The Stepping Stones Group is a national provider of school-based therapeutic and behavioral health services for children, primarily focusing on the K-12 educational sector. Established as a for-profit entity with its headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts, the organization has grown significantly since its inception in 2014. Today, it operates in over 45 states, partnering with more than 1,200 school districts and serving approximately 350,000 children annually. Its primary mission revolves around transforming the lives of children with special needs and autism through a multi-disciplinary approach that includes speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and behavioral health support.

When discussing the Stepping Stones Group, it is essential to distinguish it from other entities with similar names. While this national group focuses on educational and healthcare interventions, other organizations like the Stepping Stones Educational Therapy Center in Griffin, Georgia, operate as local independent schools. Additionally, the Stepstone Group is a global recruitment platform and is entirely unrelated to the clinical and therapeutic services provided by the national Stepping Stones Group.

The Core Services of The Stepping Stones Group

The Stepping Stones Group delivers a wide array of services designed to support the development and educational success of children. These services are typically integrated directly into school settings, although the organization also provides support in home and community environments.

Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)

Speech therapy is one of the pillars of the organization’s clinical offerings. The Stepping Stones Group employs thousands of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) who work with students to overcome communication barriers. Their work encompasses articulation, language development, fluency, voice disorders, and the implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems.

For many school districts, the challenge lies not just in finding an SLP, but in finding one who understands the intricacies of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. Clinicians under this group are trained to ensure that therapy goals align with state educational standards and that progress is documented with clinical precision.

Occupational and Physical Therapy (OT and PT)

The organization provides comprehensive Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) services to address students' physical and sensory needs. Occupational Therapists (OTs) focus on fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-regulation, and daily living activities that enable a child to participate fully in a school environment. Physical Therapists (PTs) address mobility, strength, and positioning, ensuring that children can safely navigate their school buildings and access learning spaces effectively.

Behavioral Health and Autism Services

With the rising diagnosis rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the demand for behavioral health services has surged. The Stepping Stones Group addresses this through Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services. They utilize Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) to develop and implement Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). These professionals work closely with teachers and parents to provide coaching and data-driven supports that reduce challenging behaviors and improve social skills.

Special Education Teaching (SPED)

Beyond clinical therapy, the organization provides Special Education Teachers who are qualified to handle complex caseloads. These educators focus on individualized instruction, case management, and the facilitation of IEP meetings. By providing highly qualified teachers in regions facing chronic educator shortages—such as Texas and Arizona—the Stepping Stones Group helps schools remain compliant with federal mandates like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

How Educational Institutions Benefit from Partnerships

School districts across the United States face significant hurdles in staffing special education and therapy departments. The Stepping Stones Group acts as a strategic partner to solve these logistical and clinical challenges.

Solving Staffing Shortages

The nationwide shortage of qualified therapists and special educators is a persistent crisis for school administrators. The Stepping Stones Group utilizes its vast national recruiting network to fill vacancies that might otherwise remain open for months. This ensures that students do not miss their legally mandated service minutes, which is critical for both student progress and district compliance.

Ensuring Regulatory Compliance

The legal landscape of special education is complex. Schools must adhere to strict timelines for evaluations, IEP meetings, and service delivery. The Stepping Stones Group provides clinicians who are well-versed in state-specific regulations and documentation norms. By maintaining a high standard of clinical support and quality, the organization reduces the risk of legal disputes and compensatory service requirements for school districts.

Program Stability and Quality Clinical Support

A unique feature of the organization is its expansive clinical support network. New graduates and seasoned professionals alike have access to clinical directors and mentors. This structure ensures that even when a clinician is placed in a remote or underserved district, they have the professional resources needed to deliver high-quality care. For the district, this translates to program stability and better long-term outcomes for students.

Career Opportunities for Clinicians and Educators

The Stepping Stones Group has positioned itself as an employer of choice in the therapeutic industry, evidenced by its inclusion in the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies for ten consecutive years. For professionals in the field, the organization offers various pathways, including school-based, teletherapy, and travel positions.

Competitive Compensation and Benefits

The organization offers competitive hourly rates that vary by location and discipline. For instance, Special Education Teachers in Texas may earn between $40 and $48 per hour, while Occupational Therapists in New Jersey can command rates between $57 and $62 per hour.

Benefits packages often include:

  • Health and Wellness Stipends: Supporting physical and mental health.
  • Spread Pay Plans: Allowing clinicians to receive consistent income throughout the year, even during school breaks.
  • 401(k) Retirement Plans: Providing long-term financial security.
  • Relocation Assistance: For those willing to move to high-need areas.

Professional Development and Mentorship

Recognizing the importance of continuous learning, the group provides financial support for professional development and free Continuing Education Units (CEUs). For Speech-Language Pathologists in their Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY), the organization provides structured mentorship to help them obtain their ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCCs). This focus on "clinical ladders" allows employees to grow from entry-level roles into leadership or regional management positions.

The Travel and Remote Work Model

For clinicians seeking adventure or flexibility, the Stepping Stones Group offers travel assignments and teletherapy roles. Travel positions allow therapists to work in different parts of the country for a school year or semester, often with housing stipends included. Teletherapy roles, such as the SLP positions offered in Hawaii, allow professionals to work 100% remotely using HIPAA and FERPA-compliant platforms. This model is particularly beneficial for districts in geographic locations where local talent is scarce.

