A Step Ahead Preschool & Montessori
Data last updated · May 2026
Quality Indicators
See Methodology →- Overall QualityCombines daily care quality (interactions, learning, environment) with structural features like staff-to-child ratios and teacher qualifications.4 / 5
- Process QualityThe quality of daily care — caregiver-child interactions, learning activities, and the emotional climate. Drawn from the state QRIS rating, accreditations, and Head Start CLASS observations.3 / 5
- Structural QualityMeasurable features like staff-to-child ratios, group sizes, license status, and teacher qualifications. Provider-level data when available; otherwise the state regulatory baseline.5 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Quality First rating of Level 3 (out of 5). Structural quality reflects a license in good standing. The structural rating also includes Arizona's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. Arizona caps infant ratios at 1:5, toddler ratios at 1:6, and preschool ratios at 1:15. Lead teachers must hold a High School Diploma. Teachers must complete 18 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- Quality First Level 3 (Max 5) Learn more →
- Accreditations
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)Not Accredited
- National Accreditation Commission (NAC)Not Accredited
- National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)Not Accredited
- National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)Not Accredited
Facility Info
- Facility type
- Child Care Center
- Age groups served
- Infants, Toddlers, Preschool
- Licensed capacity
- 59
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:5 Not Regulated Toddlers 1:6 Not Regulated Preschool 1:15 Not Regulated
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 6 inspections since 2023, the issues cited most often were Licensing & Administrative Compliance (4) and Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (2). None of the 6 findings were critical.
See All 6 Inspection Visits
Mar 13, 20261 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Observed at the Time of the Compliance Inspection Conducted on 3/13/26 and Are Subject…Compliance (Annual)
The following deficiencies were observed at the time of the compliance inspection conducted on 3/13/26 and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. 4 of 4 Fingerprint clearance cards reviewed were valid via a DPS website search. The Written Document of Corrections is due within 10 days The following item is due within 10 days of receiving this document: A copy of the current violation free fire inspection BCCL staff emailed the Empower Self-Evaluation Assessment link to
Mar 14, 20251 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Observed at the Time of the Compliance Inspection Conducted on 3/14/25 and Are Subject…Compliance (Annual)
The following deficiencies were observed at the time of the compliance inspection conducted on 3/14/25 and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. 4 of 4 Fingerprint clearance cards reviewed were valid via a DPS website search. The Written Document of Corrections is due within 10 days The following item is due within 10 days of receiving this document: A copy of the current violation free fire inspection The following was discussed, but not limited to: *Completion of all
Jun 21, 20241 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiency Was Observed at the Time of the Complaint Investigation (Case# 83832) Conducted on 06/21/2024…Complaint
The following deficiency was observed at the time of the Complaint investigation (Case# 83832) conducted on 06/21/2024 and are subject to change pending programmatic review. The investigation was completed on 06/21/2024. Compliance Officer (CO) #1: Pat Morgan-Martinez Compliance Officer (CO) #2: Fred Geyser A full inspection was not conducted at this time. Please submit the Written Documentation of Corrections via the Licensing portal within 10 days of receipt of the Statement of Defi
Apr 2, 20241 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Observed at the Time of the Compliance Inspection Conducted on 04/02/2024 Subject To…Compliance (Annual)
The following deficiencies were observed at the time of the Compliance inspection conducted on 04/02/2024 subject to changes pending programmatic review. Compliance Officer #1 (CO): Pat Morgan-Martinez Compliance Officer #2 (CO): Fred Geyser Please submit the Written Documentation of Corrections via the Licensing portal within 10 days of receipt of the Statement of Deficiencies. 5 of 5 fingerprint clearance cards were valid via a DPS website search. The Empower Survey link was pro
Dec 5, 20231 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Observed at the Time of the Monitoring Inspection Conducted on 12/05/2023, Subject To…Monitoring
The following deficiencies were observed at the time of the Monitoring inspection conducted on 12/05/2023, subject to changes pending programmatic review. Compliance Officer (CO): Pat Morgan-Martinez Compliance Officer Supervisor (COS): Peggy Kraus Please submit the Written Documentation of Corrections via the Licensing portal within 10 days of receipt of the Statement of Deficiencies. 13 of 13 Fingerprint clearance cards were valid via a DPS website search. A full inspection was no
Jul 26, 20231 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Observed at the Time of the Monitoring Inspection Conducted on 07/26/2023, Subject To…Monitoring
The following deficiencies were observed at the time of the Monitoring inspection conducted on 07/26/2023, subject to changes pending programmatic review. Compliance Officer (CO): Pat Morgan-Martinez Compliance Officer Supervisor (COS): Peggy Kraus The Written Documentation of Corrections was not accepted at the time of inspection. 9 of 10 Fingerprint clearance cards were valid via a DPS website search. A full inspection was not conducted. The following items were discussed: **