Early learning
at Farm 12
PROJECTED GRAND OPENING
SEPTEMBER 2025
WHO WE ARE
Since 1997, Step By Step has been passionate about childhood and building strong, thriving families in our community. In 2019, Farm 12 social enterprises was born to help support mothers and fathers through job training & employment. Now we are taking the next step in holistically supporting families.
Safe, secure, and enriching childcare is something every working parent desires regardless of income. Knowing your children are cared for, out from behind screens, and learning through exploration is vital.
Step By Step’s indoor Early Learning Center is set to break ground in fall 2024 with the grand opening in fall 2025. Our indoor facility will be for children ages 6 weeks - 5 years old with a large portion of each day spent outside, even for babies. We will also have an outdoor, nature-based preschool program for children ages 2.5 - 5 years old. We can’t wait for your child to learn about the world, on the farm.
THE GROVE FARM SCHOOL
The Grove Farm School
This fall we launched a pilot program of our outdoor farm school! We have about 30 children ages 2.5 years and older for the 2024-2025 school year. We are a fully outdoor, Reggio Emilia-inspired school located on our six-acre site across the street from Farm 12. This year we are unlicensed and only operating four hours a day.
Remember there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing! Our fall 2025 cohort will be licensed with part-time or full-time options.
THE GROVE IS CURRENTLY FULL FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR. PLEASE READ ABOUT MORE OPPORTUNITIES BELOW.
More Information
We are currently full for this year! However, please fill out the form below for more information on enrolling your child in 2025 or becoming a teacher.
Future Indoor Early Learning
INDOOR EARLY LEARNING
This indoor program will be for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. A large portion of each day will be spent outside. We are working towards a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to learning. We hope to break ground fall 2024 with an opening in fall 2025.
We are looking for children who are interested in enrolling for fall 2025! Please note this is a waitlist and your spot is not guaranteed. We are also looking for a director, teachers and assistant teachers.
Future Early Learning Center
Rendering by Jeff Brown Architecture
Early Learning at farm 12
Child-led play
Farm-to-table and gardening/farming
Animals
Nature-based
Life-skills
12 acres licensed with another 40 acres to explore
Outdoor play in all seasons
FUNDING THE FUTURE
Safe and secure futures, this is a part of our mission statement that we hold so close to our heart. Knowing where your children are and who they are with brings a peace that all parents need to feel, especially if they have no choice but to work. As cost of living is rising rapidly and childcare options are scarce, this kind of center is needed more than ever.
We are almost to our fundraising goal. If you can help us close this remaining gap, please email Krista Linden with any further questions.
CHAMPIONS OF EARLY LEARNING
Giving their money and resources to support safe and secure futures for families in our community.
Gifts of $1,000,000 and higher
Department of Commerce Building Communities Fund
Department of Commerce Early Learning Facilities Grant
Anonymous Donor
Dr. & Mrs. L.J. Rafoth Family Foundation
Gifts of $500,000 - $1,000,000
25th District Legislative Member Funds
Frisko Freeze Estate Gift - In honor of Penny Lynn Jensen
Dr. Greg and Dion Rurik
Pierce County
Korum for Kids Foundation
Norcliffe Foundation
Gifts of $50,000 to $100,000
Coordinated Care
John and Angela Connelly
Kim and Cindy Nakamura
Nist Family Foundation
Thomas Rivily
Umpqua Bank
Whisper Foundation
Gifts of $15,000 - $35,000
Brad and Debbie Sayre
Ron and Annette Scott
Gifts of $5,000 to $10,000
Artco Sign Co. Inc
Box of Rain LLC
Chevrolet Buick GMC of Puyallup
Estate of Margery Hoffman
Innovations in Leadership
Kiwanis Foundation
Olympic View Community Church
Scott and Shannon Cook-Harnish
Holly Bamford Hunt
Sine Wave Electric
Tana and Rex Hasart
Terry and Loreli Tarsiuk
Gifts of $1,000 - $4,000
Andrew and Gretchen Gendreau
Coco Chandi
Gary and Mary Baldridge
George and Diane Sandlin
Gretchen Keighron
Jamie Odren
Jim Lancaster
Steven and Martha Brack
Victoria Carlson
Johnny Summers
Dennis Goin
Richard Broeker
Gail Sawyer
Justin Baas
Kappy Names
Lois Noble
Mike and Candi McQueen
Pat Hamilton
Tom and Mary Lauritzen
Thanks to many, many individual donors who have given gifts to this project over the last few years.
We appreciate every gift that has helped us get closer to building a space for the children in our community.