The Abington Kids Creative Learning Center has several locations and will open a new Abington Kids Imagination Station in the fall. The Abington Kids Creative Learning Center has been open for 10 years.
Owner Melissa Namiotka and her husband, Ryan Namiotka, created Abington Kids Creative Learning Center because they wanted to provide families in the community with an educational facility that focuses on quality care, structured learning experiences and hands-on curriculum that is designed to stimulate and prepare children for a lifelong love of learning.
The Abington Kids Creative Learning Center began with one classroom to run all its programs. Through the years, Mellisa and Ryan Namiotka have expanded to accommodate the educational needs of more families in the community. Today, the centers serve over three hundred students and families in 2 locations in the Clarks Summit area.
The Abington Kids Creative Learning Center School Age Center is located at 102 N. Abington Road, Clarks Green. It is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for ages 4 to 12.
It is a Keystone Stars 4-star facility, which represents the highest quality for early childhood programs.
The center has the following:
• Pre-kindergarten program where certified teachers focus on academic, social, emotional and physical growth that prepares the children for kindergarten and beyond. It uses play-based hands-on learning, Frog Street curriculum along with music, art, outdoor play, yoga and structured lessons.
• Kindergarten enrichment program that provides students with additional specialized learning opportunities, reading assistance and STEM curriculum. The program is led by certified teachers and enhances the student’s intellectual, creative and personal development by exploring subjects and activities outside the district’s curriculum.
• Before and after school program. Certified teachers prepare students for school success by offering hands-on curriculum, daily STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities, homework help and tutoring.
• A summer fun camp is open to children ages 4 to 12. It will include theme weeks and hands-on activities.
The second location of Abington Kids Early Learning Center is located at 700 S. State St., Clarks Summit. It is open from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for infants 6 weeks old to age 3.
“From first smiles to first steps, children are born ready to learn! At Abington Kids, we understand how important language, movement and playful activities are for our littlest students growing brain. Our curriculum goes beyond just playful activities. It includes meaningful interactions, strong relationships, consistent routines, smooth transitions and more to create a well-rounded learning experience. Children are bursting with energy, excitement and natural curiosity about the world. As they begin to develop their sense of independence, we channel that energy into positive learning experiences that encourage exploration and growth. The toddler program is designed to provide hands on learning in a fun and engaging classroom environment. Every moment is an opportunity for children to discover, experiment and grow while fostering independence, social skills and a love for learning,” said Melissa Namiotka.
The Abington Kids Imagination Station is opening in the fall of 2025 at the site of a former church. It will be located at 9 Pine Tree in Dalton.
It will open to the community for open play on the main level and will also have secure childcare on the ground floor to serve an additional 150 more students and families. The play space and facility are geared toward children birth to age 5.
“We’re so excited to introduce The Abington Kids Imagination Station. It’s a hands-on early learning and play center where giggles echo, imaginations soar and everyday feels like an adventure. Inspired by the need for more family friendly spaces in our community, Abington Kids Imagination Station is an innovative, modernized concept that is fueled by a child’s natural desire to create, explore and collaborate. Our newest 15,000 square foot educational facility offers the best hands-on learning through imaginary play.,” said Melissa Namiotka.
The indoor community play space will have the following:
• A city built to scale for children that will include a grocery store, veterinarian clinic, bakery/café, fire/police station, a construction zone and glam area.
• Birthday parties for “unforgettable celebrations into magical experiences and memories that will be cherished for years to come.”
• Childcare facility is a separate and secure state-of-the-art childcare facility that will include seven childcare classroom spaces on the ground floor for about 150 children from birth to age 5.
• Community playgroups for adults to connect, talk and let the children play. There will be magical story time, theatre, yoga, music and more.
“The Imagination Center isn’t just a play center. It is a universe where kids feel empowered, happy and free to explore new worlds of fun. We are blending practical activities that teach children how the world works with pretend play where kids can become anything they dream an astronaut, a chef or even a wizard. This is a fun and creative way for little ones to use their imaginations, create stories and learn about the world while they play,” said Melissa Namioka.
Community sponsors are included in the town sponsors. Each sponsor has their own playhouse inside the space. The sponsored playhouses will have their business logo and fun items that identify their business.
“We are so grateful for all of our community sponsors that want to be included as a town sponsor. Their sponsorship will bring joy, imagination and endless fun for the children of our community while teaching valuable skills about their business. From tiny hands to big smiles all around, their generosity is making a lasting impact. We couldn’t be more thankful for their support in helping us create something fun and unique for families,” said Melissa Namotka.
“My favorite part is seeing the leaps and bounds the children make. Seeing their growth from infants to toddlers while they are in our care. I get to see all their milestones. I am seeing new faces, and we are growing in the community in new ways, said Autumn Morefield Director of Abington Kids Early Learning Center and former preschool teacher at the center.
“It doesn’t feel like work when you love what you do and I love what I do. I find joy and happiness in creating a nurturing environment where kids can thrive both emotionally and academically. It is also about supporting families and providing childcare for working parents and enabling them to pursue their careers while their children receive the highest quality of care and educational experiences. It’s about developing strong relationships with children and their families, creating a sense of community. I am passionate about creating hands on learning experiences that help children learn, grow and develop school readiness skill,” said melissa Namiotka.
Abington Kids Creative Learning Center would like to thank the construction team of G.F. McLaughlin LLC.
For more information about the Abington Kids Creative Learning Centers and Imagination Station, visit KidsCreativeLearningCenters.com.
