A Place for Children to Grow
A Little About Little Sprouts
A Long Road, A Bright Future
Little Sprouts Early Childhood Center was born out of a simple but urgent need: more childcare options in our community. As in-home daycares in Gettysburg began to close and fewer providers stepped in to replace them, families were left with limited options. Like many small towns across the country, we found ourselves in the middle of a growing daycare crisis.
​
But instead of giving up, our community got to work.
​
Even as funding opportunities disappeared and support from the state dwindled, a small but determined team never lost hope. For several years, we researched, planned, networked, and advocated—always with one goal in mind: to create a safe, nurturing, and high-quality space where Gettysburg’s youngest children could grow and thrive.
​
In the spring of this year, we reached a major milestone. We secured a beautiful space along Main Street that will soon house three dedicated classrooms—one each for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The building offers ample room for learning and play, while the backyard, sheltered from the wind and filled with possibility, will feature a large sandbox and a custom-built interpretive play area.
​
At Little Sprouts, we believe in engaging young minds, encouraging independent play, and building foundational life skills that set children up for success in school and beyond. As a nonprofit center, every dollar we receive goes directly back into the program—supporting our staff, improving our space, and providing the best care possible for every child who walks through our doors.
​
We’re proud to announce that Little Sprouts will officially open this fall. It’s taken years of hard work, vision, and community support—but we’re finally here.
​
And with your help, the best is yet to come.
Our Foundation Pillars
Structure
Children and adults thrive in an environment that is consistent and decisive. Emphasis will be put on a structured schedule that balances plenty of play time with activities that stimulate curious, growing minds. The curriculum will be created by the Director using their previous experience in creating engaging, educational content.
Health
Following nutrition guidelines set forth by the State, USDA, and other governing forces, the goal is to offer food that fuels the little bodies and minds of the children in our care. Together with a local Registered Dietitian who has offered their expertise, a well-balanced menu will be curated to meet the standards and reporting requirements outlined in the Child and Adult Care Food Program.
Community
It indeed takes a village to raise children, and in Gettysburg, we are blessed with residents who care about future generations. Supporting our community will influence every level of operations – from buying local goods and services to providing a variety of ways for the children to be involved with members of the community. Our special Community Committee will coordinate visiting the Manor and the Senior Center, hosting community involvement events, and giving back.
Dependability
The benefit of a daycare center weighs heavily on the reliability of it being open consistently. The decisions made about the center will need to focus on providing dependable care for children, but also being a place where providers and staff have set expectations, competitive compensation, and the support from leadership to carry out their duties.
Safety First
The health and safety of our little sprouts is our top priority. We maintain rigorous standards to ensure a secure and hygienic environment, allowing children to thrive with peace of mind.
Our dedicated staff undergo regular training to uphold the highest safety protocols, providing parents with the confidence that their children are in great hands.
