We envision a community where every child enters school ready to thrive and every family has the tools to create a brighter future—across generations.
Empowering Families Through Two-Generation Education
At A Stepping Stone Foundation, we combine early childhood education with adult learning and family engagement—so every child and caregiver can thrive together.
Our Vision
Our Mission
A Stepping Stone Foundation provides transformative early literacy opportunities by combining high-quality preschool with comprehensive family engagement and adult education. We empower families to learn and grow together—building a strong foundation for lifelong success.
We Build Strong Foundations That Last a Lifetime
Through our two-generation model, we help children and their caregivers grow together—one step, one skill, one success at a time.
Our Programs
At A Stepping Stone Foundation, we believe lasting success begins with strong roots. That’s why we created LEAF—Literacy Elevates Arizona Families—a tuition-free, two-generation education model that empowers children and their caregivers to grow together through learning.
Through LEAF, enrolled families participate in:
- High-quality preschool education
- ESL or GED classes for caregivers
- Parenting workshops and in-classroom experiences
- Monthly home visits and enrichment for younger siblings
We also invest in lifelong learning beyond preschool. The Billie Gannaway Memorial Scholarship supports alumni pursuing higher education, and our 2GenED Initiative brings together educators, policymakers, and community leaders to strengthen family literacy efforts across Arizona
LEAF (Literacy Elevates Arizona Families)
A Stepping Stone Foundation’s key program, LEAF (Literacy Elevates Arizona Families), aids at-risk families with young children.
Billie Gannaway Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is managed by the Arizona Community Foundation. Applications are accepted annually in the Spring.
2GenED: Partner Initiative
Our two-generation education network is relaunching—connecting local leaders, practitioners, and partners across Arizona.
What We Believe In
Ensuring Access to Education
We believe every family deserves access to quality education—regardless of background or income. From preschool to parenting classes, we support learning across generations and open doors to brighter futures.
Volunteerism
Volunteers are the heart of our mission. From fundraising events to classroom support, our community of generous helpers makes learning and connection possible every day.
Parental Involvement
When parents learn, children thrive. Families enrolled in our program commit to adult education, parenting classes, classroom volunteering, and home visits. This shared learning experience builds trust, confidence, and long-term success—for both generations.
Children
We honor families’ commitments to learning by providing free child care and enrichment for the younger siblings of our preschool students. This essential support allows parents to fully engage in their own education and family literacy journey, while also nurturing a love of learning from the earliest years.
Community Partnerships
Our community partners—individual donors, foundations, and businesses—make our work possible through generous financial and in-kind support. Their investments fuel program excellence and sustainability.
We also celebrate and collaborate with other high-quality preschool providers working to prepare children for long-term success in school and life.