About stepping stones elc – Stepping Stones Early Learning Centre

our ethos

At Stepping Stones Early Learning Centre we acknowledge and indeed firmly believe that no child learns the same way. They all need to be provided with the opportunity to learn through a means that works for them, and that they enjoy. We aim to provide a quality play based learning environment. We are committed to valuing and respecting the children in our care by providing a safe, enjoyable, home from home environment.

Supporting you

At Stepping Stones we understand that sessional preschool care does not suit all working families.

With this in mind we offer a drop off service to local childminders in the Ballinahown, Castledaly and surrounding area.

Places on the bus fill up fast so contact us today to book your place.

Preschool Session

Our preschool session runs from 09:15 - 12:15. We operate both junior and senior preschool rooms with age appropriate curricula in both room.

Our Daily Routine & A Little Bit About Us

Stepping Stones Early Learning Centre opened its doors as a preschool service to the children of Ballinahown, Castledaly, Moate, and surrounding areas in September 2012. It is owned and managed by Lorraine Farrell.

Lorraine has a wealth of experience in early education both nationally and internationally and has worked with children of all ages and abilities. She holds a MA in Advocacy and Leadership in the Early Years in Sligo Institute of Technology, a BA in Early Childhood Care & Education from DIT and has continued her professional development over the past ten years with a variety of courses such as First Aid, Child Protection, Curriculum Development, Working with Children with Autism to name a few.

our setting

We operate from a custom built setting with two large interior rooms, bathrooms and a large outdoor play area with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Stepping Stones aims to provide a quality play based curriculum incorporating aspects of the Montessori Curriculum, High Scope and Aistear: The Curriculum Framework. You can read more on this in our curriculum section.

Find out more about our teachers here.

meet the team