Kids Garden Drop-In Child Care

As kids are out of school and parents are back to work, Kids Garden offer a perfect solution for busy families. The drop in creative arts learning center was built around filling the gap in traditional childcare. It provides parents peace of mind so they can have a stimulating, convenient and safe place for their children to thrive, learn and grow. As many childcare providers have less availability due to the pandemic, Kids Garden offers an affordable, by the hour alternative to committed childcare options.

“If parents don’t have the luxury of close family in town, the solid babysitter down the street or a trusted best friend as a neighbor, no worries,” said Founder Maren Anderson-Moore. “Whether kids drop in for an hour, join our weekly afternoon art and enrichment classes or enroll in a summer camp program, we’ve got you covered!” 

For families who aren't local to a franchise, what should they look for in a drop-in childcare location?

There are many important factors when considering which child-care facility you'll use for your family's needs. Some of the most important things to consider would be the values of the center, their approach to education, the quality and qualifications of the teachers, and the layout and feel of their physical environment. Some of the values we hold dear at Kids Garden are play-based experiential learning, eco-friendly, green practices, and art/nature focused enrichment activities. Our environment was created with calm kids in mind, harnessing the power of neutral colors, big sunny windows and lots of living, greenery throughout - it's been proven to help children regulate their nervous systems. We also know the physical environment can act as the third teacher, when the space has been created with intention and thought, the center can let children know when and where they should play, socialize and move their bodies. Another critical element to consider when choosing a childcare center is the quality and qualifications of the teachers. The teachers should have various emergency preparedness training, as well as a background in education and childcare. We feel if you can find a center that aligns with your expectations in these given areas, you should rest easy - and if you can't find a center that meets your needs, come find a Kids Garden!

How can parents and caregivers ease transition times when utilizing a short-term care option, whether that's Kids Garden, a babysitter, or another option?

This is a great question, and relies heavily on the age and development of the individual child. For younger children, narrating the process for them is incredibly supportive and helpful. Let them know where they are going, reminding them of the activities they will do while they are there, and the people they will see as well - making sure to only mention those things that are concrete. If you are familiar with the flow or rhythm of the day at Kids Garden or other care facility, you can even remind them what they'll be doing while they are there. Depending on their age, they might be able to equate the time spent at a care facility to their favorite movie, or art class at school. If they are a bit older, showing them what the hands on the clock will look like when you are about to pick them up is a helpful way to ease any possible anxieties. If your child seems nervous to be left at a new place, make sure to build in some buffer time. Let them know that you'll spend 5 minutes in the waiting area watching the play and get comfortable - remind them after 4 minutes that in 1 minute you'll be leaving. Once you arrive for pick-up, if you find that your child is happily engaged in an activity, give them a 5 minute warning, and an additional 1 minute warning, if time allows. Children have limited choices in their lives that are within their control, so giving them options always helps them feel more of the autonomy that they crave. A good example of a choice is, "Do you want to walk into the center, or do you want me to carry you?" - this is a great way to ensure that the child feels independent and still get them into the center.


With locations in Charleston, Asheville, Steamboat Springs and Houston coming soon, Kids Garden was founded to encourage individual growth in a natural and open learning environment. Children can explore, create, learn and interact with old and new friends, get exercise, enjoy music, take part in circle time, learn a new yoga pose, try a new instrument or become an exciting character while engaging in pretend play. Whether parents would like to make a quiet trip to the grocery store or need to focus on work, they can count on Kids Garden’s flexible hours and experienced childcare providers.