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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 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

Princess

Turner
3 months ago
The Learning Experience is by far the best daycare/Preschool. I was searching for a preschool for my daughter to attend and when a Friend referred me to TLE I was excited. My child is now fully potty trained in a matter of a week, her teachers Mrs. April and Kara are patient, kind, and fantasti... Read more

Princess

Turner
3 months ago
The Learning Experience is by far the best daycare/Preschool. I was searching for a preschool for my daughter to attend and when a Friend referred me to TLE I was excited. My child is now fully potty trained in a matter of a week, her teachers Mrs. April and Kara are patient, kind, and fantastic teachers. The way they talk to the little learners is mind blowing. My child’s vocabulary is expanding every day. My child will be more than ready for kindergarten and that excites me. Please, if you are looking for a daycare/preschool this is the place for you and your child. TLC is not just a place to learn, they are a facility that will become a part of your family!

Hannah

Simmons
3 months ago
We’ve had a really great experience with TLE. Everyone is lovely and friendly. My daughter is a Covid baby and her teachers (Miss Kara and Miss April) have been wonderful in helping her adjust to school since October. She’s learning so much and her confidence is growing by the day. ... Read more

Hannah

Simmons
3 months ago
We’ve had a really great experience with TLE. Everyone is lovely and friendly. My daughter is a Covid baby and her teachers (Miss Kara and Miss April) have been wonderful in helping her adjust to school since October. She’s learning so much and her confidence is growing by the day. We’re really happy and excited for our infant daughter to start in the new year.

Lindsey MCGEE

Luke McGee
5 months ago
I have sent my 3 children to The Learning Experience in Clarkston/Independence since birth. My oldest in now 8 1/2 years old. My two oldest are in Elementary school. When they started in Kindergarten they were very well prepared with what they learned using the TLE curriculum. We have always be... Read more

Lindsey MCGEE

Luke McGee
5 months ago
I have sent my 3 children to The Learning Experience in Clarkston/Independence since birth. My oldest in now 8 1/2 years old. My two oldest are in Elementary school. When they started in Kindergarten they were very well prepared with what they learned using the TLE curriculum. We have always been very impressed with the curriculum. My youngest is in the Preschool class at The Learning Experience and absolutely loves it. He enjoys playing with his friends, learning with the LEAP Interactive Board, coloring, doing yoga and playing outdoors. The staff is great as well. They truly enjoy my child and what they do.

Billy PICHE

Olivia
5 months ago
My daughter has been going to TLE for two years now and it's been nothing short of amazing. She has progressed so fast with the learning they do on a daily basis, I'm excited to see how prepared she will be when Kindergarten comes. Her teachers have made so much of an impact on her that when we... Read more

Billy PICHE

Olivia
5 months ago
My daughter has been going to TLE for two years now and it's been nothing short of amazing. She has progressed so fast with the learning they do on a daily basis, I'm excited to see how prepared she will be when Kindergarten comes. Her teachers have made so much of an impact on her that when we see them at events or outside school she runs to them with excitement. I highly recommend this company and especially everyone who works at this location.

Nichole PICHE

Olivia
5 months ago
As a working mom it’s so nice to know that your child is happy and feels loved when you’re not there! Olivia loves “school” so much and has grown so much at TLE.

Nichole PICHE

Olivia
5 months ago
As a working mom it’s so nice to know that your child is happy and feels loved when you’re not there! Olivia loves “school” so much and has grown so much at TLE.

Lindsey SMITH

Drew and Don
5 months ago
After researching and touring several daycare facilities, TLE without a doubt was our first choice. Not only did it feel welcoming but the staff was over the moon about answering questions and doing everything they could to make us feel comfortable about this decision of leaving our 12 week old... Read more

Lindsey SMITH

Drew and Don
5 months ago
After researching and touring several daycare facilities, TLE without a doubt was our first choice. Not only did it feel welcoming but the staff was over the moon about answering questions and doing everything they could to make us feel comfortable about this decision of leaving our 12 week old there as we went off to work. I cannot say enough about the staff, they aren't just babysitters, they are family. We care for them as much as they care for us. Now as our oldest is 4 his excitement about learning grows every day. It's so much fun to see him come home wanting to talk about numbers and letters and who the president is etc. We are excited to share our experiences with friends and family by referring them to TLE also.

