We are more than just the founders of A Step Ahead Preschool & Montessori,  we are also parents of two young children.
At the time our first child was born we both maintained highly successful careers in the semiconductor industry. We searched far and wide for appropriate childcare options but were very discouraged by the choices we had. We initially enrolled our son in a highly regarded national childcare chain.

We were, however, extremely disappointed in the care he received. Sheryl went to the center every day at lunch but was always made to feel that she was imposing on the staff. Every time she visited she found our son in a high chair or other restraining infant apparatus—not being cuddled by the staff or encouraged to roam free, allowed to explore his environment on his own terms.

We became so discouraged with our options as parents that we decided to design our own childcare center. Our founding goals were to create an environment where we, as parents, would be comfortable leaving our own children. At our facility infants would be held and soothed throughout the day. High chairs would be used for feeding purposes only, and not to keep children ‘out of the way’. Toddlers would learn about their environment in creative and fun ways, and preschoolers would become prepared for school without even knowing they were actually learning.

The result is A Step Ahead Preschool & Montessori. We both elected to end our previous careers so we could be at our center full time, ensuring that our dream of superior childcare became a reality. We invite every parent who is concerned about their child’s daily care to come visit our center in Ahwatukee, and see for yourself just how different ‘A Step Ahead’ is from other childcare and preschool options.

We welcome you,

Mike & Sheryl Neelan