The first day of school at Stepping Stones on September 4 marked a busy and cheerful start to the 2025-26 academic year.

Classrooms quickly settled into their routines, as students who moved up had already transitioned into new settings during the extended school year in July and August. Children engaged in a variety of activities—from saying the Pledge of Allegiance and reviewing the days of the week, to stretching during yoga, listening during storytime, and participating in imaginative play. Therapies were integrated into the schedule, supporting each child’s individual needs.

It was a full and engaging day that set a strong tone for the year ahead.

The Arc of Essex County’s Stepping Stones School is a Department of Education approved private school for students with disabilities.  Located in Fairfield, NJ, the school is designed to meet the developmental and educational needs of children with cognitive impairments such as Down syndrome and other students with similar educational and developmental needs.  For more information, or to request a virtual tour and assistance with an out-of-district placement, contact Robin Moses, Director of Early Childhood and Education at (862) 210-8781 or rmoses@arcessex.org.