York Day Early Learning

York Day Early Learning is a daycare in York, PA, serving children from 6 weeks old through age 5, with specialized programs tailored to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Located at 450 E Philadelphia St, the center provides a nurturing environment where children grow at their own pace under the guidance of teachers who build individualized relationships. It offers structured learning for preschoolers preparing for kindergarten, as well as a unique Twilight Care Program designed for families with second and third shift schedules, including those in healthcare, manufacturing, and emergency response. The center serves families across York County and maintains a 4.00 rating based on customer feedback.

Rooted in a legacy that began in 1932, York Day Early Learning traces its origins to an experimental nursery school founded by Netta Ford. Over decades, it evolved through federal support during the Great Depression and World War II, expanded to include infant care in 1982, and relocated to its current address in 1996. A capital campaign in 2012 enhanced its facilities with a gym, storage, and an outdoor nature center. In 2021, it opened a satellite site at the York County School of Technology, and by 2022, rebranded as York Day Early Learning to reflect its expanded mission. The organization is guided by a leadership team including Executive Director Sara Bradley and Interim Center Director Kiersten Tawney, and is governed by a board representing community leaders from York Water Company, United Way, York College, and other local institutions.

York Day Early Learning is recognized for its commitment to quality and accountability, maintaining accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and participation in Pennsylvania’s Keystone STARS program. Its Philadelphia Street location holds a STAR 4 rating, while its York Tech site achieved a STAR 2 within nine months of opening, with a goal of reaching STAR 4 by 2023. The center also administers the PA Pre-K Counts grant, providing free high-quality prekindergarten to 30 three- and four-year-old children annually. As a long-standing partner of the United Way of York County since 1946, it undergoes annual reviews to uphold high standards in operations and programming.

The center’s enduring presence and evolving services reflect its deep commitment to early childhood development in York, offering families reliable, high-quality care that supports both children’s growth and workforce participation across the region.