Celebrating nearly 20 years in Mason, Creative Tots blends joyful, play‑based learning with academic readiness in a warm, family‑centered environment. Recognized as a 2025 Google Top 10 Preschool in Warren County and featured in Cincinnati Parent Magazine, Creative Tots has welcomed more than 1,500 alumni through its Toddler, Preschool, Pre‑K, and Kindergarten Enrichment programs. With a curriculum built on Creativity, Connection, Curiosity, and Confidence, and traditions like the beloved Annual Art Show, Creative Tots continues to be a place where children thrive, and families feel at home.
General Info:
Address: 6408 Thornberry Ct Ste 110
Mason, OH 45040
Phone: (513) 770-6776
Website: www.CreativeTotsMason.com
Q&A with Creative Tots Mason:
What makes Creative Tots Mason unique?
At Creative Tots, we believe early childhood should be filled with joy, wonder, and connection. We don’t view preschool as merely preparation for what comes next, we see it as the most precious foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Our days are rich with creativity, play, music, movement, and exploration. We see every child as an artist, a thinker, a scientist, and a storyteller. Their imaginations are celebrated, their curiosity is sparked, and their hearts are nurtured through hands-on experiences and authentic relationships.
We intentionally stay small, because we deeply value relationships with our children, their families, and one another. From the moment a child walks through our doors, they are seen, known, and loved. Our school culture is warm, collaborative, and deeply rooted in the local community. We’re not part of a large franchise; we are personally invested in every detail of our program. That sense of personal touch is felt in everything from how we greet children each morning to how we partner with families throughout the year.
And one of the most magical moments of our year? Our beloved Annual Art Show. For one unforgettable night, our school becomes a breathtaking children’s art museum, where families walk through in awe, celebrating the beauty, brilliance, and bold imagination of their children’s creative journey.
What is Creative Tots Mason’s age/grade range?
Toddler Program: 18 months – 3 years
Early 3’s Program:2 1/2 – 3 years
Preschool Program: 3 – 4 years
K-Prep & Pre-K Program: 4 – 5 years
Kindergarten Enrichment Program: 5-6 years
What is Creative Tots Mason enrollment policy? Are there any key dates parents should be aware of?
At Creative Tots, enrollment is designed to be simple, family‑friendly, and transparent. We welcome children for the upcoming school year in our Toddler, Preschool, Pre‑K, and Kindergarten Enrichment programs on a first‑come, first‑served basis, with priority given to returning families and siblings. Open registration begins in January. Our intentionally small class sizes ensure that every child is seen, known, and celebrated. To secure placement, families are required to fill out a registration form online and submit both a deposit and a registration fee at the time of enrollment. Registration for our popular Summer Camp programs begins each March.
Does Creative Tots Mason offer financial assistance?
While Creative Tots does not directly provide financial assistance, families may apply through the State of Ohio’s Child Care Choice Program. Each year, we can accept up to 10 scholarships through this program, making it possible for more children to experience the joyful, play‑based learning and warm community that Creative Tots offers.
What are the standard school day hours?
– Toddler–Pre‑K Half‑Day Programs (18 mos – 5 yrs)
• Morning Session: 9:00–11:30
• Afternoon Session: 12:00–2:30
– Preschool–Pre‑K Full‑Day Program (3 – 5 yrs)
• 9:00–2:30
– Kindergarten Enrichment Programs (5 – 6 yrs)
• Morning Session: 9:00–12:00 (or until bus pickup from MECC)
• Afternoon Session: 12:00–2:30 (or beginning when the bus drops off from MECC
Does Creative Tots Mason offer before/after school care?
Yes! Creative Tots offers flexible extended‑day programs for families who need care beyond regular half‑day sessions. Our Mom’s Day Out (MDO) program provides a full‑day option from 9:00–2:30, complete with lunch and enrichment activities. Families may also add Lunch Bunch or enrichment blocks after morning classes or before afternoon classes, creating schedules that fit their needs. In addition, we provide before and after Kindergarten Enrichment, with Mason families able to use Mason City Schools Transportation to bus children to and from MECC.
Does Creative Tots Mason offer afterschool activities?
