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Child care center 

Best Friends Day Care Strawberry Square

303 Walnut St Suite 111, Harrisburg, PA 17101
licensed capacity
126
open each week
5 days

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Certified by the stateInspection record

About

About Best Friends Day Care Strawberry Square

Best Friends Day Care Strawberry Square is a child care center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It is certified by the state, for up to 126 children, serving school-age children.

It is open Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning made 8 visits in the last 3 years and cited 36 rules across 7 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.

School-ageAccepts child care subsidyOpens before 7 AM

Ages served: school-age children

From the state license
Ask when you call: rates, current openings, staff-to-child ratio and teacher qualifications.
Type
Child care center
Ages
School-age children
Hours today
6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Licensed capacity
126 children

Hours

Hours

MondayToday6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Tuesday6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Thursday6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Friday6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
SaturdayNot listed
SundayNot listed
From the state license

Programs

Programs and care

AgesSchool-age childrenFrom the state license
Child care subsidyAccepts state child care subsidiesFrom the state license
Licensed capacity126 childrenFrom the state license

Cost

Tuition and costs

Best Friends Day Care Strawberry Square has not listed its tuition.

Ask the daycare for its ratesIt has not listed its tuition.

State record

Inspection reports for Best Friends Day Care Strawberry Square

License

Status
Certified by the state and operating
License type
Certificate of Compliance
Capacity
126 children
Ages
School-age children
License number
#CER-00243357
See the state's record

Summary

8 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit Jul 22, 2026: no rules cited

Rules cited on 7 of 8 visits · 36 rules in all · 36 corrected

  • Building, equipment and play areas 8
  • Health, medication and illness 5
  • Records and paperwork 5
  • Safety and hazards 5
  • Background checks 4
  • Staff training and qualifications 4
  • Discipline and child guidance 2
  • Supervision and ratios 2
  • Safe sleep 1

For comparison: 93% of Pennsylvania daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 14.

A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.

Own this daycare? Add your response to the state record

See all 12 visits
  1. Jul 22, 2026InspectionNo rules cited
  2. Jul 15, 2026Inspection7 rules cited
    • Health, medication and illness

      3270.131(b)(2)/3270.131(c) Toddler/preschool: updated health report every 12 months/Completed or signed by physician, PA, or CRNP

      “Child #2's file does not contain an updated health assessment. The last health assessment on file is dated 3/3/25. See code sheet for date of admission and date of birth.”

      Correction date in the state record: Aug 7, 2026

    • Records and paperwork

      3270.124(f)/3270.181(c) Updated every 6 months/Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos

      “Child #1's file does not include documentation that of the Emergency Contact Information being reviewed within a 6-month period. The date on the emergency contact form on file is 7/23/25. See code sheet for date of admission.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 31, 2026

    • Building, equipment and play areas

      3270.102(a) Clean and good repair

      “It was observed in the two-year-old classroom, that books need to be repaired (peeling cardboard is accessible to children).”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 22, 2026

    • Building, equipment and play areas

      3270.77(a) No peeling paint or plaster

      “It was observed in the preschool classroom, toddler classroom, two-year-old classroom and infant classroom that there is peeling and chipping paint in various spots. CORRECTED ON SITE WITH TAPE.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 22, 2026

    • Background checks

      3270.32(a) Comply with CPSL

      “Staff person 1's mandated reporter training on file is only 2 hours of training. See code sheet for date of hire.”

      Correction date in the state record: Aug 7, 2026

    • Staff training and qualifications

      3270.31(f) Health and Safety Training

      “Staff person 1's file does not include part 2 of the Health and Safety Training. See code sheet for date of hire.”

      Correction date in the state record: Aug 7, 2026

    • Staff training and qualifications

      3270.31(e)(4)(i) Age and Training

      “Staff person 1's file does not include Pediatric CPR & First Aide completed within 90 days of hire. See code sheet for date of hire.”

      Correction date in the state record: Aug 7, 2026

  3. Nov 6, 2025Inspection1 rule cited
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      3270.77(a) No peeling paint or plaster

      “It was observed in the play space, peeling and damaged paint on the walls throughout the play space.”

