Our Philosophy
The Stepping Stone Preschool is a Montessori inspired learning environment which enables each child to learn at their own pace. We support and encourage creativity. At TSSP we provide each child with a positive, nurturing, and hands on learning experience so that they may feel successful with their own achievements. Our program provides each child a solid foundation to be self motivated. Our goal is to empower the children to make their own decisions, allowing the children to independently explore their world; providing them with self confidence and self-awareness. The Stepping Stone Preschool is also a place for emotional and social growth. Children learn to behave appropriately in the classroom and also outside. They are taught to be respectful and mindful of themselves, others and their environment.
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Our Classroom
Our Montessori Inspired classroom is a carefully prepared environment to enhance a child's academic growth and sense of order. Children move freely about the classroom, choosing work that they desire. The classroom is a space surrounded by four sections, Practical life, sensorial, math & language, and a reading area. There are tables and chairs for independent "work" and work mats that provide a working space for each child's individual "work". If a child chooses a work mat for their working space and would like to work with a friend it is encouraged. Team work at TSSP is a huge part of our program. The teacher shouldn't be the ONLY one to provide answers to children; their peers are always welcome to as well. Our work mats allow the other children to be aware of others space and have a place of order for their work. Our morning begins with a circle time beginning with our roll taking, Calendar in English & Portuguese, continent song, alphabet & phonics song, Counting in english, spanish and portuguese, and Months of the year song. This is also a time we will introduce new materials and lessons to the class. Read a story, learn a new song or have a ICPS game/lesson. After circle time, the children are free to work independently with carefully prepared Montessori "works"; activities specifically designed to enrich each child with the Montessori philosophy of education. The class concludes with sharing, music & movement, and a story.
STAFF
Owner/Teacher
Mrs.Bixler:
(Mrs. "B")
Hi! My name is Ashtane Bixler, I am a loving and compassionate person. I have a passion for teaching. I have been teaching for 5 years. I guess you can say it must be in my blood. My mother has owned her own daycare since I was in second grade and thought that having lots of children in our home was normal. Watching my mother and gaining her patience along with sincerity has made me grow and have a passion for our children of the future. I began assisting in a Montessori 1-3 grade class and I became intrigued at the way the children were learning by concrete material, I was also the extended care teacher for 1-3 grade. Then throughout my experience in Irvine, CA. I wanted to observe and interact with younger children so, I began assisting in a Montessori kindergarten and two Montessori preschool classrooms. I then moved to the Central Coast and I became an assistant teacher in a Montessori preschool classroom. During that year in a half I was impressed with the children's independence as well as their respect for one another. I then became head teacher in the Montessori Preschool classroom at the Laureate School and enjoyed watching the children grow and see their accomplishments as well as seeing the bond the classroom formed with one another, it was a great experience.
Children are amazing little people whom have a heart filled with love. Seeing the look on a child's face once they have completed or accomplished something is amazing to me. I have been teaching for six years and I would not trade it for the world. I promise to you that I will provide your child with love, safety, care & positive encouragement, so they thrive in every way possible. I believe that children can learn to be responsible for themselves and their environment in a fun way as well as recognizing that every human being has a "personal space." In my preschool I encourage the children to use their words and stand up for what they want, don't want, and how they feel. It is very important they learn this tool at an early age to help gain confidence in which they will not be afraid. I look forward to be a part of your family, as well as yours a apart of mine. So let's let the journey begin and accomplish a Stepping Stone together!
Thank you!