Lauren SMITH

Trenton Smith
5 months ago
My son Trenton started attending TLE in Clarkston when he was just two months old. He was my first and only son so choosing the right daycare was important to me as a new mom. After all, he was going to be spending the majority of his day with these teachers and I needed to make sure he was g... Read more

Lauren SMITH

Trenton Smith
5 months ago
My son Trenton started attending TLE in Clarkston when he was just two months old. He was my first and only son so choosing the right daycare was important to me as a new mom. After all, he was going to be spending the majority of his day with these teachers and I needed to make sure he was going to be cared for and feel safe. I can happily say that I made the best decision when I chose TLE! Every teacher has been patient, kind, and just overall wonderful with my son. Every teacher truly cares for him as though he was one of their own. My son has become attached to each of his teachers to the point where he gets excited to share stories and accomplishments with them each morning. My son has also learned so much while attending TLE, he is now in the Preschool 1 class and has learned his colors, numbers, some letters, and will learn to write his name in his class now. He has gained excellent communication and social skills through his time at TLE and I cannot thank everyone there enough for the comfort that I feel knowing he is loved and cared for each day when I am unable to be there for him.

Lindsey

Luke
5 months ago
I have 3 children who have all attended the Independence Learning Experience. We have spent 8 years attending this daycare. My older two are now in Elementary school and were very prepared for Kindergarten when they started. It amazes me still how much and how quickly they learn. He truly enjoy... Read more

Lindsey

Luke
5 months ago
I have 3 children who have all attended the Independence Learning Experience. We have spent 8 years attending this daycare. My older two are now in Elementary school and were very prepared for Kindergarten when they started. It amazes me still how much and how quickly they learn. He truly enjoys going to daycare.

Alyssa BODRIE

Virginia
5 months ago
My daughter started TLE at 6 weeks old. It was incredibly hard for me to trust anyone else with her at first, but right after we started and now at 6 months, I’m certain we’ve made the right decision. Every day at drop off and pickup we are greeted with smiles and good mornings/... Read more

Alyssa BODRIE

Virginia
5 months ago
My daughter started TLE at 6 weeks old. It was incredibly hard for me to trust anyone else with her at first, but right after we started and now at 6 months, I’m certain we’ve made the right decision. Every day at drop off and pickup we are greeted with smiles and good mornings/afternoons. As soon as she sees Ms. Amanda, Taylor, or Jenny in the morning, she gets the biggest smile and starts kicking her feet in excitement. If that’s not the biggest sign of a loving daycare, I don’t know what is. It makes leaving her to go to work that much easier when I know that she feels happy and loved while we’re apart. During the day, I live for her live updates via the app. I feel more connected with her as I see when she’s eating, sleeping, and getting diapered. My favorite part though, are the daily photos. I highly recommend TLE.

Erin HARTMAN

David & Lindsey
5 months ago
My son started at TLE when he was 1 1/2 years old. It was the best choice we could have made. He made great friends and learned so much. He was overly prepared to start school and was so excited about his preschool graduation! Our daughter is now enrolled at TLE Independence and she looks f... Read more

Erin HARTMAN

David & Lindsey
5 months ago
My son started at TLE when he was 1 1/2 years old. It was the best choice we could have made. He made great friends and learned so much. He was overly prepared to start school and was so excited about his preschool graduation! Our daughter is now enrolled at TLE Independence and she looks forward to going every morning. I love how caring the teachers are and how they build a relationship with your child. It has been, by far, the best choice we could have made for our kids in regards to childcare while we're at work. We love TLE!