      Correction date in the state record: Nov 30, 2025

  4. Jul 21, 2025Inspection11 rules cited
    • Health, medication and illness

      3270.151(a) 12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter

      “File for staff person #1 does not include a completed health assessment at least 24 months after the previous health assessment. The current completed health assessment is dated 2/10/25 and the previous health assessment is dated 12/31/22.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 21, 2025

    • Records and paperwork

      3270.123(b) Parent receives original

      “Individual files for children #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5 included the original Agreement forms in files.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 21, 2025

    • Safe sleep

      3270.106(j) Prohibit items in crib

      “It was observed that an infant was using pacifiers attached to pacifier ribbon clips while sleeping in cribs.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 21, 2025

    • Discipline and child guidance

      3270.101(c)(2) Cognitive development

      “It was observed in the older toddler classroom that there no play equipment and materials provided to promote cognitive development.”

      Correction date in the state record: Aug 5, 2025

    • Discipline and child guidance

      3270.101(c)(1) Dramatic role playing

      “It was observed in the older toddler classroom that there is not play equipment or materials provided to promote dramatic role playing.”

      Correction date in the state record: Aug 9, 2025

    • Building, equipment and play areas

      3270.77(a) No peeling paint or plaster

      “It was observed in the older toddler classroom, peeling paint in the bathroom within the classroom. It was observed in the four-year-old classroom peeling paint and damaged plaster throughout the entire classroom on walls and at corners.”

      Correction date in the state record: Aug 16, 2025

    • Building, equipment and play areas

      3270.76 Building Surfaces

      “It was observed in the four-year-old classroom, cobwebs and dust around the windows and light fixtures above the windows in the classroom. It was also observed in the four-year-old classroom, the heating vent near the window has an excessive amount of dust.”

      Correction date in the state record: Aug 9, 2025

    • Safety and hazards

      3270.94(a)(1) Every 60 days

      “Fire drills have not been conducted at least once every 60 days. Fire drills were documented to have lapsed 8/21/24 - 10/21/24.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 21, 2025

    • Staff training and qualifications

      3270.192(2)(ii) Exp, educ., training prior to facility

      “The individual file for staff person #2 does not include verification of child care experience, education and training.”

      Correction date in the state record: Aug 15, 2025

    • Safety and hazards

      3270.31(e)(4)(ii) Fire safety - 1 yr.

      “The individual file for staff person #1 does not include proof of completion of a training in maintenance of smoke detectors, the duties of facility persons during a fire drill and during a fire and the use of the facility's fire extinguishers”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 21, 2025

    • Health, medication and illness

      3270.133(7) Medication log

      “A medication log for child #6 has not been established by the operator for nonprescription medication on site.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 25, 2025

  5. Feb 21, 2025Inspection1 rule cited
    • Staff training and qualifications

      3270.31(f) Health and Safety Training

      “Staff person #1 did not complete the required Health and Safety training within 90 days of their hire date (see LIS sheet). The completed Health and Safety training for staff person #1 is dated 2/5/25.”

      Correction date in the state record: Feb 5, 2025

  6. Jul 26, 2024Inspection11 rules cited
    • Safety and hazards

      3270.27(a)(4) Contact when ended

      “The facility's emergency plan does not provide a method for facility persons to inform parents that the emergency has ended and to provide instruction as to how parents can safely be reunited with their children.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 29, 2024

    • Background checks

      3270.32(a) Comply with CPSL

      “The file for staff person #1 included a State Police Clearance and FBI clearance which was not updated within 60 months of the previous clearance. The current State Police Clearance is dated 8/18/23 and the previous was dated 8/12/18. The current FBI clearance is dated 12/20/23 and the previous was dated 8/20/18.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 29, 2024

    • Safety and hazards

      3270.65 Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less

      “It was observed in the gross motor room, two electrical outlets were missing protective receptacle covers.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 29, 2024

    • Health, medication and illness

      3270.131(b)(2) Toddler/preschool: updated health report every 12 months

      “The individual files for children #3 and #4 do not include an updated health report at least every 12 months.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 29, 2024

