About The School

Stepping Stones School at River Life utilizes a play-based, student inquiry approach to learning. We use faith-based principles and best practices in early childhood education in order to create a high quality educational experience for children. Our school is a place where you can be confident that your child is spending their day in a warm, nurturing, active and creative environment. Our goal is to have them “graduate” from our program being academically, physically, socially, and emotionally ready for Kindergarten while also knowing that Jesus loves them, no matter what.

Stepping Stones School does not discriminate against applicants and/or students on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin, in the administration of any of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, if any, and/or any other school-administered programs.

Stepping Stones school at River life is a California non-profit / public benefit corporation.

Our Mission

Stepping Stones School’s mission is cultivating lives through relationships, learning, play, and creativity; and inspiring the spiritual foundation that we are always loved by Jesus.

academic

Early childhood is a time of rapid intellectual development. We believe it is the most important stage of development, and that all children should have the opportunity to reach their full cognitive potential.

Social

Social skills and emotional development are essential for school readiness. It is important that we model appropriate behavior, help children name what they are feeling, and offer praise for successful interactions with others.

Spiritual

It is our belief that we are created to do good things (Ephesians 2:10), and that we are loved by God no matter what. We include God naturally throughout the day, with gratitude and love.

Dedicated Staff

School Administrator

Michele Scarberry

Michele serves as the Children’s Director at River Life Church in addition to being the administrator to Stepping Stones School.

School Director

Mornen Haymer

Hello my name is Mornen Haymer and I am the director here at Stepping Stones School at River Life Church. I started here at Stepping Stones in August of 2017. However, I have worked in the Early Childhood Education field for more than 20 years. I attended California State University Sacramento completing requisite units in Child Development. I also received training from ABC School as a Behavioral Specialist. I have worked with young children of all ages: infant to teaching kindergarten. It is my passion to ensure each child receives the skills, they need to be successful in kindergarten and that the same skills will guide them throughout their life. I want each child to believe in themselves and know that Jesus loves them and is always with them.

Office Administrator

Michelle Davis

Fireflies Teacher (3 - 4 year olds)

Vanessa Mendoza & Jennifer Emmons

Little Lambs Teacher (2 - 3 Year Olds)

Sara Chinakwe

Little Lambs Teacher (2 -3 year olds)

Maura Flynn

Shining Stars Teacher ( 4+ Pre - K )

Alicia Longmire

FloatingTeacher

Barbara Williams-Colvin

Thoughts From Parents

"Attending Stepping Stones has been an amazing experience for my son. He used to complain about going to school and it was a fight to get out the door. Since he has started at Stepping Stones he can't wait to get to school so he can do circle time with Ms. Katie. Ms. Katie and Ms. Genevieve are so incredibly patient and loving with my energetic, talkative 4 year old. They allow him to be himself with all that energy but they are also somehow teaching him letters, numbers and how to use his imagination. I am happily shocked when he comes home and recites his Bible verse to me. The proud smile that comes across his face before he even finishes the verse is how I know that Stepping Stones is exactly what he needs." D. Baker

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"We are very grateful that there was an open spot for our daughter at the new Stepping Stones School in East Sac. Most of the other preschools in the area have 1-2yr waiting list. We didn't quite know what to expect and we've been pleasantly surprised with the staff and the set-up.

The facility is brand new inside and out, completely rehabbed from the Phoenix preschool that used to be on the site. Our rambunctious daughter loves the tricycle track, sandbox, soccer area, craft tables, and garden outside in the play space.

The teachers are kind. They strike a good balance between learning through play and also introducing letters and numbers. The director is present, compassionate, and has a calming influence with the kids and parents.

We've been very happy with Stepping Stones so far and we're excited to see how the program grows in the coming months and years."

Brian & Christie Heller de Leon

Child, Age 3 and 1/2

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"As a County Superintendent of Schools, I know that quality leadership, instruction, fiscal responsibility, and a deep care for the children served are key ingredients for an exceptional preschool program. "Stepping Stones" is on track to fulfill every one of these areas exceptionally well!"

Ed Manansala