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Summer of Happiness means fun at The Learning Experience®

The Learning Experience® is committed to delivering quality childcare and early childhood education all summer long through our fun and engaging “Summer of Happiness” program. It’s the perfect place for your child to explore their curiosity—and to learn—through a variety of monthly themed programs that include hands-on activities, on-site entertainment, and loads of outdoor fun!

Register for Summer at TLE

happyhappenshere.

From Infant through preschool, we make early education and daycare joyful, engaging and fun so children are happy to learn, play and grow.

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L.E.A.P.® Curriculum for Infants Virtual Tour Video
L.E.A.P.® Curriculum for InfantsL.E.A.P.® Curriculum for Infants
L.E.A.P.® Curriculum for Infants

Curriculum that develops the whole child

Our L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) Curriculum uses fun, hands-on activities throughout early education to help children develop intellectually, socially and cognitively. Or as we say, to learn, play and grow.

Learn More About Our Curriculum

Characters that bring learning to life

Children love learning from characters—and studies show that it’s highly effective especially in preschool and early education. TLE® has a cast of unique, beloved characters, each one teaching children a new value or activity.

Bubbles and Friends Theme Song

261K subscribers and 60,480,577 views
Characters that bring learning to lifeMissChievous-Signature-Circle

Bubbles

Our lovable friend who takes you on a daily adventure that makes kids happy to learn, play and grow.

Curriculum that develops the whole childMissChievous-Signature-Circle

Grace & Charity

Our dynamic doggy duo introduces the importance of being generous and giving.

Curriculum that develops the whole childMissChievous-Signature-Circle

Lionstein®

Our wise and creative scientist who makes science fun and exciting.

Curriculum that develops the whole childMissChievous-Signature-Circle

Phoebe

Our literature loving llama makes reading fun.

Curriculum that develops the whole childMissChievous-Signature-Circle

Two Plus Toucan

Our creative mathematician helps explore the joys of math.

Curriculum that develops the whole childMissChievous-Signature-Circle

Penny

Our well-mannered etiquette coach demonstrates the importance of being helpful, honest, and kind.

Curriculum that develops the whole childMissChievous-Signature-Circle

Sonar

Our adventurous submarine reveals the many wonders of the underwater world.

Characters that bring learning to lifeMissChievous-Signature-Circle

Pablo

Our creative and artsy pig helps children discover the beauty of self-expression.

vMissChievous-Signature-Circle

Gibby

Our kind-hearted, hard-of-hearing gibbon loves to share his passion for sign language and promoting inclusivity.

L.E.A.P.® Curriculum for Infants L.E.A.P.® Curriculum for Infants

Success measured in happy stories

See what parents are saying about TLE Childcare Centers.

Characters that bring learning to life Characters that bring learning to life Characters that bring learning to life Characters that bring learning to life

Jordan

M.
4 months ago
Ms. Juliana, Ms. Marissa, and Ms. Courtney have been amazing!!! They make the day go by fast for my little one and have always been extra vigilant in making sure us the parents are comfortable and that our son is as well!! Our son has formed amazing relationships and always tells me good things... Read more

Jordan

M.
4 months ago
Ms. Juliana, Ms. Marissa, and Ms. Courtney have been amazing!!! They make the day go by fast for my little one and have always been extra vigilant in making sure us the parents are comfortable and that our son is as well!! Our son has formed amazing relationships and always tells me good things about these teachers when he comes home. Ms Stephanie is his new teacher now and I have noticed a good relationship forming there as well.

Ramona

M
4 months ago
I have to say that The Learning Experience is doing a phenomenal job all the way around!! Thanks to ALL the teachers our little one has grown leaps & bounds! In recognition of World Teacher's Day I want to give a special shout out to Ms. Stephanie in P3 for challenging her students in becom... Read more

Ramona

M
4 months ago
I have to say that The Learning Experience is doing a phenomenal job all the way around!! Thanks to ALL the teachers our little one has grown leaps & bounds! In recognition of World Teacher's Day I want to give a special shout out to Ms. Stephanie in P3 for challenging her students in becoming world class learners. I absolutely love everything about the new curriculum this year including the added homework assignments.

