Welcome to Stepping Stones Village
In the landscape of every child's mind exists a village – a place where character takes shape and community understanding grows. Stepping Stones Village is an immersive journey into this internal world, where children discover the six fundamental traits that transform them from individuals into caring community members: Honest, Responsible, Mindful, Safe, Empathetic and Kind.
As explorers of their own developing character, children navigate the full spectrum from imaginative play to real-life relationships, with the Village serving as their beacon of safety and security – an anchor point that allows them to expand outward while remaining centered within. Through hands-on discovery, they experience the profound truth that healthy communities don't just happen, they are created by individuals who have done the internal work of character development, one stepping stone at a time.
Fundamental Traits
Safe
"I'm smart about safety and brave about asking for help!"
Empathetic
"I try to understand the feelings of others."
Honest
"When I'm truthful, it shows courage."
Kind
"When I treat others with respect, everyone matters."
Mindful
"Knowing my emotions helps me make better choices."
Responsible
"Taking care of myself and others helps everyone."
Annual Programming Highlights
300+
Interactive role-play scenarios
450+
hours/year of community-based literacy and communication activities
75+
community and civic storytelling workshops
External Connection
Comfort
and Security
Internal Imagination
The Funding Imperative
To keep Stepping Stones Village vibrant, equitable and evolving, we must invest in its future. This one-of-a-kind, child-sized city depends on philanthropic support to sustain and expand its immersive, multilingual programs. Public funding alone cannot meet the demand for high-quality, community-centered learning. Your investment ensures that every child – regardless of background – can access transformative experiences that promote literacy, wellness and civic belonging.
Your investment in the future
At Stepping Stones Village, children learn that reading, writing and communication empower them to shape a more just, inclusive and healthy world. Please join us in building a generation of children who understand that healthy communities begin with them.
Donate NowMade possible by a lead grant from:
Major Support From:
Platinum
Yale New Haven Health/Yale New Haven Children's Hospital
Yale School of Medicine
Gold
M&T Bank
Ernest and Joan Trefz Foundation
Bronze
Ridgefield Thrift Shop
BMW of Darien
Copper
Whole Foods Market
Bigelow Tea
Enterprise Mobility Foundation
Brass
Rotary Club of New Canaan
Bob's Discount Furniture
Made possible by a lead grant from:
Major Support From:
Platinum
Yale New Haven Health/Yale New Haven Children's Hospital
Yale School of Medicine
Gold
M&T Bank
Ernest and Joan Trefz Foundation
Bronze
Ridgefield Thrift Shop
BMW of Darien
Copper
Whole Foods Market
Bigelow Tea
Enterprise Mobility Foundation
Brass
Rotary Club of New Canaan
Bob's Discount Furniture