Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning is investing in the Lancaster community with three new Centers

Returning to the Hershey family’s roots in Lancaster, Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS) is joining the local community with three locations in Lancaster County expected to open in the next two years.

Milton and Catherine Hershey have a deep connection with Lancaster County—where Milton spent his childhood in Bart Township, and as an adult, started the Lancaster Caramel Company, which was first located in a warehouse at South Duke and Vine streets.

The Hersheys have a long history of giving back to the Lancaster County community—including their support of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Franklin & Marshall College and Catherine’s service as an inaugural member of the Lancaster Charity Society.

As the need for early childhood education has continued to grow in the area, CHS is investing in the families of Lancaster with the opening of these Centers.

“It’s incredibly meaningful and exciting to be expanding Milton and Catherine Hershey’s legacy to Lancaster—where they have had such a storied past,” CHS Executive Director Senate Alexander said. “We can’t wait to join the Lancaster community and serve even more children and families in need.”

CHS provides non-residential, year-round weekday care and education to children from six weeks to five years old from under-resourced and overburdened backgrounds, with all costs covered for qualifying families.

Their programming provides an opportunity for families not only to relieve the financial stress of childcare, but also partner with a Family Success Team to advance other important areas of their lives.

For the children who attend, their highly trained staff prioritizes a whole-child approach—meaning they support individual needs, healthy development, and a strong foundation for a successful future through in-school and out-of-school resources.

Before each Center opens, CHS teachers and staff begin with a professional development program, which empowers leadership, teachers, and family liaisons to fully integrate into the CHS mission and approach. Once Centers open, professional development continues, encouraging lifelong learning and career growth.

The first of their Lancaster County locations, CHS New Danville, is expected to open in summer 2026 with their Center Director Jessica Bailey in place and hiring staff who will invest in the children and families of Lancaster.

A Lancaster resident for over a decade, Jessica is bringing 13 years of early childhood education experience to lead the New Danville location.

“Early childhood education is an integral part of life for so many families as they work to provide for their family needs. Finding early education is a challenging task that typically comes with a high cost for so many families. However, access to high quality ECE is something that every child deserves,” she shared. “I am devoted to developing a program at New Danville that provides a high-quality opportunity for those who need it most. I believe in CHS’ mission and trust that the work we are going to do to support the whole family through their time in our Center is going to make for a brighter future for our youngest generation.”

Jessica and her team are looking for experienced ECE teachers who are passionate about ensuring students can learn, grow, wonder, and play in the most positive ways.

For information on admissions or career opportunities, visit chslearn.org where you can also sign up for email updates.

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