Welcome to CHS Harrisburg
CHS Harrisburg, which opened in 2024, provides a dynamic early learning experience where children grow through play, creativity, and discovery—with all costs covered for families. The Center includes modern classrooms, an innovation studio, a hands-on STEM garden, and a family success center. By partnering closely with families, we nurture each child’s development and inspire a lasting passion for learning.
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
Minimum admissions qualifications
CHS receives many more applications than it can accept. This is due to limited space in our centers and our desire to maintain small class sizes with low teacher-to-child ratios. As a result, meeting the minimum admissions qualifications does not guarantee a child’s enrollment.
The admissions process
Application
On-site visit
New family orientation
visit A Family Success Advocate will meet with your family at your home.
enrolled We will start to prepare you for your child’s first day at CHS!
Admissions
Our admissions process is designed to be clear, supportive, and centered on each child’s success. Families complete a brief online application and meet with our Family Success team to discuss goals, learning styles, and support needs; please note our application is not open year-round.
Whole child support
From ensuring children arrive well-nourished and healthy to creating play-based, exploratory learning environments, we support each child’s growth in every way. When children feel safe, seen, and supported, they have the confidence to learn, explore, and thrive.
Learn moreTeachers and staff
CHS teachers and staff are experienced, dedicated professionals who understand how to support diverse learners. We work closely with families to ensure every child is surrounded by a team that communicates, collaborates, and celebrates progress together.
Family success
Every CHS family is paired with a dedicated Family Success Advocate who keeps them informed and helps strengthen the home-school connection. We provide access to tools and resources including parenting information, health-care referrals, job-training opportunities, and more.
CHS Harrisburg leaders
Chantal Rukundo-Karaara
Chantal Rukundo-Karaara is the Assistant Director at CHS Harrisburg, where she collaborates with a talented team of educators to deliver high-quality care and learning for every child. She began her career as an assistant preschool teacher and progressed to leadership roles, gaining extensive experience in early childhood education. Chantal is dedicated to transformative leadership and ensuring equitable access to education for all children and families.
Rebekah Johnston
As CHS Harrisburg’s Family Success Manager, Rebekah Johnston works closely with families to provide support that empowers them to lead fulfilling lives. She previously worked in social work, which sparked her passion for guiding families through challenging circumstances. Rebekah believes that CHS’s integrated family services help create safe, stable, and thriving home environments for children to grow and succeed.
CHS Harrisburg
Address:
1901 N 6th St
Harrisburg, PA 17102
Phone:
717-214-2100
Prioritization:
*CHS Harrisburg prioritizes applications from children and families who live, work, or attend school in the Harrisburg School District.
Each CHS Center works closely with the local school district(s) to support a successful transition to kindergarten.
If your family does not live or work in the priority school districts, CHS still encourages your family to apply as we consider many other aspects of a family’s circumstances to determine eligibility and prioritization.
Have questions?
Admissions questions? Interested in CHS career opportunities? Contact us to learn more about Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning.
