Best Child Daycare & Preschools in Harrisburg, PA
Compare 82 child daycare & preschools in Harrisburg. Average rating: 3.9/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania at a glance
- Programs
- 82
- Avg rating
- 3.9/5
- Parent reviews
- 466
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 14
Harrisburg has 82 licensed child daycare & preschools with 466 parent reviews averaging 3.9/5.The highest-rated options cluster around the 17112 zip code, averaging 4.45 stars across 16 programs.Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Harrisburg
Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.
- 1Best Idea Child Development Center4.64 score4.8(20)
104 Roberts Valley Rd, Harrisburg, PA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 59 children
The reviews provided do not pertain to BEST IDEA CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER. Instead, they describe Legacy Faith Church, a religious organization in Harrisburg, PA. No actual daycare reviews are available for analysis.
None applicable - reviews are for a churchnot the daycare center - 2Hansel & Gretel Early Learning Center4.62 score5(8)
2206 Walnut St, Harrisburg, PA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 144 children
Hansel & Gretel Early Learning Center receives uniformly positive feedback from parents and former attendees. Parents consistently praise the caring, friendly staff who know children by name and communicate regularly about their development. The center is noted for creating lasting memories through activities like summer camp, swimming, and field trips.
Caring and attentive staffpersonalized attention to each childexcellent communication with parentsfriendly greeting and dismissal - 3Linglestown Umc Sch-Age Child Care Prgm4.59 score4.8(14)
1430 N Mountain Rd, Harrisburg, PA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 22 children
Reviews praise Linglestown UMC's welcoming community atmosphere and strong family-oriented environment. Parents highlight excellent children's programs, quality educational curriculum, and engaging pastoral leadership. The facility is consistently described as a supportive church community where families feel they belong.
Welcoming atmosphereexcellent children's and preschool programsquality sermons and teachingstrong music programs - 4Jewish Community Center Of Harrisburg4.56 score4.7(20)
3301 N Front St, Harrisburg, PA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 28 children
The Jewish Community Center of Harrisburg receives consistently positive feedback, with reviewers praising the clean facilities, friendly and attentive staff, and excellent amenities including a heated pool and fitness center. Parents appreciate the family-friendly environment, diverse programming for all ages, and overall value of membership.
Clean facilitykind and helpful staffheated poolfitness equipment - 5Alphabet Express Early Learning4.55 score5(6)
2205 Forest Hills Dr, Harrisburg, PA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 49 children
Parents consistently praise Alphabet Express for its caring, professional staff and loving environment. The facility is noted for quality education, kid-friendly activities, and strong community engagement. Multiple families have enrolled siblings and maintain connections with staff after their children graduate.
Caring and loving staffprofessional ownerreliable childcarekid-friendly facilities and activities - 6Bright Beginnings Child Dev. Center4.49 score4.7(12)
98 S Clover Ln, Harrisburg, PA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 81 children
Bright Beginnings receives consistently excellent reviews from parents who praise the center for providing exceptional, loving care that extends beyond typical daycare services. Parents highlight the staff's genuine commitment to child development, creative activities, and strong parent communication. The director Amy and her team are frequently described as treating children like family members.
Caring and attentive staffclean and well-organized facilitieseducational activities and creative projectsstrong parent-staff communication - 7From The Heart Church Ministries Of Hbg4.49 score4.8(8)
951 S 13th St, Harrisburg, PA · Church Daycare · Capacity: -999 children
Parents praise this religious facility for its welcoming atmosphere, strong biblical teaching, and inclusive community. Reviews highlight the quality of services, messages, and the sense of spiritual family and peace found there.
Welcoming environmentstrong biblical instructioninclusive communityenergetic services - 8Imagination Island Learning Center4.48 score4.6(20)
4969 Berkley St, Harrisburg, PA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 26 children
Parents consistently praise Imagination Island Learning Center as a caring, family-oriented daycare with highly dedicated and experienced teachers. The non-profit center is noted for combining warm, home-like environments with quality early education curriculum and strong parental involvement. Families report feeling welcomed and confident in their children's safety, growth, and happiness.
Loving and experienced teachers with long tenurecaring administratorssafe and welcoming atmospherelarge and colorful classrooms - 9U-Gro Learning Centre4.4 score4.5(20)
3501 Canby St, Harrisburg, PA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 88 children
Parents consistently praise U-GRO Learning Centre for its caring, dedicated staff and strong developmental programs. Children show measurable progress in academic skills, potty training, and social development. The center is noted for excellent communication, live camera access, and a warm, welcoming environment.
