Creative Learning Center

At the Creative Learning Center we believe that children flourish in a child-centered environment where they are respected and nurtured as individuals and are encouraged to grow in a secure, comfortable and happy community. In our center, we provide experiences that foster an excitement for learning, a respect for one another and awareness of the world around us. We advocate the importance of ongoing communication and an open cooperative partnership between home and center, so that all children may grow to their maximum potential

Creative Learning Center's program is based on the High/Scope curriculum and Philosophy. High Scope is an organization based in Ypsilanti, Michigan developed by educators to incorporate five elements into child care programs: Active Learning, Adult-Child Interactions, Learning Environment, Daily Routine and Assessment. Our teachers use the High/Scope Curriculum and plan daily activities around children’s interests. Our High/Scope program allows children many opportunities throughout the day to choose their own play, make decisions, and reflect back on what they have done. Through encouragement and child-directed "floor-time" play, our staff helps children develop their potential.

Cathy Albro opened The Creative Learning Center in October 1981. It opened as a one-room "nursery school". In 1984 the center moved to a larger location. A move to a new center was made in September  1989 which is the current location today. Over the years CLC has operated a center for Gantos Inc. and a center on West River Drive. However, these centers are no longer in operation. In May of 1998, Cathy Albro sold CLC to Mark and Nancy Schaefer, the current owners. Mark and Nancy also own and operate Whistle Stop Child Development Center on Fulton St. In August 2005 CLC was accredited by NAYEC (National Education for the Education of Young Children). This accreditation is reviewed every five years and is a significant indicator of a high level of quality child care.

The Creative Learning Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The center is closed on all major holidays (New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving & Friday after, and Christmas Day). CLC also closes at 12 pm on Christmas Eve and 3:00 pm on New Years Eve. For staff training purposes we also close one Friday in October for an all day staff retreat.