Stepping Stones Preschool Appoints Jaclyn Blanchette as New Director

Danvers, MA -- Stepping Stones Preschool is pleased to announce the appointment of Jaclyn Blanchette as its new Director, marking an exciting chapter in the beloved North Shore institution’s enduring legacy of joyful, creative, and play-based education.

A valued member of the teaching staff since February 2024, Jaclyn Blanchette has consistently brought creativity, dedication, and warmth to the classroom. With a Master of Education in Elementary Education from Salem State University, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Roger Williams University, and credentials including Early Education and Care (EEC) certification, a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) licensure, and a Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) endorsement, Blanchette embodies the program’s commitment to inclusive and developmentally responsive teaching.

In her previous role at Stepping Stones, Blanchette helped foster a collaborative school culture by working closely with fellow educators and cultivating meaningful relationships with families. She has championed a dynamic, play-based curriculum built around Stepping Stones’ guiding values of kindness, creativity, and exploration. “When kids feel appreciated and happy, they feel more comfortable being curious and creative,” she says.

The nonprofit, nondenominational Stepping Stones Preschool, founded in 1969 and sponsored by All Saints Episcopal Church, has strong traditions that make it “the place I love to be,” according to Jaclyn Blanchette. “From greetings at the red door to concerts, graduations, original birthday songs, and celebrations” … every moment is designed to help children feel seen, inspired, and joyful.

“I am a huge fan of the play-based nature of the program,” she continues. “I’m excited to build a curriculum that combines literature, play, and authentic learning experiences around our core values.”

Under her leadership, the preschool will continue to emphasize creating opportunities that allow children to explore, thrive, and develop a genuine love of learning in a safe and welcoming environment. “If you learn to love learning, as I did when I was a kid, it continues all your life,” she says. “That’s what I want to give to them. I love teaching, and I want them to love learning as much as I love teaching”.

As Stepping Stones looks to the future, Jaclyn Blanchette hopes each student will carry a joyful memory and an intellectual spark: “When they graduate, I hope that they can talk about what they learned and share their adventures and discoveries about how the world works. It would mean so much joy to hear: ‘I loved Stepping Stones, it was always such a happy place.’”

Stepping Stones Preschool, located at 46 Cherry Street, behind the first red door from the corner, remains committed to nurturing lifelong learners through tradition, trust, and joyful early discovery.

For more information, please contact Director Jaclyn Blanchette at 978-777-9370.

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