    • Safety and hazards

      3270.66(a) Locked or inaccessible

      “It was observed in 4-year-old classroom a black backpack containing Mace in a cubby accessible to children. It was observed in the gross motor room Lysol spray, Swiffer Wet Jet solution, and Clorox wipes on a low shelf accessible to children. (corrected on site)”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 29, 2024

    • Building, equipment and play areas

      3270.76 Building Surfaces

      “It was observed in the bathroom within the three-year-old classroom, a broke and cracked step stool causing potential injuries. (corrected on site)”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 29, 2024

    • Records and paperwork

      3270.123(a)(7) Services considered extra

      “The agreements for children #1-#9 do not specify the services which are to be considered as extra.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 29, 2024

    • Health, medication and illness

      3270.124(b)(2) Physician name, address, phone

      “The emergency contact form for child #1 does not include the name, address and telephone number of the child's physician or source of medical care.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 29, 2024

    • Records and paperwork

      3270.124(b)(3) Parent home/work address, phone

      “The emergency contact form for child #1 does not include the home and work addresses and telephone numbers of the enrolling parent.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 29, 2024

    • Records and paperwork

      3270.124(b)(5) Information re: special needs

      “The emergency contact form for child #1 does not include information on the child's special needs, as specified by the child's parent, physician, physician's assistant or CRNP, which is needed in an emergency situation.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 29, 2024

    • Supervision and ratios

      3270.124(b)(7) Name/address/phone release person

      “The emergency contact form for child #2 does not contain the address of the individuals designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 29, 2024

  7. Jun 24, 2024Complaint investigation1 rule cited
    • Supervision and ratios

      3270.113(e) Restraints prohibited

      “Staff persons #1 and #2 utilize assistive walking devices with straps that restrict a child's movement when taking the children on walking excursions.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 12, 2024

  8. Mar 1, 2024Inspection4 rules cited
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      3270.102(a) Clean and good repair

      “It was observed in the infant classroom, exposed foam was accessible to children on the foam climbing blocks.”

      Correction date in the state record: Mar 1, 2024

    • Background checks

      3270.32(a) Comply with CPSL

      “Staff person #2 has not completed the mandated reporter training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet).”

      Correction date in the state record: Mar 5, 2024

    • Building, equipment and play areas

      3270.77(a) No peeling paint or plaster

      “It was observed in the preschool classroom, peeling paint on the wall under the windows.”

      Correction date in the state record: Mar 1, 2024

    • Background checks

      3270.32(a) Comply with CPSL

      “Staff person #1 has not completed mandated reporter training within the last 60 months. This is evidenced by the previously documented mandated reporter training on file being dated 12/14/18. File for staff person #1 did not include an updated State Police Clearance. Current State Police Clearance on file expired 11/9/23. File for staff person #1 did not include an updated Child Abuse Clearance. Current Child Abuse Clearance on file expired 11/9/23.”

      Correction date in the state record: Mar 6, 2024

  9. Jul 17, 2023Inspection5 rules cited
    • Supervision and ratios

      3270.21 General Health and Safety

      “Facility persons #1, #2, and #3 have not completed the required one-hour Pennsylvania health and safety update 2022 by December 30, 2022. Staff person #1 completed the required one-hour Pennsylvania health and safety update on 6/29/23. Staff person #2 completed the required one-hour Pennsylvania health and safety update on 6/30/23. Staff person #3 completed the required one-hour Pennsylvania health and safety update on 7/18/23.”

      Correction date in the state record: Aug 2, 2023

    • Supervision and ratios

      3270.124(b)(7) Name/address/phone release person

      “Emergency contact form for child #1 does not include completed address and/or telephone numbers of individuals child may be released to.”

