Following is a guest post by Willisa Redford, Co-Founder of Harbor Lights Edu-Care Center. Greater Harrison Chamber members are invited to share their expertise. Contact the Chamber to learn more.
Searching for full-time or part-time daycare? Before- or after-school care? Summer care for school-aged children? Preschool programming rooted in strong values? Harbor Lights Edu-Care Center is proud to serve families by offering dependable, high-quality child care designed to support each child’s unique needs and stage of development.
At Harbor Lights Edu-Care Center, we are meeting families where they are with care they can trust.
A Vision Built on Purpose and Promise
At the heart of Harbor Lights Edu-Care Center is a simple but powerful belief: every child is created with purpose, potential, and promise. Our vision is to provide a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where children grow academically while developing confidence, character, and a lifelong love of learning.
Licensed Care with a Holistic Approach
As a licensed daycare center in the state of Ohio, Harbor Lights is committed to excellence in both education and care. We take a holistic approach to child development—supporting children academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Our programs are grounded in strong values, guided by faith, and designed to meet and exceed Ohio’s childcare standards.
A Mission That Goes Beyond Academics
Our mission is to offer a Christ-centered learning environment where children can truly thrive. We believe education is more than letters and numbers—it’s about nurturing compassion, integrity, confidence, and a strong sense of identity. Every child entrusted to our care is supported in their physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth.
Our Guiding Lights in Action
We carry out our mission through what we call our Guiding Lights:
- A research-based curriculum paired with purposeful play
- A strong sense of community among families, staff, and local partners
- Exceptional care through passionate, qualified, and trustworthy educators
- Age-appropriate spiritual development that helps shape both faith and character
Founded by Family, Led With Heart
Harbor Lights Edu-Care Center was founded by my daughter and I. We work hands-on in the center each day. Our shared passion for early childhood education, faith-based values, and community care is reflected in every part of Harbor Lights. By being present daily, we are building strong relationships with families, supporting staff intentionally, and ensuring each child receives attentive, loving care.
A Nonprofit Focused on People
As a nonprofit organization, Harbor Lights Edu-Care Center is deeply people-focused. Every resource we receive is reinvested back into our center—strengthening programs, supporting staff, and enhancing the environment where children learn and grow. Our goal is to create a place where both children and educators can flourish.
Serving Families When They Need It Most
Harbor Lights provides full-day care from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, serving children from infancy through fifth grade. We are honored to partner with families during these formative years and take that responsibility seriously.
Harbor Lights Edu-Care Center is a PFCC Program. We are happy to support families who may be exploring eligibility for high-quality state-assisted child care!
Contact us today to learn more or to secure your child’s spot.
EMAIL: harborlightsedu@gmail.com
WEBSITE: www.harborlightseducare.org
About Willisa Redford and Harbor Lights Edu-Care Center
Willisa Redford (pictured, left) co-founded Harbor Lights Edu-Care Center in 2025 with her daughter, Liz Girdler (also pictured). Willisa earned a master’s in literacy, special education and teaching at the University of Cincinnati and she has three decades of experience in teaching and children’s ministry. She and her husband Mike have four adult children and two grandchildren.
