At a Glance
Trust Score
Based on comprehensive analysis of reviews, safety records, and operations.
About Stepping Stone School Xiv
Stepping Stone School Brodie Lane
Stepping Stone School XIV on Brodie Lane provides a structured educational environment utilizing the Platinum Learning for Life™ curriculum. This approach integrates Science, Technology, Relationships, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STREAM) to foster academic and personal growth. The campus features unique amenities including a large indoor atrium with a SMART whiteboard, three shaded playgrounds with artificial turf, and a rock climbing wall. Beyond academics, the program emphasizes social-emotional development through its 'Proud to Be Polite' manners initiative. The facility is equipped with secure coded entry and video monitoring systems. As an established Austin-based provider since 1979, the school offers full-time care, after-school programs, and seasonal camps, with meals prepared on-site to support healthy development.
What Parents Say
5 reviews from parents
Our two boys currently are enrolled at Stepping Stone and we have had the most incredible experience! Our oldest has been going here for a year and a half and is always excited to play with his friends and incredible teachers when we drop him off. Ms. Monica has been his teacher for over a year now and he loves her so much! We love how the teachers are constantly engaging the children in reading, crafts, outside group play, and more. Our youngest son has been enrolled for the past few months, and his teachers (Miss Tami, Ms. Lola, and Miss Natalia) are always so warm and engaging with our little one. His transition to full time daycare could not have been smoother! We are so grateful for experience with Stepping Stone and strongly recommend it for anyone in need of a thoughtful, safe, and engaging environment where your little one can learn and grow!
On June 30, 2025, we received a certified letter from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services stating their intent to take adverse action against Stepping Stone School at Brodie/Circle C by revoking their permit to operate a Licensed Child Care Program. As of this writing, Stepping Stone at Brodie/Circle C has received 80 citations from TX HHS in the past five years. This list of deficiencies is publicly available on the Texas Child Care search portal on the TX HHS website. Our child was enrolled at this location for over 2 years. During that time, we experienced many issues, including a severe lack of communication and high staff turnover. We frequently voiced our concerns, but these problems, among others, continued to occur without adequate resolution. Overall, our negative experience with Stepping Stone at Brodie/Circle C is well reflected in the deficiencies listed by TX HHS. This letter was the last straw for our family. In our opinion, the Stepping Stone administration’s response to this letter was dismissive of our concerns, with no accountability for the deficiencies documented by the state. We put in our notice to unenroll that same week. We believe Stepping Stone cannot provide a safe and stable environment for our child.
My daughter has been at Stepping Stone for about six months now, and our experience has been truly wonderful. Ms Lola is an exceptional teacher — she is kind, compassionate, and always willing to help. Whether we’ve had questions or concerns, she’s been there with thoughtful advice and support every step of the way. We’re so grateful for the care and dedication she shows our daughter, and we truly appreciate all the hard work she puts in each day.
A year in, we are very happy with our decision to enroll our child at Stepping Stone on Brodie. Ms Lola in the infant room has been an absolute angel and it’s obvious how much she cares for our son. She has made him (and us) feel welcome, safe, and reassured every day at drop off. All of the teachers we’ve worked with so far are wonderful and our little guy comes home very happy!
Upon enrolling our children at Stepping Stone, we initially observed areas where the daycare could benefit from enhancement. Under previous leadership, there were many opportunities for improvement as reflected in Yelp reviews prior to the management change. However, as of recent, our experience at Stepping Stone has changed for the better and has been nothing short of exceptional, thanks in large part to the incredible leadership of the new Campus Principal, Christina Watson. Since Christina's arrival, we have witnessed a remarkable transformation. Her proactive approach to addressing challenges, listening to feedback, and implementing positive changes has truly turned things around. It's inspiring to see how she has revitalized the daycare into a thriving and vibrant community that we are proud to be a part of. Under Christina's guidance, the daycare has undergone remarkable positive changes that have truly elevated the overall experience for both children and parents alike. Her dedication to creating a warm, safe, and enriching environment is evident in every aspect of the daycare's operation. First and foremost, the staff members along with the new assistant principal, Ms. Larisa, exude passion and professionalism in their interactions with the children. It's clear that they genuinely care about each child's well-being and development. From the warm greetings at drop-off to the detailed updates at pick-up, we always feel informed and reassured about our children's day. Christina has implemented innovative programs and activities that cater to the unique needs and interests of every child. Whether it's through art, music, storytelling, or outdoor play, our children are constantly engaged and excited to learn. The diverse range of activities not only fosters creativity and curiosity but also promotes socialization and teamwork. Furthermore, the facility itself is immaculate and thoughtfully designed to stimulate young minds. The classrooms are bright and inviting, filled with age-appropriate toys, books, and learning materials. The outdoor play area is a veritable paradise for little adventurers, complete with climbing structures, sandboxes, and plenty of green space to explore. In addition to the exceptional care provided during regular daycare hours, we also appreciate the flexibility and support offered to families. Whether it's accommodating special dietary needs, providing resources for parental guidance, or organizing family events, Stepping Stone truly goes above and beyond to ensure that every family feels valued and supported. We cannot sing the praises of Stepping Stone and Christina Watson enough. Thanks to her visionary leadership and the dedication of the entire staff, our children are thriving in an environment that feels like a second home. We are grateful every day for the positive impact this daycare has had on our family, and we wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone in search of a nurturing and enriching early childhood education experience.
Web Report
Aggregated insights from public records & parent discussions
Safety Record
As of June 2025, parent reports on public review platforms indicated the school received a notification from Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding an intent to take adverse action against its permit, reportedly citing 80 licensing citations over a five-year period. However, official news of a closure or final revocation has not been published, and the school remains listed as active on its official website and in 2026 local directories. The facility employs a dedicated Safety Compliance Officer and features secure fencing and monitored entry.
Parent Reputation
Reputation is mixed, with the school recently winning the 'Best Childcare in Austin' award in the 2025 Austin American-Statesman Community Choice Awards. While some parents praise the facility's atrium and individual staff members, others express significant concern over high teacher turnover and management's response to licensing issues. Common themes in negative feedback include concerns about staffing ratios and the cost of non-refundable enrollment fees.
Staff Insights
Employee and parent reviews frequently mention high staff turnover and challenges with management consistency. Despite general turnover concerns, specific staff members such as Principal Megan Martin and educator Christina Watson have received positive individual mentions for their proactive and caring nature. The school provides internal training for faculty on early childhood best practices and 'Platinum Learning for Life' curriculum implementation.