      Correction date in the state record: Aug 4, 2023

    • Safety and hazards

      3270.66(b) Original container

      “It was observed in the two-year-old classroom and the three-year-old classroom that Magic Erasers were not stored in its original container or in a container that specifies the content. (corrected on site)”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 17, 2023

    • Records and paperwork

      3270.124(b)(6) Insurance coverage information

      “Emergency contact form for child #1 does not include health insurance/MA policy number.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 17, 2023

    • Health, medication and illness

      3270.131(e) ACIP recommended immunization record

      “Child health forms on file for children #2 and #3 do not include the influenza vaccine for the 2022-23 flu season.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 20, 2023

  10. Dec 20, 2022Complaint investigation4 rules cited
    • Safe sleep

      3270.106(f) 2 feet apart

      “It was observed that cribs being used by infants were not at least 2 feet apart on three sides. (Corrected on site - staff moved cribs to provide two feet of space on three sides)”

      Correction date in the state record: Dec 20, 2022

    • Safe sleep

      3270.106(a) Clean, age appropriate

      “It was observed in the infant room that cribs were not labeled for specific children.”

      Correction date in the state record: Dec 20, 2022

    • Safe sleep

      3270.106(j) Prohibit items in crib

      “It was observed that two infants were using pacifiers attached to pacifier ribbon clips while sleeping in cribs. (Corrected on site - staff removed pacifier ribbons from the pacifiers being used in cribs)”

      Correction date in the state record: Dec 20, 2022

    • Discipline and child guidance

      3270.113(b) No physical punishment

      “Staff person #1 admitted to hitting child #1 on the hand and forcefully placing child in timeout.”

      Correction date in the state record: Dec 12, 2022

Show 2 earlier visits
  1. Dec 20, 2022Inspection4 rules cited
    • Safe sleep

      3270.106(f) 2 feet apart

      “It was observed that cribs being used by infants were not at least 2 feet apart on three sides. (Corrected on site - staff moved cribs to provide two feet of space on three sides)”

      Correction date in the state record: Dec 20, 2022

    • Safe sleep

      3270.106(a) Clean, age appropriate

      “It was observed in the infant room that cribs were not labeled for specific children.”

      Correction date in the state record: Dec 20, 2022

    • Safe sleep

      3270.106(j) Prohibit items in crib

      “It was observed that two infants were using pacifiers attached to pacifier ribbon clips while sleeping in cribs. (Corrected on site - staff removed pacifier ribbons from the pacifiers being used in cribs)”

      Correction date in the state record: Dec 20, 2022

    • Discipline and child guidance

      3270.113(b) No physical punishment

      “Staff person #1 admitted to hitting child #1 on the hand and forcefully placing child in timeout.”

      Correction date in the state record: Dec 12, 2022

  2. Jul 25, 2022Inspection16 rules cited
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      3270.101(a) Age appropriate

      “It was observed in the Preschool classroom and Two year old classroom that the toy shelves were turned and not accessible to children and the additional toys were purposely placed up on a high shelf away from the reach of children. There was not a sufficient amount or variety of toys provided to the children in the classroom.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 25, 2022

    • Safety and hazards

      3270.102(g) Hazardous toys and equipment

      “It was observed in the Young Infant classroom that there was a pink Bumboo seat without a seatbelt that was recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This seat was described as hazardous by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and may not be on the premises at the facility.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 25, 2022

    • Food and nutrition

      3270.107 Refrigerator

      “It was observed in the one year old classroom that there refrigerator used to store food items was at 50° F.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 25, 2022

    • Supervision and ratios

      3270.113(a) Supervised at all times

      “It was observed that a child ran out of the Preschool classroom and down the hallway unsupervised until a teacher retrieved the child. It was also observed that children were being sent back into the Preschool classroom from the bathroom in the hallway unsupervised.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 25, 2022

    • Health, medication and illness

      3270.133(3) Name on bottle

      “It was observed that the medication in the Young Toddler classroom for Child #1 did not have the child name on the bottle. It was also observed and stated through admission from facility persons that the same bottle of medication was to be shared between siblings and not just administered to only the child whose name appeared on bottle.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 25, 2022

    • Health, medication and illness

      3270.133(7) Medication log

      “Child #1 and Child #2 did not have a completed medication log on file for nonprescription medication.”

      Correction date in the state record: Aug 25, 2022

    • Health, medication and illness

      3270.134(a) Child's hands washed

      “It was observed in the One Year Old classroom that the children's hands were not washed prior to lunch time.”

