A Child's Garden was established in 1971 as a non-sectarian community outreach program of First Presbyterian Church. The founding mothers, who were members of the church (many of them with young children,) shared a vision to provide a school experience for young children that acknowledged the development of the whole child--social, emotional, physical, cognitive and affective domains of development.

The first year the program director and teachers met weekly to develop a "Curriculum in Action" based on sound early-childhood theory and practice that has proven consistent with current brain research about how young children learn (see goals) rather than being organized into a prescribed curriculum.
The preschool grew quickly from three classrooms to 10, including programs for toddlers through kindergarten (which was not offered in New Mexico public schools until 1975). Many dedicated professionals continue to provide a learning environment consistent with the school's history of putting child development theory into practice.

A Child's Garden was the first preschool in New Mexico to be accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. It provides a facility for students from University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College to observe and experience working with young children. An inclusion program for children with special needs is also offered.