AUSTIN, TX. Stepping Stone School has partnered with Hatch® to install both the TeachSmart® and iStartSmartTM Interactive Learning Systems in its pre-kindergarten program. Stepping Stone School leads the way in integrating cutting edge technology in early childhood classrooms with this installation of the latest advancements in research-based educational technology systems. This major investment by Stepping Stone School will bring together its nationally recognized curriculum and exciting new technology designed specifically to aid in preschool learning and kindergarten readiness.
The TeachSmart® Learning System is the first comprehensive interactive whiteboard software package developed specifically for early childhood and the only pre-kindergarten educational software accredited by SMART™ Technologies at the highest Select Level. The iStartSmart™ All-in-One Computer Learning System is designed to increase school readiness skills through research-based activities and provide automated, standards-based progress monitoring through individualized performance reports. Upon the installation of these new systems, Stepping Stone School will have the largest number of iStartSmart and TeachSmart Interactive Learning Systems in the Texas privately-owned child development community.
Stepping Stone School is excited to offer systems that are designed to support educators in providing an interactive learning environment, leveraging the latest technology and research-based learning materials. Stepping Stone School’s founder and executive director Rhonda Paver adds, “One of the most exciting enhancements is that parents of children at Stepping Stone School will have the opportunity to be engaged with their child’s development through digital portfolios and reports that record a child’s progress and can be maintained for teacher assessment and sharing.”
“Stepping Stone School has long been recognized as a leader in early childhood education,” said Ginny Norton, President of Hatch, Inc. “Hatch is excited to be working with Stepping Stone School to implement interactive, groundbreaking technology. Both the iStartSmart™ and TeachSmart® Learning Systems are designed to increase school readiness skills and allow administrators to maximize their technology return on investment in early education.”
The TeachSmart® Learning System offers over 1,100 exclusive, customized and scaffolded activities that reflect the latest scientific research for pre-literacy and mathematics concept acquisition in young children, as well as powerful features for teachers such as digital portfolios. The playful and purposeful activities are designed around the core Texas Education Agency (TEA) school readiness skill areas of language development, phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, writing and math.
The iStartSmartTM Learning System is driven by adaptive teaching technology that moves children positively through 18 skill development areas known to predict success, developing competency before moving to the next skill area or level. The program provides automated performance reports that allow teachers to monitor both overall classroom progress and individual child progress in each skill area.
About Stepping Stone School:
Stepping Stone School, the largest privately owned child care provider in Central Texas and the 19th largest in the nation, has been locally owned and operated since 1979. Its founders and employees apply the principles of the school’s nationally recognized curriculum while providing the highest quality early education and care at its 18 locations. In addition, Stepping Stone School has been consistently voted the Best Child Care in the Austin Area for 12 years. For more information, please visit the Stepping Stone School Web site at www.steppingstoneschool.com or call 512.459.0258.