The most precious possessions we have in life are our children. This is why choosing an appropriate school for a child with disabilities is probably the most difficult yet one of the most important decisions a parent will have to make.
Struggling with this question is always emotional and sometimes very confusing. During this crucial time, it seems as though you are left all alone to deal with a variety of emotions, facts, and statistics. It is difficult to find the right person to give you advice or show you the right path to put your mind at ease.
This web page is designed to assist you in weighing your options while providing some important facts and details about our school.
The decisions you are about to make concerning your child's future are not easy ones but we hope you will understand that the professional staff at Stepping Stone is here to guide you through every phase of the process. Our dedication and commitment to your child's success is unsurpassed. Please contact us if we may help you or your child in anyway.frankji@ptd.net
Stepping Stone School was founded by Lana Asmund-Martin, MSW, Ph.D in 1978 to fulfill a need for services for students with significant behavior and learning needs in western and central New Jersey. It is a private, non-profit, non-discriminatory day school with an emphasis on restorative counseling. The school is governed by a Board of Trustees. An individualized instructional and restorative counseling program is provided as an integral part of the school experience. More than 800 students, as well as families have benefited from the program since its inception.
The Stepping Stone Program strives to create an appropriate balance between a student's emotional and academic needs. The school climate is based on trust, caring, cooperation and respect for the individual needs of each child. A cognitive behavioral approach is used with students to teach them about their emotional needs while at the same time reinforcing appropriate behaviors. Classroom activities are organized, individualized, and supported through ongoing counseling and social skill building activities.
Stepping Stone recognizes that a parent's participation and input is essential to the success of a child. Constant contact between administration, staff, parents and home districts help to develop a better understanding of what works for the child. This understanding translates into the student's individualized program and ultimate success.
Our counselors/teachers will assist parents and sending districts in planning and implementing an I.E.P. specifically designed for the unique educational needs of your child.
Beginning with the first week of school to the child's transition back to public school, parents are kept informed of all decisions and steps towards the ultimate success of the child.
Teachers can make a difference in a child's life. Our highly qualified, motivated staff is committed to the following goals in order to insure a positive academic and emotionally balanced experience for students:
Students are transported to Stepping Stone School by their sending Board of Education. Stepping Stone does not provide transportation for students.
Stepping Stone School is a New Jersey State approved private school for educationally handicapped students. Students are referred to Stepping Stone by the Child Study Teams of the sending public schools districts. Fund raising campaigns, grants and donations add to the financial base. There is no tuition cost to the family.
Other relevant Sites:ASAH NJDOE NAPSEC
