Settlement Agreement Reached with Burlington Preschool to Resolve Americans with Disabilities Act Complaint

Burlington, Vermont – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced today that it has reached a settlement agreement with Stepping Stones Children’s Center, Inc. (“Stepping Stones”), a childcare center that provides childcare services for children ages 2 years old to 5 years old in Burlington, Vermont, to resolve allegations that Stepping Stones was not operating in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).

The settlement agreement addresses an ADA complaint filed by the parents of a child with a disability, alleging that Stepping Stones terminated the child from the program because of his disability. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Stepping Stones will implement nondiscriminatory policies, practices, and procedures for children with disabilities who wish to attend their childcare center; train its staff on compliance with Title III of the ADA; and evaluate each request for reasonable modifications on an individualized basis. Stepping Stones has also agreed to pay compensatory damages to the parents who filed the complaint.

“Access to childcare is crucial for all families, including families with children with disabilities,” said United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest. “We are glad that Stepping Stones has recognized its obligation to come into compliance with the law and has committed to being inclusive of children with disabilities.”

This matter was handled by Civil Chief and Civil Rights Coordinator Julia “Jules” Torti on behalf of the United States. Stepping Stones was represented by Justin Sherman, Esq. and Liz Mackey, Esq. of Langrock Sperry & Wool, LLP.

For more information on the ADA, visit www.ada.gov or call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 or 800-514-0383 (TDD). The Civil Rights Program at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont enforces federal civil and criminal civil rights laws, including the ADA. For more information on the Civil Rights Program, or to file a complaint, visit: www.justice.gov/usao-vt/civil-rights-program.

The settlement agreement between the United States and Stepping Stones Children's Center, Inc. is available at this link: