It's the little things that shape who we are. The people that nurture potential we can't yet see. It's the moments that count and the experiences we'll remember, the extra minutes that lead to big possibilities. There are decisions at crossroads and the tools that steer us straight, and a million little moments that make the difference.
It's a journey - to be filled with wonder, curiosity and joy. For every step of the way. Whether it's the giant leaps or the ones barely noticed, it's a decision we make today that makes an impact on tomorrow.
It's believing that empathy, curiosity, creativity, friendship, confidence, individuality, perseverance, independence, teamwork, collaboration, care, imagination, safety, resilience, and kindness help our children grow. Designing blocks for individual journeys, at Steps, we're building big futures little by little.
At Steps, we're embarking on an exciting transformation. While these centres have established histories, we're bringing fresh vision and innovative approaches as we begin our management venture. Each number represents not just where we are, but the foundation for where we're going.
Join us as we write the next chapter in early education excellence.
Our pillars form the foundation of everything we do at Steps. These core principles guide our approach to early childhood education and shape the experiences we create for children, families, and educators.
We harness data and technology to create better educational outcomes, focusing on preparing children for the world of tomorrow.
We design thoughtful, long-term educational pathways tailored to each child's individual needs and potential.
We foster an innovative environment where our educators are empowered, valued, and continuously developing their skills.
We build meaningful relationships between children, families, educators, and the wider community to create holistic learning experiences.
As both a father and a leader in early education, Ashok brings a deep personal connection to his work. With two young children - ages 2 and 4 - currently experiencing the early learning journey, he understands firsthand the importance of creating environments that spark curiosity, nurture confidence and set the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
Ashok’s career spans corporate finance, early-stage ventures, and early childhood education. As CEO of ASX-listed Mayfield Childcare, he led a national network of centres, overseeing 4,000 licensed places across 45 locations. His leadership in strategic acquisitions, including the integration of the Precious Cargo Group, helped shape Mayfield’s growth and impact.
Driven by a vision to redefine early education, Ashok founded Steps to combine operational excellence with innovative teaching. His approach empowers educators to create meaningful, tailored learning experiences—because every child learns in their own unique way.
“Watching my own children navigate the world—piecing together ideas, asking unexpected questions and making connections that weren’t there the day before - reminds me why early education matters. Because in the end, we’re not just preparing them for school - we’re preparing them for life."
Learn about our approach inspired by the Early Years Learning Framework and our commitment to supporting children's development.