Caring and attentive teachersstrong curriculum and learning activitieslive camera access to classroomsprovided meals and supplies - 10Little Learners Child Development Ctr4.39 score4.5(17)
2300 Vartan Way, Harrisburg, PA · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 106 children
Little Learners Child Development Center in Harrisburg receives consistently excellent feedback from parents. All 11 reviews rate the facility 5/5 stars, praising the caring and experienced staff, strong educational programs, safe environment, and family-oriented atmosphere. Parents report their children thrive academically and emotionally, with many noting significant improvements in speech, social skills, and school readiness.
Caring and experienced staff with low turnoverpassionate teachers who treat children as their ownexcellent communication with parentssafe facility with security measures and cameras
Rating Distribution
Based on 42 daycares with Google ratings in Harrisburg
What Parents Value Most
Top qualities mentioned across 466 reviews, analyzed by AI
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in Harrisburg, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
Harrisburg zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17112 | 16 | 4.45 | 3 | |
| 17110 | 14 | 4.4 | 4 | |
| 17109 | 13 | 4.15 | 2 | |
| 17111 | 14 | 3.78 | 0 | |
| 17103 | 13 | 3.78 | 3 | |
| 17102 | 6 | 2.62 | 0 |
Facility Sizes
Capacity distribution of daycares in Harrisburg (20–331 children)
Small
up to 30 children
4
Medium
31–75 children
19
Large
76–150 children
27
Very Large
150+ children
9
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in Harrisburg based on parent reviews
Best Idea Child Development Center
104 Roberts Valley Rd, Harrisburg, PA
The reviews provided do not pertain to BEST IDEA CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER. Instead, they describe Legacy Faith Church, a religious organization in Harrisburg, PA. No actual daycare reviews are available for analysis.
Hansel & Gretel Early Learning Center
2206 Walnut St, Harrisburg, PA
Hansel & Gretel Early Learning Center receives uniformly positive feedback from parents and former attendees. Parents consistently praise the caring, friendly staff who know children by name and communicate regularly about their development. The center is noted for creating lasting memories through activities like summer camp, swimming, and field trips.
Linglestown Umc Sch-Age Child Care Prgm
1430 N Mountain Rd, Harrisburg, PA
Reviews praise Linglestown UMC's welcoming community atmosphere and strong family-oriented environment. Parents highlight excellent children's programs, quality educational curriculum, and engaging pastoral leadership. The facility is consistently described as a supportive church community where families feel they belong.
Jewish Community Center Of Harrisburg
3301 N Front St, Harrisburg, PA
The Jewish Community Center of Harrisburg receives consistently positive feedback, with reviewers praising the clean facilities, friendly and attentive staff, and excellent amenities including a heated pool and fitness center. Parents appreciate the family-friendly environment, diverse programming for all ages, and overall value of membership.
Alphabet Express Early Learning
2205 Forest Hills Dr, Harrisburg, PA
Parents consistently praise Alphabet Express for its caring, professional staff and loving environment. The facility is noted for quality education, kid-friendly activities, and strong community engagement. Multiple families have enrolled siblings and maintain connections with staff after their children graduate.
Bright Beginnings Child Dev. Center
98 S Clover Ln, Harrisburg, PA
Bright Beginnings receives consistently excellent reviews from parents who praise the center for providing exceptional, loving care that extends beyond typical daycare services. Parents highlight the staff's genuine commitment to child development, creative activities, and strong parent communication. The director Amy and her team are frequently described as treating children like family members.
Map
Daycare types in Harrisburg
Child Daycare & Preschools in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Harrisburg offers a diverse landscape of 82 childcare and preschool facilities, ranging from community-based centers to independent programs. Parents frequently highlight the welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff as key reasons for their satisfaction. Neighborhoods like 17104 stand out for their consistently high ratings, making it easier to find a fit that prioritizes clear communication and a supportive environment.
Based on Google reviews, daycares in Harrisburg have an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 across 42 rated facilities, with 33% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Church Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.67 stars. Our analysis covers 466 parent reviews. Parents in Harrisburg most frequently praise daycares for welcoming atmosphere, caring and attentive staff, and excellent communication with parents.
When choosing a daycare in Harrisburg, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.
All Child Daycare & Preschools in Harrisburg
Showing 82 results
Little Blessings receives mixed reviews with most parents praising the staff, bilingual capabilities, and transportation services. However, two parents reported serious concerns about staff friendliness, cleanliness, and child care quality. The facility is generally described as secure and family-oriented by satisfied customers.
