What is Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS)?
Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning is a new early childhood education program in Pennsylvania. Children from lower-income and at-risk backgrounds are eligible to enroll.
CHS centers will open beginning in 2023. They will provide cost-free care to children from birth to age 5, supporting:
- Hands-on classroom learning
- Social and emotional development
- Cognitive growth
CHS centers are subsidiaries of Milton Hershey School (MHS) and will be staffed and operated independently of the Milton Hershey School core model.
What will the CHS program look like?
CHS will provide a core early learning program. Its curriculum will enhance students’ educational, social, emotional, and cognitive growth. It also will provide students with nutritious meals and other needed supplies. Importantly, CHS will offer integrated support services to its families.
CHS will provide a year-round experience. Anticipated hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Where will the Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning be located?
All CHS centers will be located in Pennsylvania.
- First location: Hershey (on the MHS campus)
- Second location: Harrisburg (at the intersection of North 6th and Muench Streets)
- Third location: Middletown
- Additional locations: To be determined, based on further research and community input
When will the Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning open?
Our centers are expected to begin to open 2023.
- First location (Hershey): 2023
- Second location (Harrisburg): 2024
- Third location (Middletown): 2025
Who will be eligible for enrollment?
Admissions policies and criteria for CHS will be similar to MHS. Income eligibility and adequacy of care criteria are the same. Each CHS center will serve 150 students.
More information about the CHS admissions process will be available later this year.
No. CHS students will not be automatically admitted to MHS upon turning 5. They are invited to apply for admission to MHS.
What employment opportunities are available?
CHS offers a variety of fulfilling and mission-driven employment opportunities. CHS is currently hiring for positions at the first CHS center in Hershey and the CHS Central Office. The CHS Central Office, the initiative’s administrative office, will eventually include over 20 positions. Each center will have up to 80 employees. Please visit the CHS Careers page for current job postings and opportunities.
