships with each child.
- Community Connection: A welcoming school culture that celebrates family diversity, community involvement, and mutual respect.
- Developmental Continuity: Seamless program transitions that support growth from infancy through Pre-K.
Visit Us Today
Step into a nurturing learning environment where children are free to imagine, explore, and thrive. At Stepping Stones Nursery School in Portage Park, we are passionate about guiding your child’s first steps toward a bright, confident future.
Schedule a tour today and see how we bring learning to life through play, nature, and meaningful relationships.
Programs Offered
Our Team
Lucy Lunsford
Executive Director
Lucy believes children are in a constant state of imagination and wonder. As an educator, she is a co-learner and observer. She trusts that through the exploration of play, children can create a bright space to ask questions, experiment, and problem-solve.
Lucy achieved her BA in Liberal Arts from Sarah Lawrence College (’13) after studying Child Development & Education, Literature, and Art. She completed her senior thesis on the philosophies of alternative education and how art and movement provide tools for communication and independence. Her decade long experience in education has taken many lively forms; She started her career in New York as a Student Liaison for a tutoring company. Then became an After-school Co-Director for Manhattan Country Day School. After an exciting move to Chicago, she worked at a Montessori school, another Reggio Emilia inspired program, and then became the Education Coordinator for a non-profit organization that promotes continuing education in 3D design for teens and adults. This long and winding road has happily led her to be the Education Director of Stepping Stones Nursery School at Lincoln Square and then proudly moved into the new Executive Director position to oversee operations of all 3 Stepping Stones’ locations.
Lastly, Lucy and her husband welcomed their first child in 2022 and they are enjoying the thrilling early years of parenthood. You can find them strolling around Rogers Park with their two sweet pups or playing music on their back porch.
Susan Bernstein
Education Director
Hello Stepping Stones Community! My name is Susan Bernstein (she/her) and I am excited to be Portage Park’s Education Director. I am looking forward to supporting our families, teaching team, and staff as we grow our newest community at Stepping Stones to be full of passion for providing you and your children the best you can find in a nature-based, play-rich learning environment with care methods that foster the autonomy and growing individualism of every child who comes through our open doors.
I am coming to you from our Lincoln Square location, where I have been an educarer in many classrooms. It has been a wonderful journey here these past few years. Previously, I joined Stepping Stones at the Logan Square home daycare as the wonderful Lincoln Square and then Logan Square centers were opened. Watching Victoria Hilton bring her vision of providing a safe, loving, and creative space for children to grow into curious learners and compassionate young citizens where they can fully engage in environmental learning has been inspiring. I am excited to bring to Portage Park an early childhood education and care space where you all can know you’ve made the best decision for your little ones.
I am passionate about nature-based and eco-conscious childcare and early education and focus my time with young children and families around respectful, responsive, reciprocal, research-based practices.
I’ve provided care and supportive education to Chicago’s little ones (newborn through preschool-age children) and their families for the last 20 years. I’ve enjoyed leading parent-child classes indoors and out in nature as well as coaching programs for families, educarers, and childcare centers. My academic background includes Depaul University’s ECE degree with an endorsement in Special Education and a concentration in Art. I also have had an IL Teaching Certification for Birth through 3rd grade, an IL ECE Credential Level 5, and an IL Director Credential Level 1. I have been inspired learning about Dr. Emmi Pikler’s research on infants and young children through coursework provided by the Pikler Institute via Pikler USA and Magda Gerber’s Resources for Infant Educarers. I am an avid researcher and have focused my most recent attention on early intervention & assessment, pediatric health & nutrition, pediatric natural physical development, and childhood mental health.
Outside of my work with families and educarers, I prefer to be outside gardening, hiking with my family and dog at forest preserves, and investing my time in my own art in the mediums of paint, pencil, and writing poetry. I love visiting museums and art galleries as well as exploring different Chicago neighborhoods and suburban nature areas, restaurants, and live music.
It will be so wonderful to meet you all and support you on your journey of raising and watching your lovely little ones grow in our Portage Park community.
Brenda Quizhpi
Assistant Director
Brenda is the Assistant Director at the Portage Park location. She has been working in Early Childhood Education for 6 years after learning the principles of taking care of young minds. She had an early childhood educator always tell her, “You can help all young minds with the patience and understanding you have for the children”. This always stuck with her and it led her on her education journey.
Brenda earned an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education with hopes to expand her knowledge and continue her education towards a Bachelors Degree in Early Education and Administration. This foundation of knowledge helps Brenda grow her mentor voice, guiding her team in who they are and where they want to go. She will always work to create a safe and supportive working and learning environment for her entire community.
She has worked in many daycares in Chicago, but Stepping Stones opened a door to new early learning for her. A nature-based curriculum is not only outdoor learning; it is appreciating the world around us! As both a Lead Teacher and Assistant Director, she is in awe every day of the growth she has experienced since working with Stepping Stones colleagues, families, and students.
Brenda comes from a big family and they are always up to something! She loves to go out for walks in her neighborhood and explore new neighborhoods with her partner on car drives around Illinois. She absolutely loves to dance to all kinds of music with her nieces and nephew. As soon as the sun is out and the air is warm, she is swimming all weekend long and enjoying summer days.