- Address
- 41 N 13th St, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 554-0520
- Quality
Parents consistently praise Kids Academy for its caring, experienced staff and supportive leadership. The facility is noted for its clean, modern environment, multilingual/multicultural approach, and strong focus on child development and academic preparation. Multiple long-term families highlight the staff's genuine dedication and the welcoming, family-like atmosphere.
- Address
- 4600 Fritchey St, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 541-1544
- Quality
Feedback for Basic Steps Daycare Center is sharply divided, with one parent praising the friendly, inclusive environment while several others report severe neglect and safety concerns. Critics allege issues including pest infestations, inconsistent diaper changes, and unsafe pickup policies, alongside claims of staff misconduct and bullying among children.
- Address
- 1223 N Cameron St, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 232-2147
Recent feedback describes PHEAA Child Care Center as the worst daycare experienced, citing severe safety neglect and inconsistent staffing. Parents report that incidents are not communicated until a child returns home, while promised solutions and Zoom calls are never followed through. Additionally, one reviewer notes that staff changes occur weekly and claims children are forced to take long naps to accommodate staff breaks.
- Address
- 1200 N 7th St, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 720-0370
- Quality
One parent describes the center as feeling like a family, while another provides a brief, neutral comment. The limited feedback offers a mix of positive sentiment and minimal detail.
- Address
- 6720 Derry St, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 558-8593
- Quality
These reviews do not pertain to a daycare facility. The reviews appear to be misattributed and actually concern the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry's unemployment compensation system. Reviews predominantly describe difficulty reaching customer service representatives and delays in benefit payments.
- Address
- 651 Boas St, Rm 150, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 265-5774
One parent reports that the facility hires staff without proper vetting, suggesting a lack of care for the children's well-being. The single review provided highlights concerns regarding employee screening and dedication to child safety.
- Address
- 1419 N 2nd St, Ste 4, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 238-8180
One parent describes a lack of staff vetting, stating that the center hires anyone without regard for the children's well-being.
- Address
- 2656 Walnut St, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 233-2270
One parent reports that the center closed abruptly without notice, leaving families without childcare and staff unpaid for six weeks. Another parent describes a serious safety incident where a child was left unattended and wandered into the parking lot, requiring intervention from a neighbor.
- Address
- 1100 N 6th St, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 238-8160
- Quality
- Address
- One Hacc Drive, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 780-0258
One parent reports that their previously standoffish three-year-old has learned significantly and bonded well with dedicated caregivers. However, a second review appears to be posted to the wrong platform and offers no substantive feedback.
- Address
- 4820 Londonderry Rd, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 657-7868
- Quality
- Address
- 201 N Progress Ave, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 651-1582
- Quality
- Address
- 212 N Progress Ave, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 541-1039
- Quality
- Address
- 6000 Jonestown Rd, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 657-7388
CrossPoint Christian Child Care receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the qualified teaching staff, nurturing environment, and combination of academic preparation with Christian values. Multiple reviewers report successful kindergarten transitions and note the program's reasonable pricing.
- Address
- 430 Colonial Rd, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 545-5741
- Quality
ERROR: The reviews provided are for PSECU Credit Union, a financial institution, not for PSECU Child Care Center. No parent reviews for the daycare are available to summarize.
- Address
- One Credit Union Place, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 777-7231
Reviews are highly polarized with strong opinions on both sides. Some parents praise caring staff, child development, and welcoming environment, while others report declining quality after recent leadership changes, citing inappropriate teacher behavior, poor classroom management, and security concerns.
- Address
- 3701 Vartan Way, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 652-2342
- Quality
- Address
- 200 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 238-8774
- Address
- 100 Oakmont Rd, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 652-2368
- Address
- 915 S 13th St, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 234-4793
- Address
- 6135 Jonestown Rd, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 652-2368
- Quality
- Address
- 7740 Manor Dr, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 652-2368
- Quality
- Address
- 424 Forster St, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 238-8889
- Quality
- Address
- 255 Cypress St, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 652-2368
- Address
- 1616 Herr St, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 233-3568
- Address
- 3549 N 6th St, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 232-2687
- Quality
- Address
- 6450 Chambers Hill Rd, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 561-1166
- Quality
- Address
- Rutherford And Swan Street, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 652-2368
- Address
- 4400 Franklin St, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 652-2368
- Address
- 1450 Parkway W, Harrisburg, PA
- Phone
- (717) 652-2336
- Quality
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Frequently asked questions
- Licensing status with Pennsylvania's regulatory agency
- Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Pennsylvania)
- Safety measures and cleanliness
- Daily routines and educational curriculum
- Parent reviews and ratings
- Location and hours that fit your schedule
- Child Daycare & Preschools — 82 facilities
- Church Daycare — 3 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 3 facilities