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The 2026 Early Childhood Education Leaders Summit in Hershey

On March 27, 2026, the Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS), part of the Milton Hershey School (MHS), successfully hosted its fourth annual Early Childhood Education (ECE) Leaders Summit at Hershey Lodge. This significant event drew nearly 500 dedicated professionals from various local, regional, and national organizations, all committed to advancing early childhood education. Free of charge for attendees, the summit is a testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication of the early education community.

A Day of Inspiration and Collaboration

Themed "One Team, One Dream," the summit aimed to promote teamwork and provide practical strategies that participants could utilize in their organizations. Every year, the gathering has evolved, transitioning from its inception that focused on holistic care for children and families, evolving into a platform that addresses emerging challenges within the field and fosters connection among educators, nonprofit leaders, and community partners.

The keynote address was delivered by Erica Dhawan, a globally recognized thought leader on modern teamwork, innovation, and collaboration. Chosen as one of the top 50 management thinkers by Thinkers50, she is celebrated for her bestselling books and widely sought after as a keynote speaker. Dhawan’s contributions to major publications like the Harvard Business Review and Fast Company have established her as an influential voice in the realm of professional collaboration.

Peter G. Gurt, President of MHS and CHS, emphasized the importance of the summit, saying, "Our yearly ECE Leaders Summit brings together nationwide experts in early childhood education to learn from one another. It reflects our commitment to collaboration and serves as a mutual learning opportunity for CHS employees and ECE professionals who share a passion for helping children and families thrive in our local communities."

Engaging Sessions and Practical Takeaways

The summit also featured engaging breakout sessions led by renowned leaders in early childhood education. These sessions offered interactive learning experiences designed to enhance knowledge and professionalism among participants. Dr. Rebekah Benedum, CHS Senior Director of Programming, noted that the topics addressed this year included trauma-informed care and strategies for strengthening family engagement, equipping attendees with immediate tools for application in their respective contexts.

"Each session reinforced the idea that collaboration and shared learning among professionals significantly improve our ability to serve children and families, which is at the core of our mission," added Benedum.

Growth of Catherine Hershey Schools

As the Catherine Hershey Schools continue to expand their network of early learning centers across Pennsylvania, they are currently serving approximately 450 children daily at three centers located in Dauphin County. The upcoming CHS New Danville center in Lancaster County is set to open this summer, with further locations planned in Elizabethtown and Lancaster City by 2027. This expansion reflects CHS's commitment to reaching more children and families in need of high-quality early education.

CHS is actively seeking qualified educators and staff across its growing number of locations, inviting those interested in making a difference in the lives of young children to explore career opportunities available at chslearn.org/careers.

Commitment to Quality Early Childhood Education

The mission of Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning is to provide non-residential, year-round care and education for children aged six weeks to five years from under-resourced backgrounds, ensuring that all costs are covered for families that qualify. As a vital part of a larger $350 million initiative to establish six Early Childhood Education Centers in Pennsylvania, CHS remains focused on providing quality education and support for the community.

For more information about the impactful work being done by CHS, visit chslearn.org.

About Milton Hershey School

Milton Hershey School offers an exceptional educational experience for qualifying students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, where they reside on campus with all costs covered. For more details, visit mhskids.org.