Skip to content
Search this website:
1351 Oberlin Rd. Middletown, PA 17057
Monday-Friday | 7 a.m.-6 p.m. | open year-round
Daily family communication via our app

Welcome to CHS Middletown

CHS Middletown, opened in 2025, provides 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 families. The Center includes modern classrooms, an innovation studio, a hands-on STEM garden, and a family success center. By working closely with families, together we nurture each child’s development and inspire a 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

 

Come from an income-eligible family

Be six weeks to 4 years old at the time of enrollment

Have the ability to participate in and benefit from the CHS program

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

Step 1 Submit application Submit the online application and indicate qualified location.
Step 2 Provide documentation We will reach out to gather additional information.

On-site visit

Step 3 Schedule interview If eligible, we will contact you to schedule an in-person interview.
Step 4 Conditionally accepted Following the interview, your child may be conditionally accepted to CHS.

New family orientation

Step 5 Home
visit
A Family Success Advocate will meet with your family at your home.
Step 6 Now
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 more

Teachers 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.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

CHS Middletown Leaders

JK

Assistant Director

Jennifer Kula

Jennifer brings extensive experience in early childhood education and a deep passion for nurturing young learners. She plays a key role in shaping the curriculum and daily operations while fostering a supportive, engaging learning environment.

SamMDT #2

Family Success Manager

Samantha Wood

Samantha works closely with families to provide support that empowers them to lead fulfilling lives. With five years of experience in social work and a strong focus on family engagement, she guides her team in helping families build safe, stable, and thriving home environments.

CHS Middletown

Address:
1351 Oberlin Rd
Middletown, PA 17057
(opens in a new tab)

Prioritized Districts:
*CHS prioritizes applications from children and families who live, work, or attend school in Middletown Area School District, Steelton-Highspire School District, and Lower Dauphin 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.

2024_10_CHS_Harrisburg_DW9_3100

Have Questions?

Admissions questions? Interested in CHS career opportunities? Contact us to learn more about Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a cost to attend CHS Middletown?

No. Families who qualify do not pay to attend CHS Middletown. The program is designed to make high-quality early childhood education accessible to families who might otherwise face barriers to early learning opportunities. In addition to education, children may receive meals, developmental support, and family resources at no cost.

Is CHS Middletown accepting applications right now?

Our application opens once a year. To know when the application is open, families are encouraged to sign up for admissions updates to be among the first to know and apply.

Can I tour or visit CHS Middletown before applying?

Eligible families are invited to an on-site visit and in-person interview after CHS reviews their application and documentation.

How do I apply for admission at CHS Middletown, and what happens after?

Once the application opens and you apply, CHS Middletown will reach out to request additional documentation. If your family is eligible, the next steps may include an in-person interview, conditional acceptance, a home visit, and new-family orientation.

How does CHS Middletown ensure child safety?

CHS Middletown supports child safety through secure building access, monitored drop-off and pickup, on-site safety staff, and emergency response procedures.

What family support and child services does CHS Middletown provide?

CHS Middletown provides weekday early education and care for children from six weeks to age 5, operating from 7 am to 6 pm, year-round. Support services include meals, basic supplies, developmental and health screenings, specialized support, Family Success services, and daily app communication.

What meals and snacks does CHS Middletown provide?

CHS Middletown provides healthy breakfast, lunch, and snacks through family-style dining with teachers and children. Families should discuss allergies, dietary restrictions, and infant-feeding needs during the admissions process. Learn more about our approach to supporting the full scope of every child’s needs.

Is CHS Middletown hiring for any open positions?

Visit our Careers page to find current job openings at CHS Middletown, review job requirements, and apply online. Not sure where your experience best fits? Learn more about opportunities on our scholastic, health services, Family Success, or operations teams.

Still have questions? Get answers to more of our frequently asked questions.

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning are subsidiaries of Milton Hershey School and are staffed and operated independently of the Milton Hershey School core model.

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning will not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion or religious creed, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected under applicable federal or Pennsylvania law (collectively “Protected Characteristics”), against any applicant for admission, enrolled children, or any other individual(s) who participate(s) in the programs, services, and activities at our Centers.