Stepping Stones Nursery School

About Stepping Stones Reggio-inspired School in Chicago, IL

At Stepping Stones, West Loop, we are Reggio-inspired and developmentally-focused. Surrounding children with a variety of enrichment, stimulating the senses, and supporting a passion for discovery. Our curriculum mindfully infuses structured lessons into a child-led, Reggio-inspired environment. Children flourish in an environment that is language-rich, dynamic but accessible, warm and loving. Teachers encourage children to challenge their skill set each day as they transition from novice to master again and again.

Our Nature-based, Outdoor Learning Curriculum Stands Out

Rather than a traditional playground, the West Loop location utilizes the neighborhoods many spacious nature areas, allowing children to move freely, climb, and engage in active play in rain or shine!

We also bring nature inside the classroom, offering sensory-rich, creative experiences with clay, paint, loose parts, and natural materials, like collected sticks and pine cones. Outdoor learning is brought to life through regular walks and adventures to nearby parks, giving children the chance to explore seasonal changes, urban nature, and open-ended movement in the fresh air.

Our classrooms are designed to feel like a second home—filled with natural materials, soft lighting, and gentle rhythms that support comfort, curiosity, and calm.

Child-led Learning Approach

Each day is guided by children’s interests and developmental stages, encouraging autonomy, discovery, and joyful learning.

Early Childhood Programs in West Loop, Chicago

Our Reggio-inspired school offers a full continuum of programs to support children from infancy through preschool. Each program is uniquely named and tailored to the developmental needs of the age group it serves, fostering a sense of identity, belonging, and purpose within the school community.

Ducklings – Infant Program (6 weeks to 10 months)

In our Ducklings classrooms, infants are cared for in a gentle, sensory-rich environment where routines are predictable, relationships are secure, and exploration is supported through music, soft materials, and simple toys. Individualized attention ensures babies feel safe, seen, and soothed.

Goslings – Waddler Toddler Program (10-18 months)

The Goslings classrooms offers a plenty of space for our little ones that are pulling themselves up, standing, beginning to walk, and beginning to really move! We give them a dedicated classroom to begin sensory exploration with painting and texture exploration, as well as other activities that introduce gross-motor skills and confidence early on.

Tadpoles – Younger Toddler Program (15-24 months)

In the Tadpoles classroom, toddlers are encouraged to explore their independence while developing emerging language and motor skills. Through guided play, simple routines, and lots of music, movement, and sensory experiences, toddlers begin to build friendships, express themselves, and navigate their world with growing confidence.

Dragonflies– Preschool (2+ years)

This classroom bridges toddlerhood and preschool with activities that promote language development, self-help skills, and imaginative play. Children are guided in problem-solving and supported in building independence through a mix of group and solo learning experiences.

Bullfrogs – Pre-Kindergarten (3–5 years)

In our Bullfrogs program, children deepen their critical thinking and collaboration skills as they prepare for kindergarten. Teachers facilitate learning by observing children’s interests and building emergent curriculum, early literacy, and social-emotional learning around them. Project-based learning, storytelling, and outdoor exploration allow children to apply concepts, solve problems, and work as a team.

The Stepping Stones Story in Chicago, IL

A Unique Philosophy Rooted in Reggio-inspired Principles

If you’re looking, you will notice several progressive methods and materials including Reggio Emilia, RIE, Waldorf, but mostly Reggio Emilia. If you’re not looking, you will still notice that care is our curriculum. We respect and focus on the “whole child” rooted in learning by doing and prioritizing exploration, problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaborative projects. Our teachers and care takers are co-learners alongside their students, encouraging curiosity through schema observation, prosocial relationships, and facilitating child-led and empowering learning environments.

Schedule A Tour or Contact Us Today!

Come visit the premier Reggio-inspired School brand in Chicago and discover how we nurture creativity, independence, and a love for learning in young children. Our Reggio-inspired approach fosters a supportive and engaging environment where every child can thrive. Stop by for a tour or give us a call to learn more about our programs and enrollment options. We look forward to welcoming you!