Drop-In Childcare
For those moments when you need dependable childcare without prior planning, our drop-in option provides the same exceptional care and creative engagement, conveniently available whenever you need it.
Flexible, Drop-in Childcare & Learning Center
- Hands-On & Nature Based
- Screen-Free Enrichment
- Healthy Snacks Provided
- Ages 1 - 12
Pay-As-You-Go Preschool
- Limited Contracts
- Flexible Schedules
- Montessori, Reggio, & Play-Based Theories
- Ages 2-5
After-School Enrichment
- Weekdays From 3:30 - 5:30
- Structured Curriculum
- Creative Activities
- Ages 4-12
Seasonal & Summer Camps
- Structured Curriculum & Adventure
- Nature Exploration
- Ages 3 and Up
Welcome to the Garden
Safe, Nurturing & Natural Environment
- Hands-on and screen-free play—every season, every weekday
- Nutritious meals & snacks
- Flooded with sunlight and filled with living plants
- Textural elements and wooden structures throughout
- Consistent artistic expression
- Safety first with keypad entrance, mandatory picture IDs, and certified CPR/first aid providers
Backed by Rich Educational Theories
- Green practices & eco-friendly community
- Diverse and continuously updated curriculum
- Creative arts emphasis
- Play-based theory
- Montessori & Reggio Emilia inspired
- Educators are highly trained and experienced with our educational methods
Kids Garden Grows With Your Family
- Commitment-free, flexible childcare for all seasons of your family’s growth
- Secure environment that stimulates minds and energizes bodies
- Amazing social interactions with educators & peers
- Experiments are encouraged and exploration is the constant
- Thoughtfully curated art supplies, toys, games, and reading materials
The Kids Garden Difference
Welcome to Kids Garden, a learning center where wonder sprouts, creativity blooms, and little minds grow. Here, we’ve created an enriching environment for families seeking an alternative, mindful approach to childcare. Kids Garden is more than a daycare; it's a community where the seeds of imagination are planted and nurtured, blossoming into a lifelong love for discovery.
Through our various offerings — adaptable preschool programs, engaging afternoon classes, immersive seasonal camps, joyful birthday celebrations, and fun-filled special events — Kids Garden is a source of magic and exploration for all children.
What is Kids Garden? A Holistic, Child-Centered / Play-Based, Creative Arts Learning Center
Holistic
Child-Centered / Play-Based
Creative
Arts
Learning
Center
Holistic
- Eco-friendly
- Wholesome Nutrition
- Nurturing, Natural Environment
- Filled with Sunlight & Live Plants
- Organic Elements & Wooden Toys
- Sustainable Practices
Child-Centered / Play-Based
- Hands-on Play
- Exploration is Encouraged
- Screen-Free Enrichment
- Safety First Approach
- Stability
Creative
- Innovative
- Flexible
- Magical
- Whimsical
- Joyful
Arts
- Imagination
- Storytelling
- Music & Dance
- Drawing & Painting
- Variety of Materials for Artistic Expression
Learning
- Montessori & Reggio Emilia Theories
- Diverse Curriculum
- Connection & Socialization
- Growth & Development
- Stimulating & Energizing
- Abundance of Reading & Learning Materials
Center
- Built on Community
- Flexible Preschool
- Drop-in Childcare (alternative to daycare)
- Birthday Parties
- Parents' Night Out
How Drop-In Childcare Works
1
Register Your Family
Register your child or children and complete our required paperwork.
Please note that Kids Garden collects a yearly registration fee of $40 (per family) during your first visit.
2
Choose A Payment Option
Utilize our flexible plans and customized membership deals to fit your family’s needs and schedule.
Pay By the Hour
No commitment, drop-in visits. Great for spontaneity!
Membership Packages
Discounted rates with hourly increments of 12, 24, 48 & 72.
Members benefit from discounted rates on both drop-in childcare and a variety of additional programs.
3
Enjoy!
Drop-in (and drop-off) during business hours to witness them learn, grow, create, and play in a naturally creative environment.
Kids Garden isn't just guilt-free childcare; it's a place worth boasting about!
Play Care, Not Daycare Our Programs
Preschool
Tailored to support families with busy schedules, our preschool and childcare programs offer a nurturing space for your child to grow, learn, and thrive. Full-time (see your location for specific details) care or more flexible arrangements are available.
Art Classes & After School
Fill after school hours with our enrichment classes, where art, science, and exploration come alive, sparking curiosity and joy in every session.
Seasonal Camps
Our camps offer enchanting, themed experiences that engage children in creative and playful learning, perfectly blending education with the excitement of camp adventures.
Junior Explorers Club
Our Junior Explorers Club is the next generation of Kids Garden, offering camps for children ages 5-12 years old. Campers will enjoy daily art projects, team games, outdoor play, and more!
Parties
Make your child's birthday an unforgettable event with our Kids Garden birthday parties, designed to celebrate creativity and fun in our magical setting.
Parent's Night Out
Gift yourself a break while your children delight in an evening filled with engaging activities, crafts, and stories, all within our safe, enriching environment at our parents night out event.
Videos
Why Kids Garden
Kids Garden is a nurturing, natural environment flooded with sun light, living plants, textural elements, wooden structures and a consistent artistic expression. All backed by rich educational theories, green practices, diverse curriculum, creative arts and the freedom drop in to new experiences. A secure environment that stimulates minds and energizes bodies through amazing social interactions. A magical, whimsical place where experiments are encouraged and exploration is the constant.
Kids Garden Preschool
Kids Garden's preschool is centered around children ages 2-5 years old, where we seamlessly blend Montessori and Reggio methods to cultivate holistic growth. Through play-based learning, children develop positive socialization, fine motor skills, and effective communication techniques. Our curriculum goes beyond basics, introducing math concepts, reading comprehension, and even yoga for physical and emotional well-being. Join us in fostering a love for learning and exploration in every child!
FAQs
Yes! Kids Garden provides a sibling discount when a family brings both children to the center together. If you choose to become a member, both children will receive discounted hourly rates and access to discounted hourly packages.
We are a shoe-free facility, so your child must wear socks at all times. We have plenty of new pairs available for purchase if you forget. For younger children still in diapers or pull-ups, please bring diapers, wipes, a sippy cup and a spare change of clothes. You are welcome to use one of our storage cubbies to stash shoes, jackets, and other personal items. We kindly ask that your child's items are labeled such as their water bottle, bag or backpack, diapers and wipes. Please give all items needed to a teacher upon drop off to ensure we have everything your little one needs. If you don't have these items at drop off, it's okay! We got you! We sell diapers, snacks and can provide water cups to give you peace of mind that you can drop in anytime. We do not allow outside food or beverages (except water).Please speak with a team member if your child has dietary needs or restrictions.
YES! We are here for the spontaneous moments or when you just need a break for some me time. Kids Garden provides a fun and interactive learning place for your children. Drop the little ones off and enjoy some productive time away and return to happy, worn out kiddos.
Comfortable clothing that can get messy! They’ll be learning through sensory activities, arts and organized crafts that may involve anything from paints and glue to sand and even mud. While they’re sure to have fun, there’s no guarantee their clothes will remain spotless, so please dress them accordingly.
We serve balanced, nutritious meals and snacks everyday at Kids Garden. We do not permit outside food, but rather provide healthy and organic (when possible) sandwiches, fruits, veggies and whole grains that are available daily for a small fee.
For safety and health reasons, we do not allow any outside toys or food. Small children may bring a soft blanket or other small comfort item, but we ask that you leave all other possessions at home or in a storage cubby in our welcome area. Kids Garden has dedicated extensive research to sourcing the best, non-toxic toys and products for our eco-friendly center. Our play space is a time for new discovery and we encourage children to engage in new activities and experience natural materials.
Nutritious Meals & Snacks. Always.
At Kids Garden, we believe that nutrition is as vital to a child's development as education and play. Understanding the importance of wholesome, nutritious snacks, we serve a variety of organic, locally sourced, and peanut-free options to our young learners. Our snacks are designed to fuel creativity and growth, ensuring that every child receives the nourishment they need to explore, learn, and thrive in our eco-friendly environment.
How We Are Different
What sets Kids Garden apart isn’t just our innovative approach to childcare; it’s the heart and soul we pour into every aspect of our center. Here’s what makes us special:
- Creative Learning: We believe in the power of play and hands-on learning. Our programs are based on Montessori and Reggio Emilia theories, alternative educational theories that are best suited to the growing brains of children. We ensure that children enjoy the process of learning!
- Experienced Childcare Providers: Our team is a blend of skilled educators with degrees in early childhood education, caring mothers, and former nannies dedicated to providing a nurturing, educational experience.
- Safe and Secure: Peace of mind is a priority. Our center is equipped with a keypad entrance and strict ID checks for pick-up. All childcare providers are thoroughly screened and certified in CPR and first aid.
- Eco-Friendly: Sustainability is at the heart of Kids Garden. We’re proud to be a green educational center where everything from art supplies to cleaning products is non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
At Kids Garden, we don’t just watch over children; we engage them in a world of learning and play that enriches their lives and supports their development in a joyful, creative way.
Our Philosophy
At Kids Garden, we are redefining childcare.
Instead of rigid curriculums, we focus on creative expression and play-based learning, allowing children to freely explore their budding minds. Our philosophy is to create an environment that encourages the following:
- Creative Exploration: We encourage children to immerse themselves in painting, sculpting, and music, where imagination is translated into expressive artwork.
- Engaged Learning: Our curriculum blends the arts with fundamental subjects like science, math, and literacy, turning education into an adventure that captivates and inspires.
- Unhindered Expression: Every child is supported to explore and express themselves freely in an environment that cherishes individuality.
Our learning centers, infused with natural light and surrounded by lush plants, are thoughtfully designed to act as a third teacher. This fosters a love for learning by encouraging exploration and experimentation.
We've Got You! Hear From parents who have found peace of mind in the garden
Take a Tour of Our Learning Center Creativity Is At the Heart Of Our Center & Everything We Do
Seeing is believing, and we invite you to witness firsthand the magic of Kids Garden. Book a tour today, explore our facilities, meet our dedicated team, and learn more about our programs. Join us at Kids Garden, where every day is an opportunity for your child to thrive, create, and discover. Let's nurture their potential together, one playful moment at a time.
Art Classes, After School Programs & Seasonal Camps When School's Out, Enrichment is In
Meet Our Team
Michelle Chaparro
Kids Garden Corporate Team
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Mrs. Michelle has been a part of the Kids Garden family from the beginning! She earned her B.A.S in elementary education from the University of South Carolina and has been passionate about teaching since childhood. She loves to travel and was fortunate to study abroad in Reggio Emilia, Italy, which is known for one of the teaching styles and philosophies that Kids Garden incorporates into its curriculum. As the director of our Mt. Pleasant location, she loves making connections with the children, interacting with parents, and collaborating with our inspiring team of teachers. She is incredibly grateful for the Kids Garden community and has enjoyed being a part of its growth!
Maren Anderson-Moore
Kids Garden Owner
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Hi, I’m Maren Anderson-Moore and I am the owner/operator of Kids Garden Charleston. I discovered a large need for childcare when trying to find a safe, stimulating, secure, and nourishing environment for my son. I saw an opportunity to combine my three greatest passions—education, the environment and holistic health—and help fellow parents in the process. Kids learn best through play and Kids Garden is a learning center designed just for that. It's a community space where parents can feel confident taking their kids, and where kids get excited about learning.
Childcare From Little Seeds To Beautiful Blooms
At Kids Garden, we have developed an ecosystem where every child is viewed as a unique seed with the potential to grow in their own extraordinary way. Our blend of structured and spontaneous learning mirrors the natural cycles found in a garden, where diversity and adaptability lead to resilience and beauty.
By emphasizing the importance of tactile experiences, we encourage children to get their hands dirty, so to speak, learning through doing and discovering. This hands-on approach, coupled with our commitment to sustainability, teaches children early on about their impact on the world around them and the importance of nurturing their environment. At Kids Garden, children don't just grow; they flourish, developing a deep-rooted sense of curiosity, respect for nature, and a lifelong love for learning.
Join Our Vibrant Community
Becoming part of Kids Garden means joining a community of children, parents, and educators who come together to create a joyful, creative educational journey. Here's how you can join our family:
- Experience the Magic Firsthand: Visit us and see what makes Kids Garden a special place for children to grow and learn. Our doors are always open for families to explore our creative learning spaces and meet our caring team.
- Flexible Options to Suit Your Family: Whether you're seeking a consistent preschool experience, occasional drop-in care, or enriching art camps, we offer a variety of programs to match your family's needs.
- A Place Where Every Child Thrives: At Kids Garden, we're dedicated to providing a supportive environment that fosters confidence, creativity, and community, helping each child to flourish.
We invite you to discover the Kids Garden difference and see how our innovative approach to early childhood education provides the perfect foundation for your child's growth and development.
Discover Kids Garden Learning Center
The journey of childhood is fleeting, filled with moments of wonder, discovery, and joy. At Kids Garden, we're dedicated to making every one of those moments count. Whether you're drawn to our flexible scheduling, inspired by our creative curriculum, or searching for a community that values eco-conscious childcare, Kids Garden is a place where your child can thrive.
- Schedule a Visit: See the magic of Kids Garden for yourself. Schedule a tour to explore our facilities, meet our dedicated team, and learn more about our unique approach to early childhood education.
- Discover the Perfect Fit: From our dynamic preschool to our after-school enrichment programs, find the perfect fit for your child's interests and your family's needs.
- Become Part of Our Community: Join Kids Garden and be welcomed into a family of like-minded parents, passionate educators, and curious young learners, all united in the pursuit of creative education and joyful discovery.
In the fertile grounds of Kids Garden every child is a budding flower, nurtured with care, sunlight, and love.
Here, we cultivate a garden of young minds, allowing them to blossom into their fullest potential. Join us, and watch your child grow in a place where learning and imagination take root.
