Minnesota Child Care & Preschool Where Creativity and Learning Thrive
So Much More Than Child Care.
Since 2009, Creative Kids Academy has been part of thousands of Minnesota families’ stories. Through exceptional teachers, hands-on learning, and meaningful relationships, we help children build confidence, discover their potential, and imagine what’s possible.
Care & Learning From 6 Weeks to 12 Years
Full-time and part-time programs with a research-based curriculum and enrichment woven into every day.
Infant Program
6 Weeks – 16 MonthsNurturing care, tummy time, and sensory play in a calm, loving room.
Explore Infant CareEmerging Toddler Program
12 – 24 MonthsA bridge between infancy and toddlerhood, with individualized support for new walkers, talkers, and explorers building confidence and independence.
Explore Emerging ToddlerToddler Program
16 – 33 MonthsHands-on learning, language growth, first friendships, and plenty of outdoor play.
Explore ToddlersPreschool & Pre-K
33 Months – 5 YearsKindergarten readiness through play-based, teacher-guided STEAM learning.
Explore PreschoolSchool-Age Program
5 – 12 YearsBefore & after school care plus full-day fun on school-out days.
Explore School-AgeSummer Program
All Age GroupsField trips, water days, and themed weeks all summer long.
Explore SummerEnrichment
Included in TuitionDance, music, science, and performing arts led by specialty teachers — at no extra cost.
Explore EnrichmentNutrition and Wellness
Meals & Snacks IncludedNutritious meals and snacks planned by our in-house nutrition team, with dietary needs welcomed.
Explore NutritionLearning Beyond Paper
Research-Based CurriculumHands-on, age-appropriate learning that builds confidence, curiosity, creativity, and kindergarten readiness through purposeful play.
Explore Our CurriculumChildcare Assistance & Early Learning Scholarships Accepted
Quality early education should be within reach for every family. We accept the Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and Early Learning Scholarships, offer center-specific promotions throughout the year, and we’ll help you understand what your family may qualify for.
Our enrollment team will walk you through your options — no pressure.
Talk to Our TeamSo Much More Than Childcare
Since 2009, Twin Cities families have trusted Creative Kids Academy to help their children learn, grow, and imagine what’s possible.
Relationships That Last
Many of our caring, experienced teachers stay with CKA for years, creating trusted relationships that help children feel safe, confident, and known — and becoming part of your family’s story.
Learning Through Exploration
From STEAM activities and enrichment programs to sensory play and outdoor adventures, children learn by doing every day.
A Sense of Belonging
Strong partnerships, family events, center traditions, daily communication, and genuine connections create a community where children and families truly belong.
Confidence for Life
We help children build independence, kindness, resilience, and the confidence they need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.
Recognized for Excellence — Locally & Nationally
Our accreditations reflect the quality of care your child receives every day. And our workplace awards — based entirely on feedback from our employees — reflect the happy, supported teachers behind it.
NAEYC AccreditedEarly Learning ProgramParent Aware 4-StarHighest Possible RatingTop 200 WorkplacesThe Minnesota Star Tribune 2024–2026Top Workplaces USAUSA Today 2024–2026
Education IndustryTop Workplaces 2025–2026
Employee AppreciationTop Workplaces 2025–2026
Employee Well-BeingTop Workplaces 2025–2026
Professional DevelopmentTop Workplaces 2025–2026Growing With Minnesota Families Since 2009
Creative Kids Academy is locally and family owned — and it shows. Since opening our first four schools in 2009, we’ve grown to 13 daycare and preschool locations across the Twin Cities metro, guided by a simple belief: every child deserves high-quality, nurturing care that encourages them to learn, grow, and imagine what is possible.
Our hands-on Learning Beyond Paper curriculum builds kindergarten readiness from the very first classroom, and every child enjoys included enrichment — Spanish, music, science, theatre, karate, and Dancercise — at no extra cost. Because we believe meaningful enrichment shouldn’t be reserved for families who can pay extra.
Get to know who we are, see why families choose CKA, and come feel the difference in person. Our mantra says it best: “Positive Energy Creates a Positive World!”
13 Locations Across the Twin Cities Metro
Convenient, accredited child care and preschool close to home and work throughout the Minneapolis–St. Paul area.
Loved by Twin Cities Families
“Retention of staff is amazing and almost unheard of in this industry. The teachers are kind, nurturing, and truly love the children. My girls trust their teachers completely, and that makes it so much easier to leave them each day.”
“We love the staff and leadership team. Other centers never made us feel welcomed or like we were part of something. The community and family feeling the staff creates is unmatched.”
“Our daughter has been at CKA since infancy, and we’ve been blown away watching her grow socially and academically. She adores her teachers and friends—and we couldn’t believe she was writing her name at age three.”
News & Ideas for Twin Cities Parents
Practical tips, center news, and a peek at what your child’s day could look like at CKA.
Why a Top Workplace Means Better Child Care
Choosing child care is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a parent. Here’s why happy, supported teachers make all the difference.
Read MoreThe Heart Behind Early Childhood Education
We recently celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week across all 13 of our centers — meet the people who make CKA feel like family.
Read MoreWeek of the Young Child: Celebrating Early Childhood Education in the Twin Cities
Each year, childcare centers and preschools nationwide celebrate Week of the Young Child — here’s how CKA joins in.
Read MoreReady to See Creative Kids Academy in Person?
Schedule a tour at your nearest location and discover why families across the Twin Cities trust us with their children.