Tender Years’ Accreditations & Awards
You can rest easy knowing that you’re leaving your child in capable, trusted hands. Tender Years is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. We are proud participants in the Keystone STARS program. And we’ve been recognized for quality of our child care and early childhood education programs. Just take a look…
PA Department of Education
As an early education provider, Tender Years’ Kindergarten classes are taught by certified teachers. In order for a teacher to be certified, he or she must hold a Bachelor’s degree, must have a 3.0 overall cumulative GPA, complete an approved program leading to certification in their requested area, and meet all other Pennsylvania requirements related to citizenship, moral, ethical and physical/mental fitness.
To learn more about the PA Department of Education’s teacher certification requirements and process, please CLICK HERE
PA Department of Human Services
Tender Years, Inc. is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Certification is a requirement for all child care and early education providers serving four or more unrelated children.
To learn more about the PA Department of Human Services’ requirements, please CLICK HERE

Keystone STARS
At Tender Years, Inc., each of our centers participates in the Keystone STARS program. While this program is voluntary, we feel it’s an important demonstration of our commitment to the children we educate and care for.
Star ratings (ranging from one to four) are awarded to facilities that meet certain criteria in quality, use of qualified teachers and age appropriate curriculum, and more. Camp Hill and Hershey locations recently attained their STAR 4 rating. Mechanicsburg is well on their way to earning a STAR 4 designation as well!
To learn more about the Keystone STARS program, please CLICK HERE

Central Penn Parent “Family Favorites” Awards
Central Penn Parent is the region’s premier parenting publication. Their annual readers’ poll, called Family Favorites, gives parents throughout Central Pennsylvania an opportunity to vote for their favorite local businesses.
Tender Years, Inc. is proud to be a perennial Family Favorites winner, as it serves as recognition of the hard work and dedication that our staff commit to our children every day. Tender Years has been recognized for Best Child Care Center, Best Preschool, and Best Summer Camp!
• Family Favorites Winner: Child Care Center 2020
• Family Favorites Winner: Summer Camp 2020
• Family Favorites Finalist: Preschool 2020
• Family Favorites Winner: Child Care Center 2019
• Family Favorites Winner: Summer Camp 2019
• Family Favorites Finalist: Preschool 2019
• Family Favorites Winner: Child Care Center 2018
• Family Favorites Winner: Summer Camp 2018
• Family Favorites Finalist: Preschool 2018
• Family Favorites Winner: Child Care Center 2017
• Family Favorites Winner: Summer Camp 2017
• Family Favorites Winner: Preschool 2017
• Family Favorites Winner: Child Care Facility 2016
• Family Favorites Winner: Child Care Facility 2015
• Family Favorites Finalist: Child Care Facility 2014
• Family Favorites Finalist: Child Care Facility 2013

Susquehanna Style Magazine’s “Best of Harrisburg” Award
Susquehanna Style is a regional magazine focused on Central Pennsylvania’s finer things. We are pleased to have been recognized for three consecutive years as “Best of Harrisburg” Day Care Center.
• Best of Harrisburg: Best Day Care Center 2022
• Best of Harrisburg: Best Day Care Center 2021
• Best of Harrisburg: Best Day Care Center 2020
• Best of Harrisburg: Best Day Care Center 2019
• Best of Harrisburg: Best Day Care Center 2018
• Best of Harrisburg: Best Day Care Center 2017
• Best of Harrisburg: Best Day Care Center 2016

Harrisburg Magazine “Simply The Best” & “Readers’ Choice” Awards
Harrisburg Magazine’s “Simply The Best” Poll has long been the area’s most visible contest. Every year, businesses await the summertime announcement of who has been crowned “Simply The Best” and “Readers’ Choice” by the popular magazine and their readers.
Over the last several years, Tender Years has been recognized as both “Simply The Best” and “Readers’ Choice” in the childcare category.
• Readers’ Choice Child Care Center 2022
• Readers’ Choice Child Care Center 2021
• Readers’ Choice Child Care Center 2018
• Simply The Best Child Care Center 2017
• Readers’ Choice Child Care Center 2016
• Simply The Best Child Care Center 2015
• Readers’ Choice Child Care Center 2014

The Sentinel’s “Best of Cumberland County” Award
The “Best of Cumberland County” (previously known as the “Best of West Shore”) Poll is conducted by The Sentinel and Cumberlink.com. It gives readers of the publication an opportunity to vote for their favorite businesses in Cumberland County.
Our Camp Hill and Mechanicsburg centers are proud to have been recognized as “Best of West Shore” or “Best of Cumberland County” in the Daycare Center category.
• Best of Cumberland County Winner: Daycare Center 2019
• Best of Cumberland County Winner: Daycare Center 2016
• Best of Cumberland County Winner: Daycare Center 2015
• Best of West Shore Winner: Daycare Center 2014