School’s teacher Brenda Karolides accepts position

DANVERS’ STEPPING STONES PRESCHOOL ANNOUNCES NEW DIRECTOR

DANVERS, MA – Stepping Stones Preschool, the much-loved north shore learning institution that has been providing area residents with robust two-day and three-day preschool programs since 1969, has announced the appointment of a new director. 

Brenda Karolides,
(photo right) who has been a teacher at the school for six years, will take over the responsibilities as director and lead teacher beginning in September. She will begin her duties on June 1st and will continue her teaching duties at Stepping Stones until then, ensuring a smooth transition for families and children.

Stepping Stones Preschool is a nonprofit, nondenominational, pre-school sponsored by Calvary Episcopal Church. The school is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.

In announcing Mrs. Karolides’ appointment, the Rev. Thea Keith-Lucas said, “We are delighted that Stepping Stones’ teacher Brenda Karolides has accepted the position of Director.” Speaking for the Stepping Stones Search Committee that selected Mrs. Karolides, Rev. Keith-Lucas said, “We received many applications from strong candidates, and were very happy to discover that the best match for the job was already part of the Stepping Stones family. We are confident that she will retain the best of Stepping Stones’ heritage while enriching its curriculum with creative uses of technology and a new focus on children’s literature. ”

Brenda Karolides has been teaching at Stepping Stones since 2002 and is well known by the families and children who have come to love her high level of energy, dedication, creativity and her enthusiasm for her profession and those whom she teaches.

The school will now be accepting children ages 2.9 to five years of age. It meets Monday through Friday in the spacious (nearly 1000-square feet), light-filled Preschool located behind the welcoming red door at 46 Cherry Street. It is conveniently located in the center of town, at the corner of Cherry and Holten Streets and ample free parking is available.

“I’m so pleased to take on the leadership of Stepping Stones, which is such a valuable educational resource for the north shore community” said Brenda Karolides. “As a familiar face there, I think I will be well equipped to bring in learning innovations and continue to provide our students with a first-class learning environment that will encourage their curiosity and introduce them to the joys of a lifetime of learning.”

Brenda Karolides comes to the Directorship role well qualified and experienced as a leader and teaching practitioner. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, with a minor in Psychology, from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. She then enrolled at Salem State College and earned a Master of Education degree with a major in Early Childhood Education with a focus on Special Education.

Her previous work experience includes creating a literature based reading program at Camp Shakesbear, in Beverly, MA, serving as head pre-school teacher at First Friends Day Care in Beverly, and serving as educational coordinator for Salem Community Childcare.

She is Teaching Certified and Director Certified by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

A native of Massachusetts, and well known in the Danvers community, she and her husband Mark and their two children, Nicole, 14, and Ryan, 11, live on the Peabody – Danvers line.

“I’m thrilled about the many opportunities we have at Stepping Stones Preschool. We offer a warm, safe, supportive environment with a rich variety of daily learning activities that encourage our young children to learn, explore, have fun, and develop socially, intellectually, physically and emotionally. Parents are encouraged to visit their child’s class to observe or participate in daily activities and we welcome their assistance as classroom volunteers, story readers, engaging in craft projects and serving as computer helpers.”

Stepping Stones maintains an impressive faculty-student ratio of 1 to 8, and its teachers are fully certified and/or credentialed in early childhood education. At Stepping Stones, children develop such socialization skills as playing, sharing, listening, and talking. A developmentally appropriate curriculum ensures that each child has a positive, challenging school experience. 

For more information about Stepping Stones, its staff, and operating philosophy, please visit the Stepping Stones Web site at http://www.steppingstonesdanvers.org or call 978-810-0051.

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