The Goddard School · Harrisburg
The Goddard School is a certified child care center in Harrisburg, PA, with capacity for 115 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 1 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 6 times and confirmed violations in 2 complaint investigations. The state cited 11 violations, 6 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep). 2 citations came in the last 12 months, including 1 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #11 of 75 centers in Harrisburg and has fewer citations per inspection than 72% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
The parent emergency plan letters explaining procedures did not contain accommodations provided for infants and toddlers during an emergency.
Staff persons #1 and #2, lapsed supervision on 12/18/25 when child #1 exited the classroom without supervision, unaware that child #1 was no longer in the classroom. Staff person #1 and #3 observed child #1 exiting the bathroom to return to the classroom.
Staff person # 1 and 2 did not obtain the Child Abuse Clearance prior to the first day caring for children. Staff person #1's Child Abuse Clearance is dated 7/5/25. Staff person #2's Child Abuse Clearance s dated 2/24/25. See code sheet for first day caring for children.
It was observed that children # 1-10's files contained the original financial agreements.
Child #1 was unsupervised for an unknown amount of time which resulted in child #1 having access to a diaper strap hanging from a hook which resulted in strangulation and loss of which halted child #1's breathing requiring administration of CPR. Staff persons #1, #2, and #3 were in the classroom at the time of the incident and unable to physically see child #1 due to child #1 being behind a rocking chair and out of view.
Child #1 had access to a diaper bag strap hanging from a hook which resulted in strangulation, and loss of consciousness which halted child #1's breathing requiring administration of CPR.
Facility Person #1 was observed by 4 staff members pulling and picking children up by the arms aggressively and roughly sitting them down on the carpet roughly making the children cry.
Facility Person #1 was observed by 5 staff members using a harsh tone and yelled at children in care in the two-year-old classroom and PS classroom.
The file for Facilty Person #1 did not include an FBI rap sheet as indicated on the results.
The facility director did not ensure that testing of the fire alarm system was completed evert 30 days and documented accordingly.
The emergency contact on file for Child #1 did not contain signed parental consent for administration of minor first-aid procedures by facility staff.
“Core safety” marks citations about supervision and staff ratios, discipline and caregiver conduct, background checks, child protection and safe sleep, the topics our score weights most. Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity. “Follow-up” marks a violation re-cited at a follow-up visit, counted once. How scores work.
Complaint investigations and reported incidents
Pennsylvania’s search lists complaint investigations in which the state found at least one violation (“verified complaints”). It does not say what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it. Incident investigations look into something that happened at the center; self-reported violations are ones the center reported to the state itself.
Daily rates
| Age group | Full time, per day | Part time, per day |
|---|---|---|
| Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) | $84.20 | — |
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $83.40 | — |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $80.40 | — |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $77.60 | — |
The daily price the center lists in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search for families paying privately. The state notes that rates are subject to change and programs don’t have to share them, so confirm with the center. See what daycare costs in Pennsylvania.
About this center
Common questions
Has The Goddard School had any serious violations?
Pennsylvania cited 6 violations since 2021 on the topics Daycare Record treats as core safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep). The most recent, on Jan 8, 2026 (supervision): “Staff persons #1 and #2, lapsed supervision on 12/18/25 when child #1 exited the classroom without supervision, unaware that child #1 was no longer in the classroom. Staff person #1 and #3 observed child #1 exiting the…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about The Goddard School?
Pennsylvania lists 2 complaint investigations since 2021 in which it found at least one violation; the violations are listed above. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is The Goddard School’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 1, effective Mar 6, 2019. Keystone STARS is Pennsylvania’s quality rating program for child care, from STAR 1 to STAR 4. It measures program quality, not inspection results, so read both.
How does The Goddard School compare with other daycares in Harrisburg?
It is tied for #11 of 75 centers in Harrisburg by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has fewer citations per inspection than 72% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was The Goddard School last inspected?
Jul 30, 2026 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does The Goddard School cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $84.20 for infant, $83.40 for young toddler, $80.40 for older toddler, $77.60 for preschool in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs The Goddard School?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Sea Watch LLC.
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Citations are quoted from Pennsylvania Department of Human Services inspection records (Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Bureau of Certification Services), including each finding and the center’s plan of correction. Rule numbers refer mostly to 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3270, the rules for child care centers; a few cite Chapter 20, which covers every certified facility. Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; the “core safety” label and the score are Daycare Record’s.
To check the state’s own record, search the center’s name on COMPASS Child Care Provider Search and open its inspection history. Data refreshed Oct 16, 2026.
Comparing centers? See how to choose a daycare: 30 questions to ask and a printable checklist.
Concerned about this center? See how to report a daycare: which state line to call, what to write down and what happens next.