4714 Forest Drive
Columbia, SC 29206
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
Welcome to Kids Garden
Explore Our Programs
Kids Garden Columbia
Directions
Mon - Fri: 8:00am - 6:00pm
Sat-Sun reserved for parties and parent's night out
803-451-0290
Sat-Sun reserved for parties and parent's night out
The Kids Garden Columbia Difference
Welcome to Kids Garden, a learning center in Columbia, SC, 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 Columbia, SC is a source of magic and exploration for all children.
Play Care, Not Daycare
Our Programs
What Makes Us Unique
Enrichment Areas for Art, STEM, and Hands-On Learning
Eco-Friendly Materials & Sustainable Practices
Play-Based Experiences That Spark Imagination
Organic, Non-Toxic Toys & Art Supplies
Nature-Inspired, Light-Filled Spaces
Nurturing Teachers & Wholesome Meals
Meet Our Team
Calla Chow
Kids Garden Columbia Owner
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Mrs. Calla is the owner of Kids Garden Columbia. She was drawn to Kids Garden the same way many are. Looking for a flexible but creative solution to childcare, she was introduced to Kids Garden via a mutual friend. She instantly knew this concept was a unique find. Inspired by her two children, Rex and Camilla, Calla decided Kids Garden would be a perfect fit for Columbia, South Carolina. Calla has a master’s degree in nursing with a focus in acute care.
Tara Pope
Kids Garden Columbia Director
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Tara’s passion to inspire children is clearly displayed as she makes learning a pleasant experience and effectively communicates with parents. She has formed lasting relationships with many of the children she has worked with in the past who are now adults. She loves watching a child’s excitement when they learn something new. She is dedicated to the profession with 21 years of experience wearing many hats such as Mother’s Helper, Preschool Teacher, Nanny, Tutor, and Mentor just to name a few. In her spare time, she loves to read, journal, spend time in nature, taking pictures of sunrises and sunsets, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Kaylyn Mitchell
Kids Garden Columbia Assistant Director
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Hi there! I’m Kaylyn Mitchell, a dedicated and passionate individual with a love for nurturing and supporting children as they grow. I’m originally from the Columbia area. I grew up on a farm where I learned the value of imagination and creativity through attending markets and hosting fundraisers. This love for creating carried over into my career as a YMCA preschool teacher and camp counselor, where I had the opportunity to inspire and educate children. Following that, I spent ten years as a nanny, forming genuine bonds with the families I worked with. As a mom of two little ones myself, I understand the importance of providing a stimulating environment where kids feel valued and empowered. I believe our community needs this genuine care, and I’m thrilled to be part of it! In my free time, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, working on art projects, playing basketball, and spending quality time with my family.
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.
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
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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!
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!
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 Columbia, 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.
We've Got You! Hear From parents who have found peace of mind in the garden
Discover Kids Garden Learning Center in Columbia, SC
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 Columbia 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 Columbia, SC, 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.
