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Greenville, South CarolinaMama Bear Academy

Big care for little beginnings.

Welcome to Mama Bear Academy, where little hearts are nurtured, growing minds are encouraged, and every child is cared for like family.

  • Monday through Friday · 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Greenville, SC

Hero photo coming soon

Why families choose us

A safe place to be loved, a joyful place to learn

Mama Bear Academy is a boutique, owner-led program. We are not a chain, and this is never just babysitting.

  • Safe & Nurturing

    A calm, secure home away from home where little ones feel protected and cared for.

  • Small-Group Care

    Fewer children means more attention, more comfort, and more real connection.

  • Learning Through Play

    Curiosity, creativity, and confidence grow through the way children learn best.

  • Family-Centered

    You are part of every day here. We grow alongside your family, not apart from it.

Our programs

Care shaped around your child's stage

From first smiles to after-school afternoons, every age has a place here.

Infant Care

Warm, responsive care built around your baby's own rhythm.

Toddler & Preschool Care

Play-based learning that grows curious, capable little people.

After-School Care

A safe, welcoming landing spot after the school day.

Drop-In Care

Flexible, occasional care for the days life needs a hand.

Care finder

What kind of care does your little bear need?

Choose an option and we'll show you the details, the cost, and the next step.

Tap an option above and we'll show you what that care looks like, what it costs, and what to do next.

Diane Mahone, Founder and Director of Mama Bear Academy

Meet the owner

Hi, I'm Diane, the heart behind Mama Bear Academy

For nearly two decades, one thing has stayed the same: my love for children. From pediatric care to early childhood classrooms, leadership, and program development, I've seen childcare from many seats. I've built the kind of place I believe every child deserves.

“Every little bear deserves a safe place to grow.”

From our families

Kind words from Mama Bear families

Real experiences shared by parents and friends of Mama Bear Academy.

Mama Bear Academy was truly such a blessing to our family! My twin boys attended when they were younger, and I remember having peace of mind every time I dropped them off. The atmosphere was always clean, welcoming, and nurturing, and the affordability was definitely a plus. As a mom, knowing my boys were happy, comfortable, and well cared for meant everything to me. We will forever be grateful for the love and care they provided.

Brittney Sullivan

Mama Bear Academy parent

I had the pleasure of working with Ms. Diane for quite some time, and to say she is absolutely amazing would be an understatement! She was always willing to jump in, lend a helping hand, and do whatever was needed. You could truly feel the love she had for the children in everything she did. Any child and family would be lucky to have her!

Darian Sanders

Former colleague

Congratulations!! We absolutely love this! You were absolutely amazing with Viviana. Hopefully will be seeing you next year with our Bundle Of Joy.

Clarence Glenn Alarcon

Mama Bear Academy family

Diane Mahone was our son's advocate and spoke his language with warmth, understanding, and hope! With his speech delay, it was easy for him to become dysregulated. Instead of writing him up and expelling him, she would pull him out, let him regulate his emotions, remind him of the rules, and he greatly began to improve because of Diane's firm, loving, and caring words! As a parent, she always had a great way of communicating with us about our son's behaviors. If our son needed daycare, we would be first in line at Mama Bear Daycare!

Samantha Ashcraft

Mama Bear Academy parent

Tuition

Clear, simple pricing

No guessing games. Here's what care costs at Mama Bear Academy.

  • Full-Time Care

    $225per week

  • Part-Time Care

    $125per week

  • After-School Care

    $175per week

  • Drop-In Care

    $50per day

Registration Fee$100One-time fee due at enrollment.

Availability and eligibility for specific care arrangements are confirmed directly with Mama Bear Academy. Reach out and we will walk you through what fits your family.

Questions welcome

Ask Mama Bear Academy

Get a personalized answer about our programs, tuition, hours, ages, or enrollment steps.

A quick answer, right when you need it

Ask about care options, ages, tuition, hours, or how to begin. Answers come from Mama Bear Academy's approved information.

Availability and family-specific decisions are always confirmed personally by Diane.

Please don’t include private medical information.

Let's find the right fit for your family

Come see the space, meet Diane, and picture your little one's day here. We'd love to welcome you.

Prefer to talk? 864-982-2165 · Send a message

Inside Mama Bear Academy

Little moments, big growth

A glimpse into learning, play, friendship, and celebration.

Classroom & learning spaces

Photos coming soon

Activities & curriculum

Photos coming soon

Outdoor play

Photos coming soon

Special events

Photos coming soon

Interest ListTour