Creative Center
Creative Center children building together with colorful blocks

Phoenix, Arizona · Since 1961

Where little learners play, discover and  

A safe, nurturing and family-oriented early-learning center for infants through age 13. Play-based curriculum, experienced teachers and freshly prepared meals — all on East Cactus Road in Phoenix.

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Est.1961

Our programs

Age-appropriate curriculum, with enrichment built into every classroom.

Each program is customized to meet children where they are and empower them as they learn and explore the world.

Infants at Creative Center
6 weeks – 12 months

Infants

A primary caregiver is assigned to every baby so bonding comes first. Our long-tenured, experienced caregivers plan for each developmental stage and keep relationships at the heart of learning.

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Younger Toddlers at Creative Center
12 – 24 months

Younger Toddlers

A flurry of movement, language and first independence. We offer practical, concrete learning built around each child's developmental level, with relationship-focused teaching and care.

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Older Toddlers at Creative Center
2 – 3 years

Older Toddlers

“I'm 2 now!” Older toddlers try new things, get messy, learn to clean up and build first friendships while teachers scaffold their choices and their growing vocabulary.

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Preschool at Creative Center
3 – 4 years

Preschool

Three-year-olds solve more problems, invent their own methods and want to know why — a lot. Our educators model, question and support, with quarterly benchmarks shared with families.

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Pre-K at Creative Center
4 – 5 years, until kindergarten

Pre-K

Layers of learning through practice and new challenges. Early reading and writing grow in a predictable, stable classroom where pre-kindergartners are independent, trusted learners.

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Summer Camps & Breaks at Creative Center
5 – 13 years

Summer Camps & Breaks

A local, family-oriented camp with weekly field trips, themed curriculum, water play and fresh meals during summer and school breaks.

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School Age at Creative Center
Kindergarten – 13 years

School Age

Before- and after-school care in a safe, encouraging environment with homework support, character-building activities and transportation to five PVUSD elementary schools.

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Creative Center school-age children and their teachers on the playground

Our story

Established in 1961, and still run by the family who knows your child's name.

The period from birth to eight years old is one of remarkable brain development and a crucial window of opportunity for education.

We strive to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where children develop essential life skills through play-based learning and positive reinforcement.

By prioritizing safety, creativity and individual growth — all while partnering with families — we build strong foundations for lifelong learning.

Meet us in person

Enriched curriculum

More than childcare. A day full of real experiences.

Cooking, gardening, yoga, Spanish, STEM and music are woven into the week — because curiosity should not be an add-on.

Two young children shaping colorful modeling clay

Cooking

Fun cooking activities that teach children healthy eating and basic kitchen skills.

Children creating together around a classroom activity table

Gardening

Children learn to plant, care for and grow living things while connecting with nature.

A smiling child enjoying a calm classroom activity

Yoga

Simple poses and breathing that improve balance, focus and calm.

A teacher guiding preschool children through a group activity

Spanish

Interactive lessons with songs and stories that build early language skills.

A teacher helping children explore colorful building blocks

STEM: Science & Math

Hands-on projects that inspire curiosity and problem-solving.

A school-age child concentrating on a colorful painting

Music

Rhythm, singing and instruments that spark creativity and expression.

Why Creative Center

The reasons Arizona families keep choosing us — some for over a decade.

We are not a franchise. Every decision — from class sizes to the food on the plate — is made here, by people who see your child every morning.

Privately owned

Independently owned and operated, so we can accommodate the individual needs of every student instead of a corporate template.

Safe, clean, nurturing

A secure, spotless environment where children are known by name and cared for by people who genuinely love this work.

Research-based play curriculum

Play-based learning grounded in research, with age-appropriate benchmarks that keep growth visible and intentional.

Experienced, trained teachers

Long-tenured educators with ongoing training who stay with our families year after year.

Freshly prepared meals

Nutritious meals and snacks prepared fresh in-house, served family-style throughout the day.

Real parent communication

Face-to-face conversations at pickup, plus daily updates, photos and milestones through the ProCare app.

Creative Center children playing outdoors during summer camp

Now enrolling · Summer camp

A summer of learning, friendships and unforgettable memories.

We are a local, family-oriented summer camp where kids learn, play, explore and grow in a safe and engaging environment. Field trips each week, themed curriculum, board games, water play and plenty of room to be a kid. Spots are limited.

  • Fun and educational activities
  • Experienced and caring staff
  • Safe and engaging environment
  • STEM, art and creative play
  • Healthy meals and snacks
  • Small group sizes
  • Indoor and outdoor activities
Reserve a summer spot (602) 992-3640
Ages 5 – 13Summer & school breaks
  • Weekly field trips
  • Fresh meals and snacks
  • Small, supervised groups

What parents say

Families who found their people here.

My daughter Presley has attended Creative Center since the age of 3 and is still there to this day. Presley is now 12 years old and does before and aftercare at Creative Center. CC is a family-owned business for over 20 years and provides excellent opportunities for kids. The staff is by far some of the best individuals I have ever met. I am going to miss them tremendously. I call this place “THE HIDDEN GEM.”
Don DolinDon DolinCreative Center parent
Thank you for preparing my son for kindergarten. He enjoyed attending Creative Center for Early Education very much, as he has expressed many times. I will definitely recommend your center to anyone I know looking for the perfect daycare center. Thank you for giving him a wonderful experience.
Nel N.Nel N.Creative Center parent
Wonderful facility. Educated, patient, nurturing and energetic staff. Excellent curriculum. My 3-year-old can say all of his ABCs, identify all of his colors and shapes, and count to 30. The play area is exceptional. I have never had peace of mind when dropping off my son, but with Creative Center I feel so secure knowing he is safe and in highly qualified hands. Exceptional daycare.
Kasey MichelinKasey MichelinCreative Center parent

Schedule a tour

Come see it. Then imagine your child here.

Thank you for your interest in Creative Center — we are delighted you wish to join our family. Tour early to make sure we have a space for your child when you need it.

Request a TourContact Us

Visit us

Our school
3020 E. Cactus Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85032
Call us
(602) 992-3640
Email us
info@creativecenteraz.com
Office hours
Monday–Friday, 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM