An Environment Designed With Your Child In Mind
By building meaningful connections and shared responsibility, we create a strong foundation that nurtures growth, confidence, and lifelong success. Children thrive when the people in their lives work together.
18
Years of Serving the Medical Lake & West Plains Community
Where Childhood is Cherished & Learning Thrives
A Note From Director & Owner, Maricela Mercer
At Cela’s Creative Learning Academy, we create a nurturing environment where children and their families feel supported and valued. Our goal is to provide a safe, happy, and enriching space where each child can grow, explore, and learn at their own pace.
With over 30 years of experience in early childhood education and a foundation in both Montessori and traditional childcare philosophies, I combine proven techniques to meet the unique needs of every child. Our passionate teachers provide individualized attention throughout the day, ensuring that each child feels seen, supported, and inspired.
From practical life activities to early academics, our thoughtfully designed curriculum encourages curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. Every day, we celebrate the joy of discovery and the special milestones that make childhood magical.
Programs for Every Stage
01
Infants/Waddlers
4 weeks-16 months
Gentle, loving care with nurturing routines that support comfort, trust, and early growth.
Read More… coming soon…
02
Toddlers
15 months – 2.5 yrs
Active, playful guidance with hands-on experiences that encourage curiosity and independence.
03
Preschool
2.5 years-4 years
Imaginative learning and social activities designed to build confidence, creativity, and friendships.
04
Pre-Kindergarten
4 years – 5 years
School-ready experiences with structured routines that foster problem-solving, independence, and early academics.
05
School-Age
5 years – 12 years
Fun, safe care with engaging projects and routines that support learning, teamwork, and confidence.
06
Homemade Meals
Nourishing Daily
Our on-site kitchen prepares wholesome, homemade meals that nourish growing bodies and support healthy habits.
Discover Our School
01
Administrative Team
Our welcoming and compassionate office staff is dedicated to supporting families, staff, and every child’s success.
04
Cultural Language
Enrichment
Celebrating culture and language is important to us. With Maricela from Mexico, Spanish is naturally woven into our day through greetings, songs, counting, colors, and conversation. We also honor all families’ cultures, creating joyful, age-appropriate opportunities for children to see their own backgrounds reflected and learn about others.
02
Outdoor Play
Our outdoor spaces are full of fun, rain or shine! Children ride bikes, climb, and enjoy all kinds of physical activities that build coordination and teamwork. Being outside sparks curiosity, encourages exploration to play and learn every day.
05
Christian Values
Program
We introduce children to Christian values through simple Bible stories, saying prayer before meals, and celebrating holidays in a meaningful and inclusive way. From learning about Jesus’ birth alongside festive holiday traditions like Santa, children explore faith, kindness, generosity, and joy, helping guide their hearts and actions every day.
03
Early Achievers
Level 3+
Proud participants in Washington’s Early Achievers program, focused on quality and continuous improvement. More Info at the Washington State DCYF.
06
Creative Curriculum
& TSG Assessment
We use Creative Curriculum & Teaching Strategies GOLD to guide children’s learning in a hands-on, intentional way. Through exploration, play, and individualized instruction, children build skills in literacy, math, social-emotional growth, and problem-solving, while developing confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning every day.
