Creative Kids Academy INC

My biggest regret with CKA is not finding them sooner. If you look in my review history we've been through a few childcare centers, and every departure has been caused by a DHS investigation. If you don't value a stranger's review - check out CKA's DHS review. Not a SINGLE violation in 5 years. For reference, that means every tube of diaper cream is properly labeled with first and last name, not a single piece of safety, training, background check, or healthcare/allergy information is out of place. And their center has more checks than most, as they have an onsite kitchen and chef (Cook Katie, as my son calls her) who require additional inspections vs. the facilities that use catering services with meals created off-site. Bringing our youngest to CKA when his brother started elementary school added an hour of commute to our pickup and drop off routines, but it was well worth it to FINALLY not be concerned for my child's wellbeing, safety, or development. This was his 3rd center, and will be his last until he goes off to elementary school. We'd stay there through school age care, except they only provide that for the elementary school they can bus children to, which is not our elementary school. I would gladly hire any of the staff to babysit in our homes, as I trust them implicitly. While that is not allowed when you are a parent at the center, I'll admit now that we're moving on to elementary school in the fall, we'll likely employ staff for babysitting, especially if overnight care is needed. My children never had the kind of consistency with staff that we saw at CKA. It was night and day watching my child form secure attachments to staff that he had for his entire time at the center, not just with the lead teachers, but the aides as well. There are other centers nearby that pay a little better, but staff continue to stay at CKA because they are supported and respected by management, the directors, and the parents. How could I know so much about this? Because I attended a roundtable hosted at the center and heard firsthand from the staff (who came on their own free time, with no obligation) to share with local legislators and parents/citizens about the needs for changes in childcare to better support children and staff. CKA is working closely with Kids Count on Us and ISAIAH to advocate for changes that improve quality of care for families, wellbeing for staff, and do not unnecessarily raise the cost of childcare. I will continue to be involved with the parents coalition that formed between multiple CKA centers, as concerned parents/community members support the staff and Kids Count on Us to advocate for these changes. You can find me on Facebook by the same name if you'd ever like to chat or learn more. The other centers attended were Kids Grow - Hope in Rogers, and Little Newton's Nest in Maple Grove. The directors who were running those centers when we left and saw DHS investigations (into a missing child at KGH and after police visits and immediate departures of multiple staff at once at LNN-MG) are still running those centers. CKA was marginally more in cost, but I now know that at those other centers, I was getting what I paid for, and I'd never go back to them again. If I were to have another child, hands down they would go to CKA from birth through elementary. I've included some photos. My oldest was always welcome to visit with the kiddos at pickup, and we had many celebrations: trunk or treat, a leprechaun hunt, holiday concert, muffins with moms (Mother's day, where I enjoyed "Cook Katie's" baked goods - YUM), and much more! Staff's faces are uncensored, as is my own from St Patty's day party (leprechaun treasure hunt).

The Staff at Creative Kids Academy Maple Grove are simply the best. They care about my child so much. She always looks forward to going to day care. I never worry about her when she is there. I would highly recommend them to any parent looking for a day care.

The Creative Kids Academy staff is like no other! Both the staff and parents are so friendly, polite to one another, and just an overall amazing group of people. The environment feels safe and peaceful, yet there’s so much happening at the CKA! There’s always a dress up day or a birthday or holiday (usually something special) as an event! It’s such a fun place!

My son started daycare here around a month and a half ago. The experience has been great. The infant care teachers are all spectacular. I was a nervous dad bringing my son to daycare for the first time but the teachers and the director confidently put my mind at ease. The biggest thing for me is that I can tell they care for my son quite a lot. They send photos through the app and it looks like they have lots of fun. The teachers are great at communicating concerns and filling me and my wife in on how the day went. I have zero complaints about this daycare :)

Our kids have been attending daycare at CKA Maple Grove since 2018, and I have loved watching them grow up in this center. They have both blossomed under the care and love of their amazing teachers and leaders, who foster an environment of safe learning. From receiving on-the-spot updates and pictures through the app, to seeing the artwork and evidence of the kids' lessons, to hearing the stories of who played what games on the playground that day at pickup time...I know beyond a doubt that my kids were supported and treasured during their time at this fabulous institution. Liz, Sunny, and all the fabulous staff at CKA Maple Grove: our family will never forget you!