Amy QUAYLE

Kyler Quayle
5 months ago
I feel so very fortunate to have found TLE. In 2011 when I was pregnant with my second son, I was returning to teaching and needed to find a daycare and learning center that would not only be close to work, but focused on loving my oldest son, as well as the new baby. I called some of my co-w... Read more

Amy QUAYLE

Kyler Quayle
5 months ago
I feel so very fortunate to have found TLE. In 2011 when I was pregnant with my second son, I was returning to teaching and needed to find a daycare and learning center that would not only be close to work, but focused on loving my oldest son, as well as the new baby. I called some of my co-workers who immediately recommended TLE. All three of my sons have been taken care of by some of the most amazing teachers and caregivers over the past 8 years. The love and passion that they have for these little ones is shown through their morning greetings, hugs, kisses, and love that they have for these young little lives. I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to help raise my babies while I'm working. My boys didn't view TLE as a daycare, but rather a school where they could see friends and be loved by wonderful caregivers.

Emily KELLAR

Kensley Kellar
5 months ago
My daughter started TLE when she was 15 months old, being first time parents we were very nervous. The staff made us feel very comfortable with leaving her during the day. They gave us updates using the app and also posted tons of pictures. After about 2 weeks we noticed our daughter singing th... Read more

Emily KELLAR

Kensley Kellar
5 months ago
My daughter started TLE when she was 15 months old, being first time parents we were very nervous. The staff made us feel very comfortable with leaving her during the day. They gave us updates using the app and also posted tons of pictures. After about 2 weeks we noticed our daughter singing the ABC’s, counting and learning colors! We are so happy we decided to be apart of the TLE family!!!

Katherine COLGROVE

Nora, Khloe
7 months ago
I searched for a daycare that had the right "feel" before I went back to work with my second baby. I had selected a competitor daycare initially but was not certain. I just had that feeling in my stomach that it wasn't right for the facilities, to the personalities of the people to t... Read more

Katherine COLGROVE

Nora, Khloe
7 months ago
I searched for a daycare that had the right "feel" before I went back to work with my second baby. I had selected a competitor daycare initially but was not certain. I just had that feeling in my stomach that it wasn't right for the facilities, to the personalities of the people to the clientele themselves. So I ventured to TLE. I took one walk through from the bright welcoming atmosphere to the caring smiling faces of the teachers and knew we were home. The setup of each room and its curriculum is indicative of the "learning" center you leave your children at each day. As certain as I was from day 1, I am still to this day certain of my choice and thankful every day I found TLE.

Emily VICKERS

Gracie, Natalie, Ellie
7 months ago
Before I had any of my children in a formal daycare setting I was very skeptical, hearing so many stories of children "having" to go to daycare. I grew up in the age where a 2 income household wasn't a necessity, so leaving my children with a stranger was going to be very stressful fo... Read more

Emily VICKERS

Gracie, Natalie, Ellie
7 months ago
Before I had any of my children in a formal daycare setting I was very skeptical, hearing so many stories of children "having" to go to daycare. I grew up in the age where a 2 income household wasn't a necessity, so leaving my children with a stranger was going to be very stressful for me, especially my 12 week old baby. TLE has been beyond a "daycare". It is a home, a family, a school and a place that sometimes my kids rather stay than come home with me! Each and everyone of the teachers treat the children as if they were their own. We couldn't be happier at TLE! My kids love going to school at TLE!

Lindsey SMITH

Drew
7 months ago
The TLE staff has been wonderful. They genuinely care for my son, and makes it so nice to leave him with caregivers who I know are giving him love, support, and teaching so much.

Lindsey SMITH

Drew
7 months ago
The TLE staff has been wonderful. They genuinely care for my son, and makes it so nice to leave him with caregivers who I know are giving him love, support, and teaching so much.

Tabitha OWENS

Aidan
7 months ago
It was very stressful for us to think about sending our 8 week old baby to daycare, so we interviewed many facilies in the area. TLE was the only one that didn't ask me to call ahead for a tour- I walked in unannounced for info, and the girls greeted me and took me right back for a full tour. I... Read more

Tabitha OWENS

Aidan
7 months ago
It was very stressful for us to think about sending our 8 week old baby to daycare, so we interviewed many facilies in the area. TLE was the only one that didn't ask me to call ahead for a tour- I walked in unannounced for info, and the girls greeted me and took me right back for a full tour. I knew I was seeing things as they always are, and not staged for a tour. Everything was so clean and organized, and the kids genuinely seemed like they were having fun. But most importantly, it was a structured educational environment, since we were looking for more than a "daycare" and not just mindless playing all day. I loved that there was a curriculum, even for the tiny babies! Now Aidan is 2 years old and has graduated through many classrooms with many teachers - all of whom have been wonderful. Can't say enough about these girls! I absolutely love seeing pics from throughout the day- I love seeing how much fun he's having, I'm so grateful! We don't call it "daycare" because its much more than that!!