Lindsey

A
4 months ago
My daughter has been going to this daycare for almost one year and i can truly say it’s been the best decision. I am so grateful to know so many amazing awesome teachers that have interacted with my daughter and taught her many new skills. I do want to shout out to Ms. Breanna in the prep... Read more

Lindsey

A
4 months ago
My daughter has been going to this daycare for almost one year and i can truly say it’s been the best decision. I am so grateful to know so many amazing awesome teachers that have interacted with my daughter and taught her many new skills. I do want to shout out to Ms. Breanna in the preppers room. She has the biggest heart and has so much patience. She always has a smile on her face, and always reminds me that my daughter is in good hands. She takes her time to let me know how her day was, and always fills me in on different events or encourages me on different way to work on things at home with my daughter . I feel so happy to know my daughter is being taken care everyday. We love the learning experience and will recommend it to everyone

Jacob

A
4 months ago
Ms. Courtney, Ms. Hailey, and Ms. Breanna are absolutely wonderful. If you are like me and work full time this is the only facility I recommend. Your child is guaranteed to learn new things daily, and not want to leave.

Jacob

A
4 months ago
Ms. Courtney, Ms. Hailey, and Ms. Breanna are absolutely wonderful. If you are like me and work full time this is the only facility I recommend. Your child is guaranteed to learn new things daily, and not want to leave.

Elizabeth

A
4 months ago
We’ve been going to TLE for over 2 years and have had a great experience. Never any safety concerns, my daughter loves going and good communication. They helped us potty train and it was a smooth experience. Ms. Marissa is always so kind and tells me about her day. I love that her previou... Read more

Elizabeth

A
4 months ago
We’ve been going to TLE for over 2 years and have had a great experience. Never any safety concerns, my daughter loves going and good communication. They helped us potty train and it was a smooth experience. Ms. Marissa is always so kind and tells me about her day. I love that her previous teachers stay in her life and check in on her. Ms. Sarah always says hello even though she hasn’t had her in a year and Ms. Jess always talks with her like she’s still her teacher. They send things home about what the kids are learning so we can do things at home. We look forward to more years with them.

Fave

A.
4 months ago
My family and I love TLE-Gurnee. As a transplant from the city, we were in search of a day care that checks all of our needs. TLE has it all! Safety is a top priority for us and TLE-Gurnee is has that all!

Fave

A.
4 months ago
My family and I love TLE-Gurnee. As a transplant from the city, we were in search of a day care that checks all of our needs. TLE has it all! Safety is a top priority for us and TLE-Gurnee is has that all!

Liz

A.
4 months ago
We are so incredibly thankful for the team at The Learning Experience—Gurnee! Our daughter has a medical condition that required her to wear a hip brace from 3 months-7 months and then she was in a spica cast from 7 months-10 months and the staff handled everything amazingly! They worked ... Read more

Liz

A.
4 months ago
We are so incredibly thankful for the team at The Learning Experience—Gurnee! Our daughter has a medical condition that required her to wear a hip brace from 3 months-7 months and then she was in a spica cast from 7 months-10 months and the staff handled everything amazingly! They worked with us and were so supportive through the process. We love getting the updates on her day and know that she is well taken care of by the amazing teachers! We highly recommend The Learning Experience—Gurnee!

Cortland

S.
9 months ago
This place is awesome, my boys love it. Their teachers (Ms.Courtney, Ms. Natalie, Ms.Monique, Ms. Kimmy, Ms. Zhara) are very caring and inclusive to my boy's interest. My youngest just moved out of the toddler class and loved his teachers in there also. (Ms.Eniko, Ms. Angelita, Ms. Jessica)

Cortland

S.
9 months ago
This place is awesome, my boys love it. Their teachers (Ms.Courtney, Ms. Natalie, Ms.Monique, Ms. Kimmy, Ms. Zhara) are very caring and inclusive to my boy's interest. My youngest just moved out of the toddler class and loved his teachers in there also. (Ms.Eniko, Ms. Angelita, Ms. Jessica)

