Welcome to CHS Hershey
CHS Hershey will provide a core early learning program with a play-based curriculum designed to enhance children’s educational, social, emotional, and cognitive development–with all costs covered for qualifying families. The Center will feature an innovation studio, STEM garden, and integrated family services.

Ages Served
Infants
6 weeks to 12 months old
Younger Toddler
1 to 2 years old
Older Toddler
2 to 3 years old
Preschool
3 to 5 years old
CHS Hershey Leaders

Melissa
Melissa Ilski leads CHS Hershey as its Center Director. With decades of teaching and leadership experience, Melissa joined CHS after serving ten years as Principal of the St. Theresa Catholic School in Houston, Texas. She understands that fostering this positive and empowering environment ultimately benefits the children and families we serve, setting them up to succeed throughout life.

Kristen
Kristen Nowak serves as the Assistant Director at Catherine Hershey School for Early Learning, Hershey. Before joining CHS, she was the curriculum director at the York JCC School for the Early Years. Kristen is an intentional leader at CHS Hershey, striving to ensure that the high-quality care and education indicated in CHS’ mission is delivered each and every day.

Kesia
As the CHS Hershey Family Success Manager, Kesia Horton leads our team of Family Success Advocates who support the families of our enrolled children and connect them to tools and resources, including parenting and educational information, housing services, health care referrals, and job training. Kesia comes to CHS with years of experience as an education support supervisor as well as an early childhood outreach manager.
Enrollment
Our Family Success Team works closely with each applying family to determine eligibility. We are currently accepting applications for CHS Hershey and will enroll year-round.
Our Approach
Our program focuses on three key elements we believe make the difference: Nurture, Play, and Discover. We encourage CHS children to follow their curiosity, develop problem-solving, and discover the world around them, all while being child deserves to be nurtured and supported.
Teachers & Staff
CHS teachers and staff begin their employment with a professional development program. There they expand their knowledge, build strong team dynamics, and fully integrate into CHS’ mission and innovative approach to early childhood education, enabling them to best serve CHS children and families.
Family Success
Each CHS family will have a dedicated Family Success Advocate who keeps them informed and helps connect them to tools and resources. These include parenting and educational information, health care referrals, and job training.

Have Questions?
Enrollment questions? Interested in career opportunities? Contact us to learn more about Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning.