The Kids Garden Difference About Kids Garden
Kids Garden Core Values
Creativity at the Core
Creativity is the heart of our center and everything we do. We use art as a medium for connection and expression, believing that real learning happens through hands-on, play-based, and experiential learning.
Trust & Peace of Mind
No mom guilt here! From a clean environment with safe products to a solid staff and curriculum, both parents and children consistently feel good about coming to Kids Garden, knowing what to expect and experiencing a sense of security.
Environment as the Third Teacher
Our eco-friendly creative arts learning center is intentionally designed with sunlight, fresh plants, and natural elements, creating a magical and whimsical atmosphere that encourages experimentation and exploration.
Family & Community Growth
Our flexible childcare adapts to your family and aligns with your values, providing both stability and spontaneity. Our educators act as gardeners — we nurture seedlings, providing tailored, continuous support as they grow.
We Work & Play in a Natural & Creative Way
At Kids Garden, we’ve cultivated an eco-friendly community full of wonder, learning and growth. Parents are captivated by the flexibility and convenience, and children have the opportunity to learn and play in a natural and creative way. It’s an alternative for mindful parent, with plenty of options to fit your family’s needs, offering a safe and supportive place to allow your child to thrive, create and discover.
Whether you join us for our flexible preschool program, drop-in afternoon enrichment classes, summer camps, birthday parties or Saturday’s parents night out, we are always the same magical, whimsical place where experiments are encouraged and exploration is the constant.
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!
About Kids Garden
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.
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.
Videos
Handwriting with Purpose and Play
Check out our KG Preschool Handwriting Workbook! Perfect for helping little ones practice their letters and improve their writing skills. Let learning be FUN!
Afternoon Enrichment Art Class!
Art is more than pen & paper. It's confidence, imagination, and problem solving. Kids Garden art classes give children the space to create, explore, and grow. Come join us for Afternoon Enrichment and get creative!
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
Every child should bring:
- Socks. We are a shoe-free facility, so socks are required at all times.
- A water bottle
For diapered children, please bring:
- Diapers or pull-ups
- Wipes
- A labeled sippy cup
- A spare change of clothes
Storage cubbies are available for shoes, jackets, and other belongings. And don’t forget to label all of your child’s items!
Forgot something? No worries! We have diapers, socks, snacks, and water cups available for purchase, so you can drop in anytime, even if you forgot something.
Yes! It’s really that easy. At Kids Garden, we’re here for those moments when you need time to run errands, focus on work, or take a break.
Our center provides a safe, engaging, and creative environment where your children can learn, explore, and play. Drop them off with confidence and return to happy, inspired kids.
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 mud. While they’re sure to have fun, there’s no guarantee their clothes will remain clean, so please dress them accordingly.
We serve balanced, nutritious meals and snacks every day at Kids Garden. We do not permit outside food. Healthy (organic when possible) meals of sandwiches, fruits, veggies, and whole grains are available daily for a small fee. If your child has dietary needs or restrictions, please speak with a team member.
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 discovery, and we encourage children to engage in new activities and experience natural materials.
We know life happens, and we’re flexible with pick-up times during our open hours. However, if pick-up occurs after we are closed, a late fee will apply. This helps cover staffing and ensures our team can close safely and on time.
We've Got You! Hear From parents who have found peace of mind in the garden
Date Night? Need Some Time To Visit With Friends? Saturday is Parent's Night Out
You’ll love Kids Garden’s Parent’s Night Out! We’ve eliminated the need to search for a weekend babysitter. Now, you can relax and enjoy your Saturday night while the kids have their own special evening.
For three hours on Saturday evening, kids enjoy a special night just for them with games, themed crafts, and, as always, plenty of space to play! The Parents Night Out Special includes three hours between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. and a pizza dinner.
