Looking for a preschool program near you that helps your child learn, grow, and feel confident in the classroom? Preschool at Tender Years provides a warm, structured early learning environment for children ages 3 to 4 years, with full-day and half-day options available at our centers in Camp Hill, Carlisle, Hampden Township, Hershey, and Mechanicsburg.
Our Preschool program is designed to help children build important early academic, social, emotional, and self-help skills through age-appropriate lessons, guided play, creative activities, and caring support from qualified teachers.
Whether your child is preparing for Pre-K, learning how to follow classroom routines, or building friendships outside the home, Tender Years provides the encouragement and structure children need during this important stage of development.
Why Families Choose Tender Years Preschool
Choosing a preschool is an important decision. At Tender Years, families can feel confident knowing their child is cared for in a safe, supportive environment where learning and play work together.
Our Preschool program offers:
- Full-day and half-day preschool options
- Qualified teachers who are passionate about early education
- Curriculum based on Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards
- Theme-based lessons that make learning fun and engaging
- Weekly lesson plans for parent review
- Regular observations and progress evaluations
- Parent communication through a convenient app
- Breakfast and afternoon snack provided
- A caring classroom environment that encourages independence, cooperation, and confidence
- Licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
- Participation in Pennsylvania’s Keystone STARS program
- A local, family-owned childcare provider trusted by families since 1984
- More than 40 years of experience providing quality early education in Central Pennsylvania
A Preschool Curriculum Designed for Growth
At Tender Years, preschool learning is active, hands-on, and age appropriate. Our curriculum is based on Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards and is designed to support the skills children need as they continue toward Pre-K, Kindergarten, and beyond.
Lessons are often built around seasonal themes, holidays, classroom interests, and the world around us. Children may explore topics such as families, weather, apples and pumpkins, snow and ice, outer space, farm animals, feelings, dental health, spring flowers, butterflies, and more.
Through these themes, children practice early literacy, math, science, art, music, movement, social skills, and problem-solving in ways that feel natural and fun.
Helping Children Build Confidence
Preschool is about more than letters, numbers, colors, and shapes. It is also a time when children learn how to participate in a group, express their feelings, follow routines, make choices, and develop independence.
Our teachers use positive guidance to help children make good choices and grow in self-control. This may include modeling appropriate behavior, praising positive choices, redirecting children when needed, explaining expectations, and using practical, age-appropriate consequences.
Open communication with families is an important part of this process. If a concern develops, our teachers and directors work with parents to support the child in a caring and constructive way.
What Children Need and Families Want
Meals & Snacks
Tender Years provides a nutritious breakfast and afternoon snack. Families may pack lunch or purchase a hot lunch through our catering service for an additional cost.
When packing lunch, please note that Tender Years is not permitted to microwave food for children. Hot foods may be packed in a thermos, or families may send items that are ready to eat.
All items that require refrigeration must be labeled before being placed in the refrigerator. Please do not send glass bottles.
Regarding food allergens, Camp Hill and Carlisle are nut & allergy-conscious; Hampden, Hershey, and Mechanicsburg are nut-free. Contact your center director for details.
Communication and Developmental Progress
We know parents want to feel connected to their child’s day. Tender Years keeps families informed through daily updates, lesson plans, classroom communication, and a convenient mobile app.
Our teachers also make regular observations to better understand each child’s strengths, interests, progress, and individual needs. These observations help guide classroom activities and support continued growth in early academics, communication, social skills, emotional development, independence, and classroom participation.
Several times throughout the year, families may receive a formal evaluation of their child’s progress. Parents also have the opportunity to schedule a parent-teacher conference to review the evaluation, ask questions, and discuss their child’s development.
Full-Day and Half-Day Preschool Options
Tender Years Preschool offers both full-day and half-day options, making it easier for families to choose the schedule that fits their child’s needs.
Half-day options may be available in the morning or afternoon. Full-day preschool provides a more complete daily routine with learning, play, meals, rest time, and classroom activities throughout the day.
Availability may vary by location. Please contact your local Tender Years center to learn more about current openings and schedule options.
Schedule a Preschool Tour
The best way to learn more about Tender Years Preschool is to visit your local center, meet our team, and see the classroom environment for yourself.
We would love to show you how our Preschool program helps children learn, grow, and feel ready for what comes next.
Preschool Locations
Tender Years Preschool is available at select Tender Years locations in Central Pennsylvania. Please contact your nearest center to confirm current openings, schedule options, and availability.
What to Bring to Preschool
To help your child feel comfortable and prepared throughout the day, families are asked to provide certain items from home. These may include:
- A long-sleeved shirt
- A short-sleeved shirt
- Two pairs of pants
- Two pairs of socks
- Several pairs of underwear
- Pull-ups and wipes for children who are newly potty trained, if needed
- A crib sheet and blanket or small sleeping bag for nap time
- A small, soft comfort item for nap time, if needed
Please check your child’s extra clothing regularly to make sure it still fits and is appropriate for the season. Used clothing should be replaced promptly, and bedding will be sent home weekly for laundering. Large pillows should not be sent because they are difficult to store safely.
Your child’s teacher or center director will provide additional guidance before your child’s first day.