Mindy

Faulkner
7 months ago
We do not refer to it as a daycare. We refer to it as school!. Whenever we drive by Blake says theirs my school in such a happy voice. He loves his friends and teachers as do we. He is not even 3 and he knows his letters, numbers, shapes colors and they even helped potty train him!. We love TLE... Read more

Mindy

Faulkner
7 months ago
We do not refer to it as a daycare. We refer to it as school!. Whenever we drive by Blake says theirs my school in such a happy voice. He loves his friends and teachers as do we. He is not even 3 and he knows his letters, numbers, shapes colors and they even helped potty train him!. We love TLE.

Meet our TLE® Center team

Alicia Black

Center Director

Favorite TLE® Character: Lionstein

Cynthia Umphrey

Owner

Favorite TLE® Character: Lionstein

Nicole McKervey

Assistant Director

Favorite TLE® Character: Bongo Bear

Mollie Blixt

V.P. Operations

Favorite TLE® Character: Grace Charity

Ms. Britney

Toddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

Mr. Thomas

Facilities Manager

Favorite TLE® Character: Pablo Pigasso

Ms. Jazlynn

Pre-K Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Om

Ms. Stacy

Toddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Stephanie Fernandez

Marketing

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

Ms. Marie

Cook

Favorite TLE® Character: Flexi Flamingo

Ms. Kim

Infant Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Miss Chievous

Ms. Payton

Pre-K Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Lionstein

Ms. Patty

Prepper Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Miss Chievous

Ms. Ashlei

Twaddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

Ms. Kara

Prepper Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Gibby Gibson

Ms. Megann

Infant Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Flexi Flamingo

Ms. Abbey

Infant Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Om

Ms. Nikki

Infant Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Miss Chievous

Ms. Brooklyn

Preschool Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Om

Ms. Kalley

Twaddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Tito Toro

Ms. Lana

Floater Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Gibby Gibson

Ms. Marie

Head Chef

Favorite TLE® Character: Miss Chievous

Ms. Rachel

Lead Infant B Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Grace Charity

Ms. Darcy

Lead Infant C Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Miss Chievous

Mrs. Heather

Lead Infant A Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Ms. Kayleigh

Infant Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Ms. Darcy

Infant Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Miss Chievous

Ms. Kara

Preschool Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

Ms. Hailey

Floater Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Ms. Lisa

Toddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

Ms. Stephanie

Toddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

Ms. Rachel

Twaddler Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Gibby Gibson

Mrs. Amanda

Infant Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Phoebe Phonics

M. Dina

Infant Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Grace Charity

Mrs. Heather

Infant Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Flexi Flamingo

Ms. Marissa

Floater Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

Ms. April

Preschool Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Ms. Nikki

Toddler Teacher

Ms. Amanda

Preschool Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Tito Toro

Ms. Yvette

Preschool Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Tito Toro

Ms. Nikki

Lead Toddler B Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Flexi Flamingo

Ms. Britney

Lead Toddler B Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

Mrs. Stacy

Lead Toddler A Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bubbles

Mrs. Amanda

Lead Twaddler A Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Flexi Flamingo

Ms. Ashlei

Lead Twaddler B Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Flexi Flamingo

Ms. McKinley

Lead Prepper Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Bongo Bear

Mrs. Yvette

Lead Preschool Two Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Two Plus Toucan

Ms. Payton

Lead Pre-K Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Lionstein

Ms. Kara

Lead Preschool 1 Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

Mrs. April

Lead Preschool One Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Grace Charity

Mrs. Heather H.

Lead Preschool 1A Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Penny Polite

Ms. Jazlynn

Lead Pre-K Teacher

Favorite TLE® Character: Om

Ms. Lily

Spanish Enrichment

Favorite TLE® Character: Flexi Flamingo

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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