Kindergarten

Private Full-Day Kindergarten and Half-Day Kindergarten Enrichment Programs

Give Your Child a Strong Start to a Bright Future!

Kindergarten marks an exciting milestone in your child’s life. Make it a strong start with Tender Years! Our private Kindergarten and Kindergarten Enrichment programs offer a nurturing environment where your child can thrive academically and socially.

Tender Years’ Kindergarten program in Camp Hill, Hershey, and Mechanicsburg is licensed by the PA Department of Education and led by experienced, certified teachers. We go beyond the basics to prepare your child not just for First Grade, but for a lifelong love of learning.

With so many choices for your child’s education, it’s important to choose a program that offers more. Discover how Tender Years’ Kindergarten program sets the foundation for future success—and why it’s the right choice for your family…

What Makes Our Kindergarten Special

Tender Years offers more than just Kindergarten—we provide a comprehensive learning experience designed around your child’s needs and your family’s schedule. Here’s why families choose us:

Small Class Size for More Individualized Attention

With a low 1:12 ratio, your child receives more one-on-one support compared to the 1:25 ratio in most public schools.

Kindergarten + All-Day Care, All In One Place

No need for extra programs or transportation—your child stays in a safe, nurturing environment all day long.

Reliable Care, Even When Schools Close

We’re open for full-day care on many state holidays, public school in-service days, and during inclement weather.

Flexible Age Requirements

If your child turns 5 by December 2025, they’re eligible—even if they miss the September 1 cut-off for public school.

A Unique Opportunity for Younger Learners

Students just shy of the cut-off can complete a year of Kindergarten here before transitioning to their school district’s program.

Meets PA Early Learning Standards

Our Kindergarten program follows PA Early Learning Standards, is licensed by PA Dept of Ed, and is taught by certified teachers.

“Mrs. Lauver (Kindergarten teacher) has had a lasting impression and a positive impact on all three of our children (and one more coming). The Kindergarten class at Tender Years starts them off on the right foot. It doesn’t just prepare them for 1st grade; it teaches them to love learning. This is priceless. The one on one attention pays off. I firmly believe that spending the extra money on a solid educational foundation that will last their entire life is money well spent. I’d rather spend the extra money now and invest in my children early on to shape their learning habits, instead of waiting to invest in them and needing to spend much more later on. Her class sets the foundation for their educational expectations – and it’s an exceptional foundation – worth every cent.”

– The Scherr Family

“Just wanted to give you a big hug to you and your staff. We had Caroline’s Kindergarten orientation last night at school and the K teacher went over the year’s curriculum. She said they would start with shapes, colors, letters and the year would progress until they went through 60 sight words. Well, I went on the teacher’s web site and printed out the 60 sight words last night, Caroline went through the entire list without a problem and rattled off every single one. We did an entire year’s homework in one night. Please give a big pat on the back to Ms. Tana and Ms. Beth in the Pre K readiness program Caroline attended. Way to go!”

– Jeff Blanding

“I can say without hesitation that Tender Years is the very BEST and lives its mission of caring for children and families as if we are your own. Effective and appropriate curriculum and tons of activities, Tender Years is truly a very special place that I would recommend to anyone looking for childcare.“

– Jessica Miller

“Our family has been with Tender Years for over 5 years and has enjoyed every aspect of the warm environment and structure they provide to their students and families. Our oldest son is currently in Tender Years (Mechanicsburg) Kindergarten program and we have seen him excel in all aspects of learning fundamentals and socialization. Their curriculum mimics those of surrounding school districts to ensure they are on the best path forward to enter elementary school (first grade) post Kindergarten graduation. The teachers have been fantastic at communication and progress reports and our son loves going to school to learn everyday. It is so fulfilling to have him come home, in excitement, and see his growth in reading, writing and mathematics. We could not be happier with the decision we made in sending our son to Tender Years (Mechanicsburg) Kindergarten program!“

– Christina Patterson

“Our family has been associated with Tender Years Mechanicsburg for the past 4 years. We have seen our youngest grow with them and mature into a smart, friendly, happy-to-go-to-school kid ever since. Their Kindergarten program is a blessing for parents like us who were confused when COVID struck. We are glad to have made the right choice since there were hardly any school closings and they made sure to keep the environment safe during this difficult time. The teachers are excellent and groom the kids very well for public school curriculum. She has become an excellent reader in just a few months since the start of Kindergarten. She made lots of new friends and loves her teachers. The teachers ensure that the kids get to have outside play time almost every day except during bad weather days. Best part is we as parents get to know what’s happening as part of photo/video sharing on the school app.“

– Ramya Vaidyanathan

“Tender Years has done an amazing job preparing our son for first grade! The teachers are wonderful providing us with constant feedback and make them feel secure and confident. The small class size is prefect and has contributed to their success as well. The children are challenged to achieve their full potential while maintaining a fun and loving environment. We are so grateful for our experience with Tender Years. We would also like to thank you for remaining open all through the COVID-19 pandemic. They kept my child safe and happy during a very challenging time. We really don’t know what we would have done without you providing care during these times. We feel an amazing level of trust and appreciation to all of you.“

– M.K.

