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.
Utilize our flexible plans and customized membership deals to fit your family’s needs and schedule.
No commitment, drop-in visits. Great for spontaneity!
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.
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!
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.
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.
Fill after school hours with our enrichment classes, where art, science, and exploration come alive, sparking curiosity and joy in every session.
Our camps in Columbia, SC offer enchanting, themed experiences that engage children in creative and playful learning, perfectly blending education with the excitement of camp adventures.
Make your child's birthday an unforgettable event with our Kids Garden birthday parties, designed to celebrate creativity and fun in our magical setting.
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.
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'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!
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.
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.
What sets Kids Garden Columbia 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:
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.
At Kids Garden, we are redefining childcare in Columbia, SC.
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:
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.
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.
Kids Garden Columbia Owner
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.
Kids Garden Columbia Director
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.
Kids Garden Columbia Assistant Director
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.
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.
Becoming part of Kids Garden Columbia, SC 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:
We invite you to discover the Kids Garden Columbia, SC difference and see how our innovative approach to early childhood education provides the perfect foundation for your child's growth and development.
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.
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.
