Stepping Stones Kids Academy wins BusinessRate’s Best of 2026 for Tacoma campus

Stepping Stones Kids Academy says its Tacoma location received BusinessRate’s Best of 2026 Award based on reviews, site traffic, social engagement and community involvement. The recognition highlights the Seattle-Tacoma daycare’s Montessori-based program, early opening hours and four-campus footprint across the region.

Why it matters: - The award gives Stepping Stones Kids Academy outside validation in a competitive childcare market. - The recognition may help the Seattle-Tacoma daycare attract families looking for Montessori-based care, early hours and a family-style environment. - The Tacoma campus award also puts attention on the broader brand, which operates four locations across the region.

What happened: - Stepping Stones Kids Academy received BusinessRate’s Best of 2026 Award for its Tacoma campus. - BusinessRate selected the Tacoma campus based on overwhelmingly positive reviews from multiple platforms, including Google. - The recognition also reflected performance data such as site visits, social media interaction and community involvement. - The company announced the award on June 23, 2026.

The details: - Stepping Stones Kids Academy operates four locations in Everett, Tacoma, Redmond and Issaquah. - The Redmond and Issaquah campuses are Montessori daycare locations. - Some campuses open as early as 6:00 a.m., which the company positions as a fit for parents with early schedules. - The daycare serves children ages 1 to 6. - The program emphasizes learning through play and a safe, engaging environment. - Stepping Stones says its meal program focuses on healthy, nutritious food for children of all ages. - Dharitri Desai, co-founder and director, said meals are made with love and called them “picky eater-proof.” - The company says its mission is to provide a safe, family-like environment with qualified and experienced educators. - The curriculum is Montessori-based and aims to foster independence, curiosity and self-directed enrichment.

Between the lines: - The award appears to reward both customer sentiment and operational reach, not just educational programming. - Stepping Stones is using the recognition to reinforce its brand identity around convenience, nutrition and a close-knit culture. - The Tacoma honor may also support marketing for the company’s newer Issaquah campus and the rest of the system. - Latika Taneja, co-founder and director, said the award recognizes staff commitment to the children and families served.

What's next: - Stepping Stones will celebrate the award with a Summer Carnival on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at its Issaquah campus. - The outdoor event is open to current and prospective families with children ages 1 to 6. - Planned activities include storytime, art activities, face painting, balloon animals, ice cream and refreshments. - Families can RSVP here. - Prospective parents can book a tour at any of the four locations. - More information is available on Stepping Stones Kids Academy’s website and Facebook page.

The bottom line: - The BusinessRate award spotlights Stepping Stones Kids Academy’s Tacoma campus and reinforces the company’s pitch: Montessori care, early hours and a community-first approach across four Seattle-Tacoma locations.