Step Ahead Whangārei is a childcare centre at 13 Grant Street in Te Kamo, Whangārei. It cares for children aged two to five, and the website says families are welcome to visit by appointment. The centre has a homely setting with loose, movable equipment rather than fixed structures, and it encourages children to explore the natural environment. Its programme follows an emergent curriculum, where teachers build on the interests that children show in play and research. The day has a consistent routine of settling, kai time, learning, play, and quiet reflective times. New families are offered settling visits so children can get to know the team and the routines.
Children eat a morning tea at 9.30am from lunchboxes packed at home, and the whole whānau eats lunch together with food from home. Fees are paid a week in advance, by direct debit or internet banking, and the centre's fee policy is available in the centre. One parent says both of their children have attended and have grown in confidence and made friends, and they praise the communication from staff.