CHS Hershey

Now open in Hershey, PA

Monday-Friday | 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

On-site integrated support services

Daily family communication via our app

Welcome to CHS Hershey

CHS Hershey 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 qualifying families. The Center features an Innovation Studio, STEM garden, and integrated family services.

Apply for Admissions

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

Apply now to be considered for fall 2025

CHS receives more applications than we can accept, and our application is not open year-round. By applying by the application deadline, if your application is selected to move forward, your family has time to complete our admissions process.

Apply Now

Minimum admissions qualifications

A child must meet the following criteria:

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.

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 Family Success Team works closely with each applying family to determine eligibility.

Learn more

Our approach

Our program focuses on three key elements we believe make the difference: Nurture, Play, and Discover. We encourage CHS children to follow their curiosity, develop problem-solving, and discover the world around them, all while being nurtured and supported.

Teachers & staff

CHS teachers and staff begin their employment with a professional development program. There they expand their knowledge, build strong team dynamics, and fully integrate into CHS’ mission and innovative approach to early childhood education, enabling them to best serve CHS children and families.

Family success

Each CHS family has a dedicated Family Success Advocate who keeps them informed and helps connect them to tools and resources. These include parenting and educational information, health care referrals, and job training.

CHS Hershey leaders

Kelly Williams-Firestone

Kelly Williams-Firestone serves as the Center Director at CHS Hershey, bringing over 35 years of experience in early childhood education. She is dedicated to supporting children and families from under-resourced backgrounds through CHS’s two-generational approach. In her role, she fosters collaboration among staff, families, and the community to create a nurturing and enriching environment. Williams-Firestone is passionate about ensuring long-term success for children and finds inspiration in the dedication of her team and the mission of CHS.

Cory Haines

CHS Hershey’s Family Success Manager, Cory Haines, loves seeing families reach their goals and appreciate the opportunities that CHS provides. Previously he worked in adult protective services in Philadelphia for nine years before joining the CHS team. Part of Cory’s role is to lead the Family Success team to ensure that our enrolled children and families are supported and to assist them in leading fulfilling lives.