      Correction date in the state record: Aug 25, 2022

    • Health, medication and illness

      3270.152 Adult Hygiene

      “It was observed in the One Year Old classroom that the facility person's in the classroom did not wash their hands prior to serving lunch.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 25, 2022

    • Food and nutrition

      3270.163(a)(1) Dairy

      “It was observed that the facility did not provide a dairy item for lunch. Provider stated that milk was typically served although not observed at the time of inspection or listed on the menu.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 25, 2022

    • Staff training and qualifications

      3270.192(2)(ii) Exp, educ., training prior to facility

      “The file for Facility Person #2 did not include verification of child care experience and education prior to service at the facility.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 25, 2022

    • Health, medication and illness

      3270.192(3) Health assessment, TB test

      “The file for Facility Person #2 did not include an initial health assessment and results of a TB test to to confirm freedom from communicable tuberculosis.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 25, 2022

    • Staff training and qualifications

      3270.192(5) Two written references

      “The file for Facility Person #2 did not include two written non-family references attesting to the person's suitability to serve as a facility person”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 25, 2022

    • Background checks

      3270.32(a)/3270.192(4) Comply with CPSL/CPSL information

      “Facility Person #2 (see LIS code sheet) was observed working with children in the two year old classroom and did not have a Child Abuse clearance or NSOR results on file at the facility.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 25, 2022

    • Supervision and ratios

      3270.51 Similar Age Level

      “It was observed in the One Year Old classroom that Facility Person #1 was left alone with 14 children age 1 in the classroom. It was also observed that a Facility Person went into the classroom bathroom, shut the door to use the bathroom and left the classroom out of ratio with 2 facility persons and 14 children age 1.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 25, 2022

    • Safety and hazards

      3270.66(a) Locked or inaccessible

      “It was observed in the Older Infant classroom that Draino, Lysol and Cascade were in a low cabinet in the classroom kitchen accessible to children. It was observed in the Young Infants classroom that bleach, disinfecting spray and 5 diaper creams were accessible to children. It was observed in the Preschool classroom that Febreze, Clorox wipes and Magic Erasers were in a low unlocked cabinet accessible to children.”

      Correction date in the state record: Sep 12, 2022

    • Building, equipment and play areas

      3270.76 Building Surfaces

      “It was observed in the Preschool classroom that there was a broken blue, plastic bin with sharp edges on a bottom shelf accessible to children. It was observed in the Older Infant classroom that there was a loose hanging cord from the swing, accessible to children. It was observed in the Young Infants classroom that there were balloons hanging on the wall posing a potential choking hazard. It was observed in the Two year old classroom that there were push pins used on the wall posing a potential hazard for children.”

      Correction date in the state record: Jul 25, 2022

Copied from Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning on October 2, 2026; the state's records start around Jun 2021. Rule wording, severity and dates are the state's.

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FAQ

Questions about Best Friends Day Care Strawberry Square

Is Best Friends Day Care Strawberry Square licensed?

Yes. Best Friends Day Care Strawberry Square is certified by the state and operating. This is how Pennsylvania authorizes this type of child care.

When was Best Friends Day Care Strawberry Square last inspected?

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning lists the most recent visit on July 22, 2026, with no rules cited. It lists 8 visits in the last 3 years.

Has Best Friends Day Care Strawberry Square had rules cited by the state?

Yes. Inspectors cited 36 rules across 7 of 8 visits in the last 3 years; 36 show a correction in the state record. For comparison: 93% of Pennsylvania daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 14. A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.

How many children can Best Friends Day Care Strawberry Square care for?

126, the licensed capacity on the state record. It is licensed to serve school-age children.

Does Best Friends Day Care Strawberry Square accept child care subsidies?

Yes. The state record says it accepts child care subsidies.

What are Best Friends Day Care Strawberry Square's hours?

Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. These are the hours on the state record. Holiday hours can differ.

How much does Best Friends Day Care Strawberry Square cost?

It has not listed its tuition. Call (717) 909-7900 to ask.

What is Best Friends Day Care Strawberry Square's phone number?

(717) 909-7900.

Where is Best Friends Day Care Strawberry Square?

303 Walnut St Suite 111, Harrisburg, PA 17101. The nearest other daycare we list is Keystone Early Learning Center, 0.3 miles away.

Sources: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning (license and visits).