Our Mission

Children sitting around a colorful table reading picture books in a library, with bookshelves in the background.

At Kiddie Garden, we cultivate a nurturing, Christ-centered environment where children, families, and staff grow together in harmony. Guided by integrity and inspired to lead with courage, we are committed to planting positive seeds into tomorrow’s Christian leaders.

Through quality early childhood education and compassionate childcare, we build strong foundations for lifelong learning, confidence, faith, and community.

Our Curriculum

A child with hair styled in bantu knots is painting on a sheet of paper with green, red, yellow, dark purple, and blue paints. The child is wearing a pink long-sleeve shirt and is using a thin paintbrush. The setting appears to be a classroom or art area with shelves of toys and educational materials in the background.

We believe every child is a capable, imaginative, and naturally curious learner.

Through our research-based O.W.L. (Opening the World of Learning) curriculum, we provide developmentally appropriate early childhood education that encourages exploration, independence, and discovery. Children are empowered to learn at their own pace while building critical thinking skills, creativity, and confidence

Our Curriculum Focuses On:

  • Early Literacy & Language Development

  • Math & Critical Thinking

  • Social-Emotional Growth

  • Faith-based Character Development

  • Hands-on Discovery Learning

Our Environment

Children sitting at a green table, working on art projects with color paper and scissors in a classroom.

◦ Clean, safe, well-organized classrooms for learning and growth

◦ Secure check-in and check-out for child safety

◦CPR-certified staff ensuring expert supervision every day

◦Live classroom cameras let parents check on children anytime

◦Nurting, structured space encourages exploration and independence

◦ Healthy habits: handwashing, cleaning, respecting shared spaces

Our Events

Two young children dressed in formal attire, with a girl wearing a large black dress with ruffled shoulders and a bright pink feathered headpiece, and a boy in a white tuxedo with a black lapel, red bowtie, and black buttons, standing close together against a dark background with gold geometric designs.
Young girl dressed as a queen with a blue bow headband, pearl necklace, black glasses, and a white cape, standing in front of a colorful classroom bulletin board.

We love creating memorable moments for our Kiddie Garden family! Throughout the year, we host a variety of fun and enriching events from holiday celebrations and themed Kiddie Proms (complete with our very own Kiddie Garden King and Queen) to special learning days and community outings.

One of our favorite traditions is participating in the National Peanut Festival Parade with our custom Kiddie Garden float, giving our little ones a chance to shine! These events help build confidence, community, and unforgettable childhood memories.

A cartoon bee character waving and smiling, wearing orange shoes and carrying a light blue backpack.

Our Mascot

Meet Smartie Bee, our friendly and fun mascot who’s always buzzing with encouragement! Smarty Bee helps motivate our little learners to be kind, curious, and confident. Whether it’s sharing with friends or trying something new, Smarty Bee is here to cheer them on every step of the way!

Our Directors

A smiling young woman with short black hair posing with her hand on her hip in front of a classroom bulletin board decorated with bees and yellow paper. The bulletin board has name tags and a poster that says, 'To our hive the best place to BEE.' She is wearing a black sports sweatshirt with a cartoon bee and a watch on her left wrist.

Zann Stewart

Founder/Director

Smiling woman wearing glasses, a black T-shirt with Disney characters, locker in the background decorated with bee-themed posters and yellow paper rolls, and a watch on her left wrist.

Nakessia Melton

Assistant Director

Kiddie Garden is proudly led by sisters Zann Stewart and Nakessia Melton, whose shared passion for early childhood education runs deep.

Zann Stewart, Founder & Director, holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and brings over 20 years of experience guiding children’s growth and development.

Nakessia Melton, Assistant Director, has 20+ years of hands-on experience and holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, ensuring every child receives expert, nurturing care.

With a strong foundation in both education and family values, Zann and Nakessia have created a welcoming, faith-centered environment where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn.

At Kiddie Garden, we’re more than a childcare center — we’re a family helping families grow.

[Meet Our Full Staff →]

Help Your Child Thrive with Us!