Cambridge Who’s Who lifetime member, Linda Pape, is a board member of A Stepping Stone
Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides early childhood education for children in the Isaac and Alhambra School Districts of Arizona. Founded in 1989, the foundation offers five preschool classes that are attended by nearly 90 children each year and provides high-quality, comprehensive, educational programs to families in need of literacy education.
Preschool classes are held from Monday to Thursday starting at 8am with breakfast and ending at 12:30pm with lunch. In between, students learn about art, science and music, listen to stories, play outdoors and participate in individual and group games. While children are enrolled in A Stepping Stone, their parents must join a GED program or attend ESL classes, go to parenting workshops and work a minimum of two mornings per week in the classroom. This allows them to take an active, hands-on part in their child’s education. Teachers also make home visits with the students and their families at least once per month.
Programs and services provided by A Stepping Stone are free for families where the parents are in need of a high school diploma or English language instruction. Families are approved through an interview process that enables teachers to identify those with the most potential for growth. Fundraisers help A Stepping Stone to secure needed resources, including classroom equipment, books and childcare for younger siblings of preschool students. Fundraising activities are carried out by foundation board members in collaboration with corporations, small businesses, school districts, other charitable organizations and individuals. Donations to A Stepping Stone not only support the classroom, but also provide the participating families with used clothing, furniture, toys and books.
A Stepping Stone has earned several awards including two Mayor’s Awards for Excellence, the J.C. Penny Golden Rule Award and the Award of Excellence from the Arizona School Public Relations Association. Donations to A Stepping Stone Foundation can be made at www.asteppingstone.org through PayPal.
Linda Pape has been a member of Cambridge Who’s Who since June 2008. Her expertise is in teaching, developing curricula, overseeing preschool and family literacy programs, fundraising and arranging scholarships for students. She holds a master’s degree in elementary education and early childhood education from Arizona State University, 1962 and a bachelor’s degree in education. She is a member of the Arizona Education Association, National Education Association and the Alpha Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa. Prior to joining A Stepping Stone Foundation, Pape worked as an early childhood specialist for 37 years.
A Stepping Stone Foundation is such a great organization! Being that Linda Pape is a lifetime member of Cambridge Who’s Who, she will receive a lot of online exposure. I am a mother of a 5 year old and I know first hand the need for high-quality, comprehensive, educational programs for families. If you are a Cambridge Whos Who member in the education field or a parent, I highly recommend that you read this article. Thanks again, Ms. Linda Pape, and keep up the good work!