This location was formerly called “Aa to Zz”, but has since been purchased by Kids & Company and now operates with our staff and proprietary programming.
You can’t miss our large red building (that was previously a firehouse!) that is directly behind the McDonald’s off Route 74. Our standalone building provides a quiet and private environment for children to learn, and we have a small parking lot out front that parents can use during pick-up and drop-off. There are also bus stops nearby for families travelling by transit.
Inside the building you’ll find spacious classrooms that are separated by half-walls, making it a cozy and intimate environment for children and staff. Classrooms are colorful, light-filled, and full of educational and age-appropriate toys. Outside we have a fenced-in mulch area with structures for children that are ready to run, jump, and climb. There is another fenced-in play space that is open and equipped with toys for younger children who are just developing their gross motor skills.
Our 6 classrooms can accommodate 117 children in our Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten Prep, and School Age programs. The School Age program runs Before and After School care, School Break care, and Summer Camp. Transit from Dover Elementary, North Salem Elementary, Leib Elementary and Weiglestown Elementary is provided by the school district.
Children that are 6 years and under are welcome on a full-time or part-time (3 full days or 5 half days) basis, with backup care being available on an ad-hoc basis. We also offer flex care at this location to accommodate our families that have irregular schedules. Flex care allows you to pick the number of days you’d like your child to attend per week, and even lets you split the time between locations – a convenient option for those who work partially at home and partially in an office.
At Kids & Company, we use an emergent curriculum and learn-through-play philosophy. This means children are presented with learning opportunities in direct response to their individual interests and skills. Our children are immersed in experiences that enhance language, literacy, a sense of music and rhythm, and socialization so that they may develop independence, confidence and a positive sense of self and the world around them.
We serve our children breakfast, lunch, and snacks each day, all prepared in our on-site kitchens. Formula is also available for our infants.
We are proud members of the Keystone STARS (Standards, Training/Professional Development, Assistance, Resources, and Supports) program, a rating system that promotes quality improvement in early learning and development programs and school-age child care. Early learning programs participating in Keystone STARS are rated from STAR 1 to a STAR 4. We have been rated as STAR 4, the highest rating, meaning our staff education, learning environment, leadership/management, and family/community partnerships meet the highest performance standards!
Let’s Meet!
If you’re interested in our Dover location, please fill out the inquiry form below. You can indicate multiple locations in the comment section if you are unsure about your top choice.
Once submitted, one of our Parent Customer Care representatives will reach out via phone or email within 24 hours (48 hours on weekends and holidays). During that exchange, you’ll be able to ask questions, learn more about fees, book a tour, and find the best suited location for your child.
I am Meghan Smith, the Center Director of Dover. I received a Bachelor of Science in HDFS from PSU, and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Walden University. I have been working in child care for over 17 years. As an early childhood administrator, I wish to give children an opportunity to understand their feelings and how to get a great start on learning. Kids & Company is very proud of their high quality of care and sense of community. I am so grateful to be a part of that. Our building was once a fire hall, then became a child care center that served the community.
Kids & Company’s Infant program welcomes newborns up to roughly 18 months. Infants learn about the world around them through their senses, so exploration is critical to their development. Nurturing educators support the children while they take in their surroundings, encouraging them to experience everything the classroom offers; be it creative art, exploring with blocks, listening to songs or engaging in story-time. Our infant program encourages children to follow their own established routines, while becoming comfortable and secure in a new group setting.
Kids & Company’s Toddler program is for children between the ages of roughly 18 months and 2.5 years. Toddlers are mobile and eager to explore their environment. As they strive for independence, our educators use an Emergent curriculum approach to learning that supports each child’s individuality. Some of the most important learning outcomes of our toddler program are language development, socialization, self-help skills, and the development of fine and gross motor skills.
Kids & Company’s Preschool program is designed for children between the ages of roughly 2.5 - 5 years. Our educators interact, observe and interpret the interests of our children to encourage discoveries. Our Preschool program provides a foundation for developing greater independence and problem-solving skills; the program integrates new concepts into our children’s world view, promotes sharing and mutual respect, and prepares them for Kindergarten.
Kids & Company’s School Age program accepts children from 5 - 12 years old (Grade 1 - 6) and is available at select locations. Programs include Before and After School Care, School Break Programming, and Summer Camp. Classroom space exists for smaller groups to gather, and activities are designed to meet the needs of varying developmental levels, touching on arts, science, math, drama, imaginative play, and physical fitness. Educators are also available to provide academic support for children that wish to do their homework during After School Care.
