6 weeks – 24 months
Infants & Toddlers
Gentle, attentive care with the lowest ratios in our center. Cuddles, tummy time, and the cozy routines little ones need to feel secure.
Meridian, Idaho · Since 2002
Where little ones learn, play & grow.
A warm, family-owned childcare home where every child is known by name. We nurture curiosity through play-based learning — from your first infant snuggles to busy school-age summers.
Locally owned
Idaho Stars enrolled
Meals included
20+ yearsCaring for Meridian families since 2002
Locally Owned & Operated
Idaho Stars Participant
CPR & First-Aid Certified Staff
Breakfast, Lunch & Snacks Included
School Transportation
Welcome to The Learning Garden
A second home where your child is valued for exactly who they are.
We believe in the value and uniqueness of every child we care for. Our goal is a safe, developmentally appropriate environment for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-agers — one that supports each child's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth.
From the moment you walk in, you'll feel the difference: warm teachers who greet families by name, low ratios for the littlest ones, and a true family vibe that's been growing here for over two decades.
Read Our Story
2002
Serving Meridian since
6 wks–5th
Ages we lovingly care for
52
Weeks of year-round care
2 + 2
Healthy meals & snacks daily
Our Programs
Loving care for every age & stage
Dedicated rooms thoughtfully designed for each age group, so your child always has a space made just for them.
2 & 3 years
Twos & Threes
Busy hands and big feelings welcome here. Hands-on exploration, early language, and social play that builds confidence every day.
4 years
Preschool & Pre-K
Our process-based curriculum gets children kindergarten-ready through creativity, problem-solving, and a genuine love of learning.
Kindergarten – 5th grade
Before & After School
Transportation to and from select schools, homework help, and plenty of room to unwind. We're open on school-out days, too.
Seasonal
Summer Camp
Daily field trips for our seniors, themed weeks for our juniors, STEM adventures, and all the outdoor fun a summer should hold.
Why Families Choose Us
Two decades of trust, built one family at a time.
We're not a corporate chain — we're a Meridian small business that has cared for this community's children since 2002. That shows up in everything we do.
Locally owned & rooted here
Independently owned and operated in Meridian since 2002 — never corporate.
Staff who stay
A close, experienced team with remarkable longevity — including a director with us for 9+ years.
Play-based, process-driven learning
We focus on how children learn — through exploration and discovery, not worksheets.
Meals & snacks included
Breakfast, lunch, and two snacks provided daily for every child, every day.
A true family vibe
We know our families by name — laughing, celebrating, and growing right alongside you.
More Than Daycare
Everything included in your child's day
Meals & snacksBreakfast, lunch & two snacks daily
School transportationTo & from select Meridian schools
STEM & enrichmentSTEM woven into daily learning + summer STEM
Spanish & danceOptional enrichment sign-ups
Parents' Night OutTwice a month, run by our trusted staff
Summer field tripsDaily adventures for our school-age campers
Our Approach
A process-based curriculum that follows the child.
We focus on how children learn rather than just the finished product. Instead of perfect crafts and worksheets, we encourage hands-on exploration, creativity, problem-solving, and discovery.
Children are free to experiment, ask questions, and learn through play at their own developmental pace — building confidence, independence, and a true love of learning. It's a 52-week, year-round model with age-based learning for every group, including Preschool and Pre-K.
Explore Our Curriculum
A Peek Inside
Days full of discovery
Common Questions
Answers for new families
The things parents ask us most before their first visit.
What ages do you care for?
We care for children from 6 weeks through 5th grade — infants and toddlers, twos and threes, Preschool and Pre-K, and before- and after-school care for school-agers. Every age has its own dedicated room and teachers.
What is your curriculum like?
Our curriculum is process-based and play-based — we focus on how children learn rather than the finished product. Children explore, ask questions, and problem-solve through hands-on activities at their own pace, which builds confidence, independence, social-emotional skills, and a genuine love of learning. It runs 52 weeks a year with age-based learning for every group, including Preschool and Pre-K.
Do you provide transportation to and from school?
Yes, for school-age children. We transport to and from Mary McPherson and Siena Elementary. Spalding STEM, PepperRidge, and Gem Prep all bus to and from our facility — Gem Prep runs both before and after school, and early-release Wednesdays add $15.
Are you open when school is out?
Yes. We stay open on school-out and teacher in-service days so working families are always covered; those days are an additional $30 per child. We're open year-round, 52 weeks a year, and run a summer camp for school-age children with field trips and themed weeks.
What does tuition cost?
Weekly rates depend on your child's room and how many days they attend. Full-time infant care in our Infant & 1's Room is $259 a week with a five-day minimum, and our other rooms offer one- through five-day options. Breakfast, lunch, and two snacks are included every day. See the full rate table →
Do you offer part-time or half-day care?
Part-time and half-day schedules may be available depending on openings in your child's room. Reach out to the office and we'll do our best to find a schedule that fits your family.
How do you keep children safe?
Every staff member passes a fingerprinted background check through the State of Idaho before working with children, and our team is Infant/Pediatric CPR and First-Aid certified. We're a licensed Idaho childcare center and an Idaho Stars participant, with secure, age-appropriate rooms and low ratios for our youngest children.
How do I enroll my child?
Start with a tour — pick a time that works for you. Then complete the online pre-registration form and you'll receive a confirmation email; if you don't hear from our office within 48 hours, please give us a call. Once we confirm availability, we'll finalize enrollment. Start here →
Come See Us
Ready to find your child's second home?
Schedule a tour and meet the teachers, see the rooms, and feel the warmth for yourself. We'd love to welcome your family to the garden.