High quality and affordable child care in Shellsburg & Vinton, Iowa
Creative Kids provides before and after school care, summer programming, and preschool wrap-around care to children ages 3–5th grade at Tilford Elementary in Vinton and Shellsburg Elementary. We pride ourselves on being safe, caring, and fun for all children.
Parents trust Creative Kids
of parents surveyed feel their child is safe and secure at Creative Kids.
of parents were satisfied or very satisfied with the overall quality of care.
of parents were satisfied or very satisfied with staff communication.
established 2015
Endless fun in a safe, secure, & nurturing environment.
Our staff aim to inspire a love of learning, imagination, and curiosity through play.
Our mission
Creative Kids Child Care is committed to providing high quality programming at an affordable rate. We value a respectful, safe, all-inclusive environment and work to build structures to support all children.
We facilitate social and educational opportunities that produce fun, lasting memories. We create such an atmosphere by having strong collaboration between families, our staff, the community and Vinton-Shellsburg Community School District.
Care before and after school, 6am–6pm
Early release, no-school & late-start coverage
Crafts, games & guest-speaker experiences
Located inside Tilford & Shellsburg Elementary
Pricing
Enrollment starts July 1 · Care begins August 24
Before & After School Care
$80/week
After School Care
$65/week
Before School Care
$40/week
Planned Early Release Care
$35/week
Plus $65 materials and activities fee
“I appreciate that the program is at the school so transportation logistics aren’t an issue. Our kids really enjoy the staff and they’re always friendly.”
School Age Parent
Full-day care, 6am–6pm all summer
Weekly field trips around the community
Pools, parks & outdoor adventures
Art projects, gym time & guest experiences
Pricing
Enrollment starts March 1 · June 4 – August 14
Full Time
$180/week
Part Time (3 days/week)
$140/week
Materials & Activities Fee
$250
“She grew so much over the summer while in their amazing care. As a mom I love Creative Kids because of the structure, routine, and reliability.”
Creative Kids Parent
Wrap-around care for ages 3 & 4 in Tiny Vikes
No mid-day transportation needed
Open 6am–6pm, even when Tiny Vikes is closed
Activities aligned with preschool learning
3-Year-Old · $218/week
Plus $75 materials and activities fee
4-Year-Old · $188/week
Plus $75 materials and activities fee
Occasional Care · $50/day
Plus $50 materials and activities fee
“Creative Kids has been nothing but a positive experience for my family. My children have been valued and supported throughout their time in the program. The wrap-around care is so convenient to working parents. Transportation struggles are now eliminated, and the transition from preschool to childcare occurs smoothly.”
Preschool Wrap Around Parent
Creative Kids Child Care accepts Child Care Assistance through the State of Iowa.
If you are already receiving Child Care Assistance, you must contact your eligibility worker to get connected to our center (Tilford KT 52511, Shellsburg KT 52176).
For more information about Child Care Assistance, refer to these websites:
Frequently asked questions
What ages can enroll in Creative Kids?
Creative Kids currently offers care to kids in kindergarten to 5th grade. Creative Kids offers wrap-around care to 3 and 4 year olds enrolled in Tiny Vikes Preschool at Tilford Elementary (Vinton) and Shellsburg Elementary.
What are your hours?
6am-6pm Monday-Friday
When will my invoice be due?
Invoices are sent via the Playground App on Thursday and due Monday for the week of care. Invoices are sent weekly.
How do I pay my invoice?
Invoices are paid through the Playground app. There is an option for an ACH pull from your checking account or paying via credit or debit card. There is even an autopay option!
When is information on summer programming released?
Information for the summer program is released in March.
What scheduled dates are the centers closed?
Creative Kids observes the following days for closures:
New Year’s Day
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day/Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve/Christmas Day/Day after Christmas
New Years Eve
If the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday the previous Friday or following Monday will be granted as a holiday and Creative Kids will be closed.
Creative Kids is closed for professional learning between the summer program ending and the school year beginning, 2 days during the school year, and between the school year ending and the summer program beginning. Parents will be notified at least one month prior to the dates to allow for appropriate and timely arrangements for their children.
Do you close for snow days?
Creative Kids does not always close when VSCSD does. However, when the weather is very severe, it is deemed necessary to stay closed or close early to assure the safety of the children and staff. Parents will be notified through the Playground app should this happen.
Do you offer “drop in” care?
We don’t offer traditional drop-in care, but we do have something we think is even better: Occasional Care for preschoolers.
With drop-in care, families, staff, and children often meet for the first time on the first day of care, with no paperwork done ahead of time. With Occasional Care, your family gets to know us before your child’s first day. Paperwork and emergency information are done ahead of time, and you’ll visit to meet our staff and see the classroom. That way your child walks in on their first day already feeling comfortable!
Available in our preschool classrooms at both Tilford and Shellsburg
Up to 10 hours of care per day, anytime between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm
$50 one-time enrollment fee
$50 per day of care
Occasional Care depends on daily staffing and classroom space, so we recommend enrolling ahead of time so you’re ready when you need us!
Does my child have to be potty trained to be enrolled in the preschool wrap around program?
Yes, your child needs to be mostly potty trained. Occasional accidents are expected and developmentally appropriate.
Join us today to maximize your child's growth!
E-mail us to ask any additional questions
Contact & Hours
Open
Monday - Friday
6a - 6p
creative.kids.vs@gmail.com
Phone
(319) 214-0127
Locations
Tilford Elementary School (Vinton)
Shellsburg Elementary School (Shellsburg)
Social
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