About Us
Children’s Harbor has been a leader in the early care and education industry since 1911. As a 501(c)(3) and certified United Way agency, our organization has maintained its mission to improve the lives of children and families through comprehensive early care and education services. Since its founding, the agency has developed into a multi-faceted organization that operates its five early childhood programs as models of excellence in childcare. Our locations in Chesapeake, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Norfolk and the Eastern Shore deliver care and education services for infants 6 weeks old to children 10 years old regardless of ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds. The agency later added training and mentoring services (in 1974) for all educators, a nutrition support and education program for family home providers, and numerous community partnerships that represent local, state and national resource supports and advocacy efforts.
Over the years we held many names, but always maintained focus on providing high quality center-based care and education. Children’s Harbor strives to assist ALL families seeking quality childcare. Tuition is based on total family income with scholarship options for those in need. We proudly serve armed services personnel and accept GSA and NACCRA subsidies as well as third party clients through VDSS subsidy programs.
Children’s Harbor welcomes you and your family. We believe that children thrive in play-based environments where high quality interactions and continuity of care are embedded into our daily programs. We provide places and programs for children to learn, grow and develop skills that will help them succeed in school and life. Enroll your child with us today!
| 1911 | Norfolk Day Nursery |
| 1922 | Portsmouth Day Nursery |
| 1966 | Wesley Child Services |
| 1966-1974 | Portsmouth Day Care Association |
| 1974-1980 | The Day Care & Child Development Center of Tidewater, Inc. |
| 1975-1994 | Tidewater Childcare Association |
| 1980-1984 | The Learning Tree—Chesapeake |
| 1984-1985 | St. Paul’s Infant Center |
| 1985-1990 | Child Development Centers |
| 1990-1994 | Early Works, Inc. |
| 1994-Present | Places and Programs for Children, Inc. dba as Children’s Harbor |
Our Mission
By providing places and programs, Children’s Harbor is the model for comprehensive services for children.
Our Vision
Advocating for access to quality early care and education for all children.
The Diversity & Inclusion Committee is composed of Children’s Harbor staff members, who are called to advocate, represent, and be the voice of the company in a way that signifies our overall mission. We are committed to celebrating, embracing, and creating a safe space for all staff, children, and family members of our organization. Our program reflects the depth of our commitment to diversity and inclusion with a higher degree of expectation for all.
We thank United Way for its sustained support of our programs since 1923.
