The Stepping Out On Faith Learning Center

RAYCHELL NEAL WAS ENCOURAGED TO FOLLOW HER DREAM OF OPENING STEPPIN’ OUT ON FAITH LEARNING CENTER AFTER THE HOLY SPIRIT TOUCHED HER HEART DURING A SERMON AT CHURCH.

“That sermon…the Lord was telling me it was time to step out on faith and spread my gift to all the little children,” said Neal. Before opening the center in 2007, Neal worked as a kindergarten teacher in the public school system for 18 years. She felt limited in what she could do because she was bound as an educator to follow her school’s rules and regulations. “I wanted to bring out more of the gift God gave me. If I can do it for public school, I can do it for myself.”

As an educator, and a parent of two daughters, Amecia and Asia, (now grown), Neal recognized the importance of laying a strong learning foundation at the elementary level. She created the Center with the goal to provide an age appropriate, comfort-able, safe and learning environment.

STEPPIN’ OUT ON FAITH LEARNING CENTER teaches 2-to-6-year-olds. Students wear uniforms to school and there is a speech pathologist on staff. Children are divided into three classrooms varying by age: Pre-K, preschool, and toddler/preschool. Each class-room has one teacher and one assistant. The interview process for teachers and assistants is key to selecting the best candidate for the center. One important aspect of the process is the candidate spending time with students in the classroom to see how students respond to them and vice versa. A background check is done on the candidate. In addition, both teachers and parents are involved for their input..

Along with academic learning, students are offered activities designed to stimulate their growth and cognitive development. The center’s list of activities are soccer, ballet, Spanish, basic gymnastics, and a hip hop class. “I think as a parent first and offer what I would want for my kids to have,” said Neal. “I want this place to be a home away from home.”

Neal believes that servicing the whole child in one place is best and makes it easy for both parents and students.

NEAL HAS FACED MANY CHALLENGES THROUGHOUT THE YEARS. However, her biggest challenge was being diagnosed with cancer. A battle that she fought and won 13 years ago. Her husband Clifford, of 36 years, has been by her side through the ups and down.

For the last 16 years Steppin Out on Faith Learning Center has been a family-like place where children learn in a safe, enriching environment. The center continues to thrive under the direction of Neal and her staff as they prepare future Oak Park residents for life.