The Kids Garden Difference About Kids Garden Columbia, SC
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 Columbia, 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
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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!
About Kids Garden
Meet Our Team
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.
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.
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
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 Play 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.
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.
