CareCompass
At a Glance
Trust Score
Based on comprehensive analysis of reviews, safety records, and operations.
About Stepping Stone School Viii
Stepping Stone School at Northwest Austin
Stepping Stone School at Northwest Austin provides care for children from 6 weeks to 5 years old. This campus is known for its small and intimate atmosphere, fostering a close-knit community among families. The facility features three age-appropriate playgrounds shaded by heritage oak trees and an in-ground swimming pool used for seasonal swimming lessons during the summer months. The program utilizes the proprietary Platinum Learning for Life curriculum, which integrates STREAM (Science, Technology, Relationships, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). The center includes a dedicated STREAM classroom for older children and a large atrium for enrichment programs. Safety measures include keypad entry and video monitoring in classrooms, while meals are prepared from scratch on-site to ensure high nutritional standards for every student in the program. Parents receive daily updates via the mobile app to stay connected to their child's day-to-day progress and milestones.
What Parents Say
5 reviews from parents
My son has been attending this Stepping Stone location since May 2025 and we have truly enjoyed our experience since Day 1. Stephanie, the school director, has always been so attentive and accommodating of my son and his needs. He's had a few delays but ever since he started at SS, he has progressed SO much. Their curriculum is truly one of the best and my son's progress is a testament to that. In addition, I love how they foster such a warm environment, and you can truly feel the love all the teachers put into their kiddos. I do wish they had more teachers as I tend to see substitutes regularly and during diaper changes, things can get a little chaotic with the class while the teacher is attending the one kiddo who needs a change. However, I'm understanding that that's a bigger issue outside of SS's control as the country has a shortage of teachers and caregivers.
My daughter's teacher, Mrs. Dihya, is amazing! I know my daughter is loved and taken care of when she's not with me. I also love how small and personal the school is. The whole staff is so sweet!
I am very thankful to Stepping Stone for providing such a safe and caring environment for my baby. The staff is always kind and attentive, which gives me peace of mind every day. A special thank you to Ms. Dihya, who takes such wonderful care of my daughter. She is patient, loving, and always makes sure she feels safe and happy. I am truly grateful for her kindness and dedication.
Our son has been attending for over 2 months now. Everyone is so kind, loving, and you tell that they truly love their jobs and all of the kids at the school. Miss Diyah does an outstanding job taking care of the newborn-infants. She is so happy to see my son every morning. He has a giant smile in checkup pictures sent during the day and when he gets picked up. The staff is very accomodating to special requests to take care of each child.
Stepping Stone School has exceeded my expectations. The quality of care they provide has been outstanding. Stephanie, the director, is at her desk every morning and never fails to greet us by name, super cheerful and her energy makes mornings that much easier. The apples near the coffee machine are a plus! Super friendly teachers. The pictures we receive make me so happy. Wouldn’t choose anywhere else.
Web Report
Aggregated insights from public records & parent discussions
Safety Record
No safety concerns, news incidents, or legal issues were found for the location at 9914 Woodland Village Dr. The facility has been licensed since May 1992 (License #401694) and recently maintained a high food service safety standard with a routine inspection score of 97 out of 100 in March 2025. The campus utilizes security measures including keypad entry and video monitoring in classrooms.
Parent Reputation
The location has a strong reputation with a 4.9/5 star rating on Google based on approximately 30 reviews. Parents frequently describe the environment as 'small and intimate' with a 'close-knit community' feel. While the chain has received 'Best in Childcare' awards from Austin Family Magazine for 27 years, some local parent forums express general concerns about staffing ratios across the broader Stepping Stone franchise.
Staff Insights
Employee reviews are mixed; official company sources emphasize 'industry-leading training' and professional growth opportunities for educators. However, parent discussions on platforms like Reddit suggest that some campuses within the chain experience high staff turnover and operational challenges due to 'shoestring' staffing levels. No employee reviews were found that explicitly reference the 9914 Woodland Village Dr location's management specifically.
Quick Information