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Meet our TLE® Center team

Ms. Casie

Center Director

Favorite TLE® Character: Grace Charity

Ms. Casie

Center Director

Favorite TLE® Character: Grace Charity

I started at TLE Gurnee back in 2020 and joined the team as a preschool teacher. I moved around the center and helped in a variety of classrooms. I was promoted to program assistant and a little bit later found an opportunity for more growth and was promoted to Center director last year. I attended North Park University and received my bachelors in secondary education. My goal is for this center to shine and ensure all children are safe and happy.

Kristin Gillespie

Assistant Director

Favorite TLE® Character: Gibby Gibson

Kristin Gillespie

Assistant Director

Favorite TLE® Character: Gibby Gibson

It has been over 7 years that I have been in this field! I started off in the infant classroom and since have moved up management. I am now a boy mom and I love watching him learn and become excited when he makes new accomplishments. I have my Bachelors in Psychology and I look forward to seeing our center excel.

Sierra Zaban

Regional Manager

Favorite TLE® Character: Sonar

Sierra Zaban

Regional Manager

Favorite TLE® Character: Sonar

I started with TLE Gurnee as the center director in 2018! I am now the regional manager and oversee 3 schools and counting. I have two children and can’t wait to see them grow up. I am excited you are here!

Mollie Blixt

President of Operations/Owner

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Mollie Blixt

President of Operations/Owner

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

My exciting journey with TLE began in December 2006. I have dedicated each and every day since then to making our three Michigan schools and our Gurnee, IL school the very best for all of our children, the families and our community. I graduated from CMU with a Bachelor's in Child Development and had been a Director for over 13 years. Prior to that, I was a preschool teacher for 5 years in Ann Arbor. I have a passion for working with children and enjoy mentoring the staff to ensure that we are providing the safest and most nurturing environment for all children in our care. I am a very busy mom to 3 boys! We travel all over the country for gymnastics and baseball and I love every minute of it. I'm excited to be a part of this TLE Family and look forward too many more years of watching the children in our care learn, play and grow!

Mr. Thomas

Facilities Manager

Favorite TLE® Character: Pablo Pigasso

Mr. Thomas

Facilities Manager

Favorite TLE® Character: Pablo Pigasso

Mr. Thomas is our Facilities Manager and has worked for TLE for 15 years. He is a father of 5. Him and his wife have fostered many wonderful children over the last 9 years. He recently discovered a love for baking pumpkin pies from his own home grown pumpkins. He could use some work on his crust making abilities.

Ms. Ann

Infant Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Gibby Gibson

Ms. Ann

Infant Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Gibby Gibson

I’ve been working with children for over 25 years. I enjoy working with the babies the most because I get to watch them develop from such a young age. My goal for my classroom is to provide a safe, clean, home-like, and secure environment for the children and their families.

Ms.Lucy

Infant Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Ms.Lucy

Infant Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

I was born and raised in Mexico, I have 4 children, and before joining TLE I had 6 years of experience working with children. I have my associates degree in early childhood education, and my goal for my classroom is to help the children accomplish their skills they need by educating them in a safe/clean environment.

Ms. Angela

Support Staff

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

Ms. Angela

Support Staff

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

I joined TLE Gurnee back in 2019. I went to school and earned my Associate’s degree in early child education. With my four years of experience, I have learned about all ages within this childcare center. I love helping out in all rooms, and getting to know all the children in the center.

Ms. Tiana

Infant B Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Miss Chievous

Ms. Tiana

Infant B Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Miss Chievous

When I started with TLE Gurnee in 2021 I was in the preschool classrooms, but have transitioned to helping the babies. I enjoy seeing the children grow and play. I have my Masters Degree in Education, and my goal for my classroom is to the children become the best they can be.

Ms. Lena

Infant B Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Ms. Lena

Infant B Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

My name is Lena and I have joined TLE Gurnee to continue my experience with young children. I enjoy teaching the infants and getting to snuggle them throughout the day. I have a son named JJ who I love with all my heart, and enjoy watching him grow. My personal goal is to work to obtain my CDA, and I would like to teach the kiddos kindness, sharing, and different coping mechanisms.

