Stepping Stone Dayschool is a special education school in Kew Gardens Hills, NY, dedicated to providing comprehensive services for young children with and without special needs. Founded in 1983, the school offers multi-disciplinary evaluations, individualized education, and therapeutic support including physical, occupational, speech/language, and feeding therapies. It also provides counseling and family services through social workers and school psychologists. The school emphasizes collaborative learning, family involvement, and individualized educational planning, serving children through small group settings and diverse student-to-staff ratios. Its mission centers on fostering holistic development in a safe, nurturing, and enriched environment, with a strong commitment to social-emotional well-being and early literacy. The school is recognized for excellence in early childhood special education and maintains a long-standing reputation for best practices in the field.
Rooted in a philosophy that all children can learn and grow, Stepping Stone Dayschool was established by Suzanne Martin and Roni Horowitz with a vision grounded in inclusion, collaboration, and family-centered care. The school integrates age-appropriate technology and mobility devices to support children with communication and physical challenges, ensuring universal access to learning. Daily routines and classroom environments are designed to promote independence, peer engagement, emotional security, and creative expression. With a focus on child-directed learning and evidence-based practices, the school cultivates curiosity and critical thinking while maintaining structure tailored to diverse developmental needs.
Located on Vleigh Pl in Kew Gardens Hills, the school sits just 0.1 miles from Judge Moses Weinstein Playground and Main Street, and is within a short distance of Union Turnpike, Grand Central Parkway, and P.S. / M.S. 164, Queens Valley School of the Arts. Freedom Square is also nearby, offering a green space within walking distance.
Stepping Stone Dayschool is recognized for its thorough and well-documented presence online, with a website that search engines access clearly and efficiently. This strong digital foundation supports consistent visibility and reliable information for families seeking early childhood special education services.
The school stands as a vital resource in Kew Gardens Hills, offering a deeply committed, research-informed approach to early development that strengthens both children and their families within the community.