Welcome to Kids & Company Route 39, formerly Aa to Zz. We offer full and part-time programs for children ranging from six weeks through to school-age. Our center has 9 classrooms that can accommodate 107 children. We cater to infant, toddler, and preschool ages and also offer a Kindergarten Preparatory program as well as school-age programming before and after school and on public-school closures or holidays. We have a large outdoor play space as well as on-site parking available to our families, making for easy drop-offs and pick-ups.
We serve our children breakfast, lunch, and snacks each day, all prepared in our on-site kitchens. Formula is available as well for our infants.
We are proud members of the Keystone Standards, Training/Professional Development, Assistance, Resources, and Supports program (STARS). Not only that, within the program, we have been ranked as a Keystone STAR 4 child care. This is the highest ranking in the program and means that, amongst other criteria, we employ lead teachers with an associate or bachelor’s degree in child development or a related field, have earned high ratings for child interaction across ages, and are heavily engaged in our community.
Our unique curriculum and emergent approach to learning and discovery, puts children at the center of everything we do. The learning opportunities presented to them are a direct result of 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.
Please note that we partner with East Hanover Elementary, Paxtonia Elementary, and West Hanover Elementary to provide transportation to and from schools where needed.
Hello! I’m Emily Henderson, the Center Director of Route 39. I have an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Northampton Community College. I started working with Kids & Company in 2022 and have over 25 years of experience in the child care field! I believe that social and emotional development in children is essential and begins in early childhood. I love supporting this growth and watching children develop in all other areas. I always say that I do what I love, and I love what I do. They say it takes a village to raise a child. Kids & Company has proven to be an amazing company that truly cares about all the children, staff, and families in their village. I am proud to call myself a part of this team. Our center is right in the middle of two large cities, Hershey and Harrisburg. We pride ourselves in positive reinforcement and social and emotional development as a cornerstone for all future developments in the children as they continue their educational growth.
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.