Stephanie Fernandez

Marketing

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

Stephanie Fernandez

Marketing

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

Stephanie is our Marketing and Enrollment Support. She joined The Learning Experience in 2018 and her 3 children all graduated TLE since then. Stephanie is passionate about creating outstanding experiences for all families looking for the best daycare for their little ones. From the moment you reach out to TLE all the way to your child's preschool graduation, she will assist with any questions you may have.

Ms. Shamika

Support Staff

Favorite TLE® Character: Flexi Flamingo

Ms. Shamika

Support Staff

Favorite TLE® Character: Flexi Flamingo

I joined TLE Gurnee back in 2022 and I wasn’t sure which classroom I wanted to work in. Fortunately for me, I get the chance to help out all around the center and see all the different children we have. My son attends TLE and I love seeing him grow and learn while he is here.

Ms. Angelita

Toddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Ms. Angelita

Toddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

I have been working in childcare for quite some time now. At my last center I was working with the Preschool children, but I decided to give the Toddler children a try. I love it! I plan to work towards achieving my CDA, and my goal for my classroom is to have all of the children know their sign language.

Ms. Eniko

Toddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Ms. Eniko

Toddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Many years ago, in Hungary, I started my experience working with children. I worked to obtain a degree in ECE and my love for children continues to grow. My goal for my classroom is for the toddlers to be happy all day long.

Ms. Sara P.

Twaddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Flexi Flamingo

Ms. Sara P.

Twaddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Flexi Flamingo

I am a mommy of an adorable little boy and I love to see him excelling at school. I love nature and have a knack for growing plants. I love to talk about anything that keeps you healthy, and I enjoy teaching the kiddos yoga in the classroom. I help out in all classrooms and I especially enjoy getting some baby snuggles during the day.

Ms. Delia

Twaddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

Ms. Delia

Twaddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

I am a mom of two kiddos and I have a passion for learning. I have worked with children of all ages and love to learn new things from them. I am working towards obtaining my CDA. My goal for my classroom is to create a safe and happy environment where the children feel loved and welcomed. My own personal goal would be to finish my education in Early Childhood.

Ms. Savannah

Prepper Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Ms. Savannah

Prepper Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

I joined the TLE Gurnee family back in July 2023. I have my CDA and I have always had a love for teaching children. I have two children of my own, and I am currently expecting to have another daughter. I am one of the Preppers teachers, and my classroom goal is to build relationships with the children and help them grow into successful, kind humans.

Ms. Hailey

Prepper Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Ms. Hailey

Prepper Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

I am a mom of two boys, I am born and raised from Texas, and my sister works here as well. I came up from Texas by myself with my little family, and since then I have made friends. I enjoy my prepper classroom and love to watch the children learn. My goal for my classroom is to have a clean and safe environment for them to come to.

Ms. Stephanie

Preschool 3 Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Phoebe Phonics

Ms. Stephanie

Preschool 3 Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Phoebe Phonics

I have been married for 29 years and have 2 children. I have been in the early childhood education field for over 30 years and it is truly my love. I enjoy watching a child be excited about learning a new skill for the first time and hearing their laughter. I have my CDA, and my classroom goal is to promote early literacy, phonetic awareness, how to spread kindness, and to make sure they are having fun.

Mr Jacob

Preschool 3 Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Gibby Gibson

Mr Jacob

Preschool 3 Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Gibby Gibson

I joined TLE back in March of 2023. I have never worked in a childcare center before, so joining this team was a big change for me. I enjoy working with my coworkers and I am excited to see where my journey takes me. I am an easy going guy who loves to have fun with everyone. My goal for my classroom if to make sure all the children learn something from me.

Ms. Jessica

Preschool / School Age Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Gibby Gibson

Ms. Jessica

Preschool / School Age Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Gibby Gibson

I have worked with children for over 9 years, and I enjoy helping the children learn new skills. I have been given the new title of peer trainer and I enjoy being able to teach the new staff members all about our center. I obtained my CDA in 2015, and my goal for my classroom is to provide a home-like environment and also help the children become independent.

