Catherine Hershey Schools Opens First Early Learning Center in Lancaster County
Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS), part of Milton Hershey School, recently celebrated the opening of its inaugural center in Lancaster County, a significant milestone that marks the expansion of early childhood education services in Pennsylvania. Located at 393 Long Lane in Pequea Township, this new facility, CHS New Danville, serves as a beacon of opportunity for children from under-resourced backgrounds.
The grand opening ceremony attracted a gathering of regional leaders, community partners, and CHS staff, all excited to witness the beginning of a new chapter in early childhood education. The event featured remarks from Peter G. Gurt, President of MHS and CHS, Brittany Tomaso, Interim Executive Director of CHS, and Jessica Bailey, Center Director of CHS New Danville, all emphasizing the organization’s commitment to supporting local families.
The center spans an impressive 28,000 square feet and is designed to accommodate 100 children aged from six weeks to five years. What makes this center particularly remarkable is its commitment to provide fully funded services for qualifying families, ensuring that all children have equal access to high-quality early education regardless of their backgrounds. As soon as it opened, CHS New Danville was already at full enrollment, primarily servicing families within the Penn Manor, Solanco, and Lampeter-Strasburg school districts. The establishment of the center is not just an educational initiative; it is a collective effort to foster community growth and support.
During the inauguration, President Gurt expressed the significance of the location, citing a rich history shared between the Hershey family and the Lancaster community. This connection strengthens their dedication towards offering educational opportunities that empower families and promote the development of children. The facility occupies a site that has historical value, having served children in Lancaster County for generations. The renovation of the old Lancaster Mennonite School includes state-of-the-art classrooms, an Innovation Studio, a Family Success Center, and extensive outdoor play areas—over 13,000 square feet dedicated to outdoor recreation, all designed to provide a nurturing environment for young learners.
A key focus of CHS New Danville is its play-based curriculum, which encourages children’s social, emotional, and cognitive growth. This curriculum philosophy is complemented by health services provided in collaboration with Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, ensuring that enrolled children have access to physical therapy, occupational and speech therapy, behavioral health support, nutritious meals, and personal care resources. The Family Success Team collaborates with families to set goals, conduct home visits, and connect them with community resources, providing a holistic support system.
Interim Executive Director Tomaso remarked on the importance of the new center, stating that it is a critical step in their mission to enhance access to quality early childhood education. By the next school year, CHS aims to serve up to 550 children across Dauphin and Lancaster counties, underscoring the growing impact of their initiatives. The center is set to employ up to 60 educators and staff, who will operate throughout the year, Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This latest addition to CHS's network follows their successful launch of several other centers in recent years, marking a rapid expansion of their vital services in the region. The organization plans to open additional centers in Lancaster County, including CHS Elizabethtown and CHS Lancaster City.
In conclusion, the opening of CHS New Danville is not just an educational development but a significant contribution to the Lancaster community as a whole. By providing resources and supportive learning environments for children and their families, Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning is laying the foundation for a brighter future for generations to come.
The grand opening ceremony attracted a gathering of regional leaders, community partners, and CHS staff, all excited to witness the beginning of a new chapter in early childhood education. The event featured remarks from Peter G. Gurt, President of MHS and CHS, Brittany Tomaso, Interim Executive Director of CHS, and Jessica Bailey, Center Director of CHS New Danville, all emphasizing the organization’s commitment to supporting local families.
The center spans an impressive 28,000 square feet and is designed to accommodate 100 children aged from six weeks to five years. What makes this center particularly remarkable is its commitment to provide fully funded services for qualifying families, ensuring that all children have equal access to high-quality early education regardless of their backgrounds. As soon as it opened, CHS New Danville was already at full enrollment, primarily servicing families within the Penn Manor, Solanco, and Lampeter-Strasburg school districts. The establishment of the center is not just an educational initiative; it is a collective effort to foster community growth and support.
During the inauguration, President Gurt expressed the significance of the location, citing a rich history shared between the Hershey family and the Lancaster community. This connection strengthens their dedication towards offering educational opportunities that empower families and promote the development of children. The facility occupies a site that has historical value, having served children in Lancaster County for generations. The renovation of the old Lancaster Mennonite School includes state-of-the-art classrooms, an Innovation Studio, a Family Success Center, and extensive outdoor play areas—over 13,000 square feet dedicated to outdoor recreation, all designed to provide a nurturing environment for young learners.
A key focus of CHS New Danville is its play-based curriculum, which encourages children’s social, emotional, and cognitive growth. This curriculum philosophy is complemented by health services provided in collaboration with Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, ensuring that enrolled children have access to physical therapy, occupational and speech therapy, behavioral health support, nutritious meals, and personal care resources. The Family Success Team collaborates with families to set goals, conduct home visits, and connect them with community resources, providing a holistic support system.
Interim Executive Director Tomaso remarked on the importance of the new center, stating that it is a critical step in their mission to enhance access to quality early childhood education. By the next school year, CHS aims to serve up to 550 children across Dauphin and Lancaster counties, underscoring the growing impact of their initiatives. The center is set to employ up to 60 educators and staff, who will operate throughout the year, Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This latest addition to CHS's network follows their successful launch of several other centers in recent years, marking a rapid expansion of their vital services in the region. The organization plans to open additional centers in Lancaster County, including CHS Elizabethtown and CHS Lancaster City.
In conclusion, the opening of CHS New Danville is not just an educational development but a significant contribution to the Lancaster community as a whole. By providing resources and supportive learning environments for children and their families, Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning is laying the foundation for a brighter future for generations to come.
Topics Other）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.