Creative Learning Preschool

Creative Learning Preschool (CLP) is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization governed by a Board of Directors comprised of parents and community members. We are a play-based preschool conveniently located just off the Capitol Square in Downtown Madison. Our mission is to provide children with a warm, safe, and nurturing environment that meets each child's developmental needs. We achieve this by maintaining low child-to-staff ratios and small group sizes, ensuring quality, personalized care for every child.

CLP offers full and part-time preschool programming and childcare services for children aged six weeks to 5 years. We are a contracted 4-K community site with Madison Metropolitan School District and provide additional programming for school-age children during the summer months. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Our Services

At Creative Learning Preschool, we offer a range of services that enrich the lives of our children and support the busy lives of families. Our services include:

• Enrichment Classes: We offer music and movement classes and Spanish lessons to promote cultural awareness and language development.
• Nutritious Homemade Meals: Our chef prepares nutritious meals for our children daily, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for their growth and development.
• Cloth Diaper Service: We offer a cloth diaper service, providing an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to disposable diapers.

Licensing and Accreditation

Creative Learning Preschool is licensed by the State of Wisconsin and accredited by the City of Madison. We are proud to hold a 5-star rating with the Department of Children and Families Youngstar Program, which recognizes our commitment to providing high-quality care and education.

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum follows the HighScope philosophy, an educational approach based on Piaget's child development theories. This approach stresses the role of children as active learners and encourages them to take the initiative, solve problems and work with others to accomplish their goals. Our curriculum is child-directed, allowing teachers to plan and implement a program that is designed around the needs and interests of the children.

The heart of the HighScope approach is the plan-do-review sequence in which children make choices, carry out their ideas, and reflect on what they learned. This process allows children to learn to take initiative, solve problems, and work with others to accomplish their goals. The content of children's learning is guided by key developmental indicators in Approaches to Learning, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development and Health, Language Literacy and Communication, Mathematics, Creative Arts, Science and Technology, and Social Studies. These indicators align with the WI Model Early Learning Standards.

2023-2024 School Year Calendar and Closures

We have a comprehensive school year calendar that includes important dates and closures, such as:

• In-Service Days
• Holidays
• Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Winter Break
• Staff Retreat

Please refer to our calendar for the full list of dates and closures.