“Tender Years’ Mechanicsburg Kindergarten is a top-notch program. We have been extremely pleased with the quality of the lessons, the hands-on projects, the teacher and student interaction, and the happiness of our daughter! Miss Lauren is an incredible teacher and very in-tune with her students. She provides assistance and challenges where needed! Highly recommended!“

– Jen Lalomio

See The Tender Years Difference for Yourself

We invite you to visit your nearest Tender Years center and see firsthand how our Kindergarten or Kindergarten Enrichment programs can help your child thrive. Call us, schedule a tour, or enroll today to give your child the strong start they deserve…

A Curriculum for Growth and Success

At Tender Years, our Kindergarten curriculum is aligned with Pennsylvania’s Early Learning Standards to ensure your child is well-prepared for First Grade and beyond.

Led by certified teachers, our Kindergarten classrooms foster academic and social development through hands-on activities, structured lessons, and plenty of play-based learning. Key learning areas include:

Learning Through Play

Exploring, discovering, and applying knowledge through hands-on activities.

Language & Literacy Development

Building strong reading, writing, and communication skills.

Mathematical Thinking

Exploring numbers, patterns, and problem-solving.

Scientific Discovery

Encouraging curiosity through observation and experimentation.

Understanding communities and the world around us.

Creative Arts

Expressing ideas through music, art, and drama.

Physical Development & Wellness

Promoting health, movement, and self-care skills.

Fostering cooperation, confidence, and empathy.

Our Kindergarten program serves children age 5, as well as children age 4 years, 7 months who are ready for Kindergarten but missed the public school cut-off date.

Full-Day Kindergarten is available at Camp Hill, Hershey, and Mechanicsburg centers.

Half-Day Kindergarten Enrichment

Kids yearn to learn, and a few hours of class at public school just isn’t enough.

For children attending public Kindergarten, we offer afternoon enrichment at all Tender Years locations. This program extends your child’s day with continued learning, social and emotional development, and academic support. Led by certified teachers and experienced early childhood educators, students enjoy hands-on activities that reinforce core subjects like reading, math, and science, while also developing confidence, friendships, and a love for learning.

Discover how our afternoon Kindergarten Enrichment can help your child thrive…

Call or Message Now

Additional Program Information

Daily Updates & Parent Communication

Stay connected with your child’s day through Tadpoles, our parent communication system. You’ll receive daily emails with activity details, monthly newsletters from your child’s teacher, and are always welcome to schedule one-on-one conferences.

Progress Reports & Parent Conferences

Your child’s growth is closely monitored through regular observations and evaluations. Report cards are issued at the end of each marking period, with parent-teacher conferences available to discuss your child’s progress and goals.

Meals & Snacks

We provide a healthy breakfast and afternoon snack daily. Lunches can be packed from home or ordered through our catering service. (Please note: we cannot microwave food; thermoses and glass containers are not permitted; refrigerated items must be labeled.)

Sample of Daily Schedule

6:30am – 8:00am: Arrival/Free Play in opening room

8:00am – 8:30am: Arrival in Kindergarten room, Free Play

8:30am – 9:00am: Circle Time: includes jobs, songs, calendar, weather, Pledge of Allegiance, Focus Lesson, poems, and books

9:00am – 9:30am: Gross Motor exercise/Outdoor play

9:30am – 10:00am: Bathroom break and morning snack

10:00am – 10:30am: Language Lesson: includes letter of the week, vocabulary, word families, word wall, punctuation, and the morning message

10:30am – 11:00am: Math Lesson: includes counting skills, skip counting, addition and subtraction

11:00am – 12:00pm: Centers: includes computers and table activities

12:00pm – 12:30pm: Bathroom break, lunch

12:30pm – 1:30pm: Complete morning work

1:30pm – 2:30pm: Day 1: Social Studies, Day 2: Art, Day 3: Science, Day 4: Music, Day 5: Physical Education

2:30pm – 3:30pm: Bathroom break, free play

3:30pm – 4:00pm: Afternoon snack

4:00pm – 6:00pm: Outdoor play/free play in closing room

State-Licensed, Highly Rated, and Professionally Staffed

At Tender Years, quality care and educational excellence are at the heart of everything we do. Our programs are licensed by the state, led by qualified teachers, and recognized for meeting the highest standards in early childhood education.

PA Department of Education

Our Kindergarten program is fully licensed, ensuring compliance with state academic standards.

PA Department of Human Services

All our centers meet Pennsylvania’s childcare regulations for safety and care.

Certified Teachers

Each Kindergarten teacher holds a Bachelor’s degree, state certification, and meets all PA requirements for professional and ethical standards. Learn More