Providing Excellent Child Care
Stepping Stones Academy is committed to providing excellent child care services for our community and operates under the ownership of Nations Church. Our program is focused on creating an environment that is fun, loving, safe, stimulating, and nurturing for all children. Our goal is to meet the physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs of children at their youngest stages of developmental.
Our Early Education Programs Offer More Than Daycare
6 weeks - 12 months
Our infant teachers promote trust, security, and exploration through nurturing relationships and a safe environment.
12-24 months (walkers)
Exploration and discovery define this environment for mobile little ones. Children explore relationships with each other, their teachers, and the world around them.
2 year olds
On the go! While “just playing,” our two year olds are developing foundations for reading, writing, mathematics.
3 year olds
This classroom prepares students for school through approaches to learning that are flexible, culturally inclusive, and intellectually stimulating.
Stepping Stones Academy utilizes Georgia Early Learning and Developmental Standards (GELDS) in our classrooms. The teachers at Stepping Stones Academy will use this curriculum to ensure optimal alignment of early care and education standards with the Common Core Georgia Performance Standards (CCGPS) for K-12. GELDS enhances quality, individualized learning environments while promoting growth and diversity.
DIRECTOR
Brandon & Brandy Thixton
Brandon@steppingstonesathens.com
Brandon and Brandy Thixton come with over two decades of experience in education, ministry, and daycare operations. Brandon, a seasoned educator with a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Nova Southeastern University, will act as Director of Operations, drawing on his leadership skills and multicultural education experience to ensure that each child receives an engaging early childhood education that is catered to their unique learning style. With a background as a Mathematics Teacher and a Children’s and Youth Pastor, Brandon is deeply committed to educational excellence and faith-based learning. Brandy, who currently serves as the Parent Ministry Lead for OneHope, Inc. is a certified Family Life Educator through the National Council on Family Relations and holds a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Studies from Lee University, where she focused her research in the area of Child Development. She will serve as a consultant, bringing her expertise in staff and policy development and family dynamics to enrich our programs and services.
Owner
Mike Holt
Mike Holt is the lead pastor at Nations Church. Prior to becoming a lead pastor, he traveled extensively providing character education for public and private schools. His desire is that both character and Christian values are at the center of Stepping Stones Academy. He is passionate about providing a daycare that exemplifies excellence in daily programming and care for every child. As a parent of three teenagers, Pastor Mike also understands the importance of developing children spiritually, emotionally, and physically and desires to partner with parents to do just that in the lives of their children.
Stepping Stones Pastor
Kyle Semple
As an Ordained Minister with a B.S. in Ministerial Leadership from Southeastern University, Kyle served as Children’s Pastor at Nations Church from 2015 to 2023 until he stepped into the role of Executive Pastor. He is passionate about equipping families with everything they need to create an environment where kids can grow up into a life in the fullness of the God who created each of them.
Kyle also serves on various boards of organizations dedicated to helping local children and families in need.