Absolutely. In addition to our core curriculum, Creative Tots offers a wide variety of enrichment programs that extend learning in joyful ways. Options include Spanish, Science Lab, Art, Music, and Dance, all designed to spark creativity, confidence, and discovery. These programs connect school and home, giving children opportunities to explore language, fine arts, STEM, and movement in meaningful, playful ways.
Is there a uniform or dress code?
No.
Does Creative Tots Mason have a homework policy?
Our K‑Prep and Pre‑K programs are designed to build strong kindergarten readiness skills. In the classroom, children engage in structured lessons that strengthen sight‑word recognition, comprehension, and early writing strategies—laying the foundation for confident readers and writers. At home, we encourage families to enjoy nightly reading together using our “just‑right” books and to practice sight words in a fun, low‑pressure way. Our goal is to support learning both at school and at home while keeping it joyful and developmentally appropriate.
How many children attend Creative Tots Mason? How many students are in the average classroom?
Creative Tots serves an average of 85–100 students each year, depending on the number of half‑day spots available. Our Toddler program has a maximum class size of 18, divided into three small groups of six students with three dedicated teachers. The Preschool program accommodates up to 21 children, organized into three groups of 6–7 students with three teachers. Our Pre‑K and K‑Prep programs also have a maximum of 21 students, divided into three groups of 6–7, supported by 2–3 teachers to ensure personalized attention and a nurturing environment.
Does Creative Tots Mason offer support for students with special needs?
While Creative Tots does not provide in‑house special services, children who live within the Mason City Schools district and qualify for support (such as speech, occupational therapy, or physical therapy) may receive itinerant services directly at Creative Tots. These services are coordinated and provided by Mason City Schools based on each child’s individual evaluation, ensuring that students can access the support they need while remaining in our nurturing preschool environment.
What specialty classes / extracurricular activities does Creative Tots Mason offer (gym, art, language, sports etc.)?
In‑Class Enrichment (included in tuition):
– Yoga – Simple techniques that build balance, focus, and social‑emotional growth.
– Music – Led by Ms. Joanie, a seasoned teacher with 30+ years of experience, bringing joy through guitar, voice, and rhythm.
– Art – Exploration of diverse mediums and art history, with projects inspired by famous artists, showcased at the Annual Art Show.
– STEM & Science – Hands‑on experiments, guided nature walks, and studies of animal behaviors, sparking curiosity and problem‑solving skills.
– Field Trips & Guest Speakers – Visits to Krohn Conservatory, Blooms & Berries Farm Market, local art studios, and the Children’s Theater, plus community experts who enrich classroom learning.
Extended‑Day Enrichment (optional, additional fee):
– Spanish – Locos por Español – Playful language immersion with fluent teachers, emphasizing pronunciation and short conversations.
– Science Lab – Weekly experiments in electricity, anatomy, chemical reactions, physics, and more.
– Art – Weekly adventures in painting, sculpting, and creative techniques inspired by global artists.
– Music – Exploration of rhythm, dynamics, sequencing, and melody using simple instruments.
– Dance – Pre‑ballet, dance, tumbling, rhythm, and creative movement with fun props and imaginative routines.
– Mom’s Day Out (MDO) – Full‑day option (9:00–2:30) combining lunch, enrichment, and extended learning opportunities.
What are Creative Tots Mason’s safety policies?
At Creative Tots, the safety and security of our children, families, and staff is our highest priority. We maintain strict procedures to ensure a safe and welcoming environment:
– Locked Doors: All school doors remain locked throughout the day.
– Controlled Entry: A staff member greets families at the door during drop‑off and pick‑up to ensure each child is safely escorted in and out.
– Authorized Pick‑Up Only: Anyone other than a parent or guardian must present a written note from the parent and a valid photo ID before a child will be released.
– Visitor Policy: Solicitors and unscheduled tours are not permitted. All visits must be scheduled in advance and approved by administration.
Who should parents contact for more information about Creative Tots Mason?
Parent can contact Emilie in the office via email at [email protected] or via phone 513-770-6776. We’re now booking tours for the upcoming school year! Come experience the warmth, wonder, and welcoming spirit that make Creative Tots feel like home. Creative Tots isn’t just a school… It’s the place where extraordinary learning begins.
