About Us

The Creative Education Institute (CEI) was founded in 1992 by its President and founder Carole Richards.  From her experience in her business, North Coast Tutoring Services, she identified a tremendous need for effective methods in improving basic skills.

Ms. Richards performed extensive research about effective reading and math methods.  Based on her research, she wrote a language curriculum titled RICHARDS READ Systematic Language.    Her organization has also created mathematics materials which improve reasoning and "real life" math skills.  Titles include:  "Real Life Math” Books 1 and 2, Solving Life's Problems and Introduction to Blue Print Reading.  Other materials are being developed.

Further, Ms. Richards realized many could not afford private services and sought a solution to helping the low wealth urban population.  Through a number of grants from local foundations, CEI has completed successful teacher training programs in the Cleveland Public Schools, Erie County Schools and Bedford City Schools.

In 1996, Case Western Reserve University conducted a quantitative study of CEI's efforts training teachers in the Cleveland Public Schools with 20 teachers and 350 children.  Statistically, RICHARDS READ children dramatically out-performed their peers on standardized tests. (research available on request)

In 1997, CEI raised a few thousand dollars to establish the A --- Z  Welfare to Work Program.  In September, 1997 Cuyahoga County Work and Training (Welfare) began funding the pilot program.  This program has proven highly effective in building basic skills, life skills and self-sufficiency for its welfare participants.  While the program was small, its results are impressive:  23 adults have participated in the program, just 4 have either left or been removed.  Of the 19 remaining, 16 have reached self-sufficiency with full time employment.  The other 3 required continued training.

In January 1999, Cuyahoga County agreed to fund an expanded A to Z Program to two sites serving Glenville and Kinsman.  Talks were held to further expand A to Z to four sites in the year 2000.

Companies participated in this program as job training sites and employers.  Some of the companies included were:  KeyCorp, Fifth Third Bank, Shore Bank, RiteAid, CVS, Euclid Chemical and many other smaller companies.