Ms. Lisa

Chef

Favorite TLE® Character: Gibby Gibson

Ms. Lisa

Chef

Favorite TLE® Character: Gibby Gibson

My name is Lisa and I have joined TLE Gurnee as the chef. I went to school to earn a degree in culinary arts, and since then I have 20 years of experience cooking in a variety of facilities. I also have a joy for being around children. I have 15 years of childcare experience and have loved every minute of it. I have two boys of my own and a grandbaby I love to spoil.

Cyndi Umphrey

Owner

Favorite TLE® Character: Pablo Pigasso

Cyndi Umphrey

Owner

Favorite TLE® Character: Pablo Pigasso

Cyndi has a law degree from the University of Michigan and has practiced as a business and estate lawyer in Oakland County for over 20 years. She entered the early childhood education arena in 2006 when she, Mollie and Richard opened the South Lyon TLE. She still works as a lawyer, but makes frequent appearances at the school as characters like an alien game show host, a mermaid, “Sailor Sue”, Thing One, etc. She even dug the South Lyon School’s garden! Cyndi has had a lifelong commitment to the importance of childhood education, enjoying mentoring opportunities with local grade schools. Still practicing as a lawyer, Cyndi’s primary role at TLE is to support Mollie and the teachers and to facilitate their growth and education so the care they provide to your children is the very best.

Ms. Breanna

Preschool 3B Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

Ms. Breanna

Preschool 3B Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

I am a girl mom of 1 and I enjoy spending time with her. I am currently a teacher in the preschool classroom and I am also the media specialist at the center. I help coordinate events and I love to see the families having a good time. I went to Elgin community college and my goal for my classroom is to help create structure within my class each day.

Ms. Delia

Toddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

Ms. Delia

Toddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

I am a mom of two kiddos and I have a passion for learning. I have worked with children of all ages and love to learn new things from them. I am working towards obtaining my CDA. My goal for my classroom is to create a safe and happy environment where the children feel loved and welcomed. My own personal goal would be to finish my education in Early Childhood.

Ms. Autumn

Preschool 3B Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Ms. Autumn

Preschool 3B Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

I joined TLE Gurnee in August of 2023 and have 4 years of childcare experience. I helped around in most of the younger classrooms, and found my spot with the Toddlers. My personal goal is to finish working towards obtaining my CDA. I am a boy mom and I love to see my son continue to learn and grow. My classroom goal is to help the children learn how to use their gross motor skills by helping them learn how to build with blocks.

Ms. Courtney

Preschool One Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

Ms. Courtney

Preschool One Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

I have been with the TLE company since before 2020 and I decided to join TLE Gurnee in 2021. I am a mom of 1 and I love to see my son grow while at TLE. I have grown as a teacher and plan to continue to become the best I can be. My goal for my classroom is to have everyone leave with a smile and feel safe and welcomed.

Ms. Autumn

Preschool 3B Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Ms. Autumn

Preschool 3B Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

I joined TLE Gurnee in August of 2023 and have 4 years of childcare experience. I helped around in most of the younger classrooms, but found my spot with the Preschoolers. My personal goal is to finish working towards obtaining my CDA. I am a boy mom and I love to see my son continue to learn and grow. My classroom goal is to help the children get ready for kindergarten.

L.E.A.P.® Curriculum for Infants

Many ways to stay connected

We offer an easy-to-use smartphone app and an array of ways to help you stay connected.

L.E.A.P.® Curriculum for Infants

Monthly newsletters and invitations to our community events

L.E.A.P.® Curriculum for Infants

Monthly calendars

L.E.A.P.® Curriculum for Infants

Everyday photos of your little learner

L.E.A.P.® Curriculum for Infants

Blog to help you stay with the current trends

L.E.A.P.® Curriculum for Infants

Notifications of your child’s learning activities

L.E.A.P.® Curriculum for Infants

Social media

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