Rooted in Meridian, growing together since 2002
We're not a corporate chain — we're a family-owned children's center that has cared for this community's little ones for over two decades.
Calee has grown right alongside The Learning Garden
Owner Calee Gould has been part of The Learning Garden for 16 years — and in that time she's worn just about every hat there is: teacher, lead teacher, opener and closer, cook, assistant director, director, and now owner.
That hands-on path shapes how she leads today. Calee first stepped into childcare when her own children were small, fell in love with the work, and never looked back. She leads with the belief that every child should be valued for exactly who they are — and that every family deserves a place that feels like a second home.
Under her care, The Learning Garden stays exactly what it has always been: locally owned, family-run, and a place where every child is known by name.
Familiar faces who feel like family
Our parents know our teachers by name — and so do their kids. With a team of 12 and remarkable staff longevity, the people who greet your child today will likely be there to watch them grow.
Miss Amanda
Director
"I've been here over nine years, worked in every room, and worn every hat possible. I love interacting with the staff and families — I love them all. Being the director is amazing."
Miss Abby
Infant Teacher
"I've been here just over a year and love this place so much. I get to bring my little one with me, and I just love the infant room — they love watching me be silly."
Miss Alyssa
Ones Teacher
"I've been here over five years and I just love this place. I get to go on field trips with the bigger kids, and when I'm not, I'm loving on the kiddos in the ones class — that's my passion."
Miss Kyleigh
Twos Teacher
"I love The Learning Garden — the families are great. The twos class is amazing; it's my favorite age."
Miss Nirvana
Threes Teacher
"I love it here. The flexibility I have to work and attend classes is wonderful, and I love my threes class so much."
Miss Hailey
Fours Teacher
"I've been the fours teacher here for over three years, preparing them for kindergarten. The sendoff every year is bittersweet — I love watching them grow."
Miss Alivya
Teacher
"My mom worked here when I was a baby, so I've been around The Learning Garden all my life. I love watching other kiddos grow up here like I did."
The garden Shana Graver planted
Every garden starts with a single seed. In July 2002, after running a thriving in-home daycare and preschool, Shana Graver opened a center of her own — built around a deep love for children and the belief that they deserve the very best start.
Shana shaped the warm, family-first spirit that still defines The Learning Garden today. When the time came to step away, she passed the center — and the values at its heart — into Calee's hands, whole and intact.
Everything that grows here — every name learned, every milestone cheered — traces back to the roots she planted. We're proud to carry her legacy forward.
What makes The Learning Garden different
Locally owned
Independently owned and operated in Meridian since 2002 — never a corporate franchise.
Staff who stay
Low turnover and a close-knit team, including a director with us for 9+ years.
Low ratios
More attention for every child, with our smallest groups for infants and toddlers.
Meals included
Breakfast, lunch, and two snacks provided daily — for every child, every day.
Play-based learning
A process-based curriculum that nurtures curiosity, not just finished crafts.
A real family vibe
We laugh, celebrate, and grow alongside our families — and it shows.
Credentials that give you peace of mind
Come See Us
We'd love to meet your family
The warmth is hard to capture in words — come feel it for yourself. Schedule a tour and see why Meridian families have trusted us for over 20 years.