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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 outdoor classroom, where they climb, move and explore physical play regardless of weather. This space is equip with an art area, sensory station, planters with flowers and editable plants, as well as a sand garden. Our most exciting feature is our fallen tree forest; a series of tree trunks connected and arranged at different levels to provide a creative space for gross motor, risk taking, and body awareness. Outdoor learning is incorporated in our outdoor adventures through frequent visits to our outdoor classroom and the local parks, offering sensory experiences, nature observation, and open-ended provocations in a community setting. Teachers, our play facilitators, often bring learning materials to the outdoor classroom and parks to foster learning moments.
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
Susan Bernstein
Education Director
Susan Bernstein (she/her) is the Education Director for our Portage Park school. She brings a deep commitment to nurturing children, families, and educators and is passionate about shaping a learning environment that reflects the heart of Stepping Stones—nature‑based exploration, meaningful play, and care practices that honor each child’s autonomy and individuality. Susan transitioned into her role at Portage Park after several wonderful years at our Lincoln Square location, where she supported classrooms across multiple age groups. Her Stepping Stones journey began even earlier, in 2018, at our Logan Square home daycare, where she witnessed the opening of both the Lincoln Square and Logan Square centers. Inspired by the vision and leadership of Victoria Hilton, Susan has long admired Stepping Stones’ dedication to creating safe, loving, and creative spaces where children grow into curious learners and compassionate community members. She is proud to carry that same spirit forward within the Portage Park community. With a passion for nature‑centered, eco‑conscious early education, Susan grounds her work in respectful, responsive, reciprocal, and research‑based practices. Over the past 20 years, she has supported Chicago’s youngest learners—from newborns to preschoolers—through classroom teaching, parent‑child classes, outdoor learning experiences, and coaching for families and educators. Her academic background includes a degree in Early Childhood Education from DePaul University with an endorsement in Special Education and a concentration in Art. Susan also holds an Illinois Teaching Certificate (Birth–3rd Grade), an Illinois ECE Credential Level 5, and an Illinois Director Credential Level 1. She continues to draw professional inspiration from the work of Dr. Emmi Pikler, Magda Gerber’s RIE® approach, and her ongoing study through Pikler USA. More recently, her interests have focused on early intervention and assessment, pediatric health and nutrition, natural physical development, and early childhood mental health. Outside of her work in early education, Susan often spends time outdoors—gardening, hiking with her family and dog, or enjoying Chicago’s many nature spaces. She is also an artist who enjoys painting, drawing, and writing poetry, and she loves exploring museums, galleries, neighborhood cafés, and live music throughout the city and suburbs. Susan looks forward to continuing to support Portage Park families and educators as children grow, learn, and thrive within our Stepping Stones community.
Paola Flores
Teacher of the Year
Paola Flores is a teacher in the Violets classroom who brings warmth, creativity, and a deep love of nature into her work with children. She was raised on a small farm in Mexico, where much of her childhood was spent outdoors—running alongside cows, giving them treats of fresh grass, making mud cakes, and building imaginative Barbie houses from branches and found materials. Those early experiences shaped her appreciation for fresh air, open spaces, and the freedom children feel when they are connected to nature.
Paola strongly believes in the philosophy Stepping Stones offers—an environment that supports creativity, exploration, and open‑ended play. Growing up immersed in nature helped her understand how powerful outdoor experiences are in fostering imagination and confidence in children. Teaching has shown her how deeply rewarding it is to witness children grow, learn, and overcome challenges. One memorable moment occurred when light rain began to fall and a child became upset after a raindrop landed on their arm. Paola playfully pretended she was “melting,” sparking laughter and turning tears into joy as the whole group joined in the fun. These moments reflect her ability to transform challenges into connection and laughter.
Blog Posts
- November at Stepping Stones Nursery School – Published Dec 5, 2024
- A Parent’s Guide to Finding the Perfect Preschool: Why Play-Based Learning and Outdoor Learning Matter – Published April 5, 2024
- Embracing the Wonder of the Holiday Season Through Child-Led Learning – Published Dec, 5, 2023
- Empowering Young Children: Confronting Fears with Confidence – Published Oct 10, 2023
- Rough & Tumble Superhero Play: An exploration of preschool play urges – Published July 11, 2023
- “The Messy Teacher” – Published May 11, 2023
- Lights and Levels: Illuminating and Elevating our Offerings to Young Children Part Two – Published March 20, 2023
- Lights and Levels: Illuminating and Elevating our Offerings to Young Children Part One – Published March 6, 2023
- Happy New Year! – Published Jan 10, 2023
- Exploring the holiday season with a sense of WONDER – Published Nov 29, 2022
- Pumpkin Play – What to do with all those leftover pumpkins after Halloween! – Published Oct 29, 2022
- Curating environments for early childhood – Published Sep 13, 2022
- The benefits of outdoor play on childhood stress – Published May 24, 2022
- To Share or Not to Share – Published Dec 17, 2021
- The Holiday Season and Child-Led Learning – Published Nov 19, 2021
- Employment shortage – the great resignation – Published Oct 18, 2021
- Happy New Year – reflections on 2020. – Published Dec 31, 2020
- How to talk about death with young children – Published Nov 2, 2020
- Halloween: 5 fun things to do at home! – Published Oct 27, 2020
- Kids’ Holidays are for Sharing, not Surrendering – Published Dec 18, 2019
- the joy of art – Published Nov 24, 2019
- Thanksgiving from a Native American perspective – Published Nov 24, 2019
- Helping toddlers overcome fear. – Published Oct 15, 2019
Reviews from Parents
Andrew Alexander • Google
Anna Canales • Google
Steve Bogdaniec • Google
Matt selvaggi • Google
Stepping Stones Nursery School
Chicago, IL
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