The Role of Teletherapy in Modern Education

Teletherapy has evolved from a temporary solution during the pandemic to a permanent fixture in the Stepping Stones Group’s delivery model. It offers a flexible alternative when distance, weather, or clinician shortages make in-person services difficult.

Effective Delivery Methods

Teletherapy is not merely a video call; it involves interactive tools and specialized platforms designed to engage children. It is particularly effective for language therapy, counseling, and parent coaching. Success in this medium requires a collaborative effort between the remote clinician and on-site support staff, such as paraprofessionals or teachers, who help set up the technology and manage the student’s physical environment.

Accessibility and Inclusion

One of the most significant advantages of teletherapy is its ability to bring specialists to underserved or rural communities. A student in a remote part of Alaska or a rural district in the Midwest can access the same level of expert speech therapy as a child in a major metropolitan area. This democratizes access to high-quality therapeutic care and ensures that no child is left behind due to their zip code.

Business Growth and Institutional Trust

The Stepping Stones Group’s success is reflected in its business metrics and institutional backing. Since its founding in 2014, the company has attracted significant investment from firms such as Leonard Green & Partners, Five Arrows Capital Partners, and Shore Capital Partners. These investments have fueled the organization's ability to acquire and partner with over 35 mission-driven organizations, further expanding its reach.

Leadership and Vision

Under the leadership of CEO Tim Murphy, the organization has maintained a focus on "transforming lives together." This vision is not just a marketing slogan but a guiding principle for the 11,000 professionals employed by the group. The company's ability to navigate economic uncertainty and a fluctuating labor market while maintaining its rank on the Inc. 5000 list (reaching No. 4109 in 2025) demonstrates a robust and scalable business model.

Strategic Partnerships and Social Impact

The Stepping Stones Group is a socially conscious employer. A notable example of this is its partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense’s Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP). By committing to recruiting and hiring military spouses, the organization provides career continuity for families that are frequently required to relocate. This initiative not only supports military families but also brings dedicated and resilient talent into the special education workforce.

Supporting Families and Communities

For parents of children with special needs, navigating the school system can be overwhelming. The Stepping Stones Group aims to make this process more transparent and supportive.

The Family Experience

When a child receives services through a Stepping Stones Group clinician, the focus is on individualized care. Families can expect:

  • Clear Communication: Regular updates on progress in plain language rather than dense clinical jargon.
  • IEP Support: Clinicians who act as partners in the development of the child's educational plan.
  • Evidence-Based Interventions: Ensuring that the therapy provided is grounded in current research and proven to be effective.

Community Outreach

Through programs like "Stepping Up for a Cause," the organization gives back to the communities it serves. This commitment to community engagement helps build trust with local districts and families, showing that the organization is invested in the long-term well-being of the children, beyond just the delivery of service minutes.

How Success is Measured

The Stepping Stones Group utilizes several metrics to ensure that its services are meeting the highest standards of quality. These metrics include:

  • Student Progress: Tracking whether students are meeting, generalizing, and maintaining their IEP goals.
  • Service Delivery Accuracy: Comparing scheduled minutes against delivered minutes and implementing recovery plans for any missed time.
  • Timeline Compliance: Ensuring that all evaluations and legal meetings occur within mandated windows.
  • Program Stability: Monitoring vacancy coverage and caseload balance to prevent clinician burnout and ensure service continuity.

By focusing on these data points, the organization can provide school districts with the transparency they need to justify their investment in external therapeutic services.

Conclusion

The Stepping Stones Group has established itself as a cornerstone of the American special education and therapeutic landscape. By bridging the gap between the critical shortage of specialists and the increasing needs of students with special needs and autism, it provides a vital service to the nation’s school systems. Whether it is through in-person therapy, comprehensive behavioral support, or innovative teletherapy solutions, the organization remains dedicated to its mission of transforming lives. For school administrators, it offers a path to stability and compliance; for clinicians, it provides a structured and rewarding career; and for families, it offers the hope of a brighter, more independent future for their children.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does The Stepping Stones Group do?

The Stepping Stones Group is a national provider of therapeutic and behavioral health services, primarily in K-12 schools. They provide specialists such as speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and special education teachers to help students with special needs and autism succeed academically and socially.

Is The Stepping Stones Group a school or a staffing agency?

It is a national provider of services. While they function similarly to a staffing agency by placing clinicians in schools, they provide much higher levels of clinical support, mentorship, and professional development than a traditional staffing firm. They partner with school districts to manage entire therapeutic programs.

Where is The Stepping Stones Group headquartered?

The organization is headquartered at 184 High Street, Suite 701, Boston, Massachusetts, 02110.

How can a clinician apply for a job with the group?

Clinicians can explore career opportunities on the official website. The group frequently recruits for roles like SLPs, OTs, PTs, BCBAs, and Special Education Teachers across the United States, offering both in-person and teletherapy positions.

Does the group provide services for children with autism?

Yes, the Stepping Stones Group has a significant focus on autism services. They provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) through BCBAs and RBTs, and they also operate specialized Autism Learning Centers in select locations to provide intensive support.

Is the Stepping Stones Group related to the Stepstone Group?

No. These are two separate organizations. The Stepping Stones Group focuses on therapeutic and behavioral health services for children, while the Stepstone Group is a global online recruitment platform.