Business Details
28 Years
experience
Your Trusted Preschool & Child Care Center in Phoenix, AZ
At A Step Ahead Preschool, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where children's development and creativity flourish. Our certified caregivers and teachers provide personalized attention tailored to each child's unique needs. With state-of-the-art facilities and a secure campus, we offer a safe space for learning and play. Our curriculum blends academic excellence with hands-on activities, fostering a lifelong love of learning.Founded in 1998, our team combines decades of experience in early childhood education with a passion for nurturing young minds. We prioritize open communication with parents and maintain low caregiver-to-child ratios to ensure focused attention. Our mission is to serve as a second home for children, emphasizing love, safety, and education.
Services
Infants Program
Young Toddlers Program
Advanced Toddlers Program
Transitioning Pre-School Class
Preschool Program
Pre-Kindergarten Program
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- Certified early childhood educators with low caregiver-to-child ratios
- Innovative curriculum blending Montessori and traditional teaching methods
- Secure, state-of-the-art facilities designed for child safety
- Active parent communication and regular progress assessments
- Decades of combined experience in early childhood education
Associations and certifications
- First Things First Accreditations Program
What people say
Excellent programs
Low employee turnover
Amazing staff
Vocabulary exploded
Delicious healthy meals
Services
Infants Program
Our infant program provides nurturing care for babies starting at six weeks. Certified caregivers use age-appropriate activities to develop cognitive, social, and motor skills. Low caregiver-to-infant ratios ensure personalized attention. Regular assessments and parent communication track your baby's growth and developmental milestones.
Young Toddlers Program
Designed for 12-24 month-olds, this program focuses on communication, basic concepts, and social skills. Circle-time activities teach colors, shapes, and body parts. Physical development is encouraged through play and structured activities. Teachers emphasize sharing and group work in a safe, engaging environment.
Advanced Toddlers Program
For 24-36 month-olds, this program builds cognitive and social skills through creative curriculum. Circle-time themes and flash cards enhance learning. Arts and crafts develop fine motor skills. Toilet training support and daily progress reports ensure smooth transitions to pre-kindergarten readiness.
Preschool Program
Our preschool program combines Montessori and traditional methods to build academic foundations. Certified teachers use hands-on activities for literacy, math, and social development. Individualized attention and low teacher-to-child ratios ensure personalized learning. Regular assessments track progress toward kindergarten readiness.
Pre-Kindergarten Program
This program ensures smooth transition to kindergarten through early literacy, math, and social skills development. Engaging activities build independence and critical thinking. Small class sizes allow personalized attention. Progress tracking and parent-teacher meetings maintain open communication about your child's development.
People
Maysa Fini
Owner/Director
Maysa Fini holds a Master's in Education with a focus on curriculum design. She has over 15 years of experience in early childhood education and has led A Step Ahead since 2009. Her vision combines Montessori and traditional teaching methods to create a nurturing learning environment.
Hanna Williams
Reference Teacher
Hanna Williams is a certified early childhood educator with extensive experience in toddler development. She specializes in creating engaging learning activities that promote cognitive and social growth through structured play and interactive lessons.
Andrew Taylor
Reference Teacher
Andrew Taylor brings expertise in early literacy and math skills development for preschoolers. He focuses on creating individualized learning plans that adapt to each child's unique learning style and developmental pace while maintaining a fun educational environment.
Aysha Clark
Reference Teacher
Aysha Clark specializes in infant care and early motor skill development. She implements sensory-based activities that stimulate cognitive growth while maintaining a safe, nurturing environment for the youngest children in our program.
Freya Scott
Preschool & Montessori Teacher
Freya Scott has expertise in Montessori methods and traditional preschool education. She creates balanced lesson plans that combine hands-on learning with academic fundamentals, preparing children for successful kindergarten transitions through structured yet playful activities.
Questions
What makes A Step Ahead different from other preschools?
We combine Montessori and traditional teaching methods with low teacher-to-child ratios. Our certified educators create personalized learning plans while maintaining a nurturing environment that feels like a second home.
Do you offer part-time enrollment options?
We primarily offer full-time programs but can discuss flexible scheduling options with families during enrollment consultations to accommodate specific needs.
How do you handle potty training?
Our advanced toddler program includes structured potty training support. Teachers work closely with parents using consistent methods, and daily progress reports keep families informed about their child's development.
What safety measures are in place?
We maintain a secure campus with controlled access, certified staff in first aid/CPR, and regular safety drills. Our facilities include monitored play areas and strict sign-in procedures for child protection.
How do you communicate with parents?
We provide daily updates, regular progress reports, and scheduled parent-teacher meetings. Our directors maintain open communication through multiple channels and respond promptly to family inquiries.
What curriculum do you use?
Our curriculum blends Montessori hands-on learning with traditional academic fundamentals. Monthly themes explore science, culture, and social development while building literacy, math, and critical thinking skills.
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