When Jessica Knaub steps into her new role as director of the Catherine Hershey School for Early Learning’s Middletown Center this month, she joins a legacy more than a century in the making. The center, which opens Aug. 5, is part of a bold initiative to transform early childhood education for children from underserved backgrounds, an approach rooted in the philanthropic vision of Milton and Catherine Hershey.
The Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS) are a subsidiary of the Milton Hershey School (MHS), a renowned institution founded in 1909 by the Hersheys to provide a home and education for orphaned boys. Today, MHS serves over 2,000 students from low-income families, offering a cost-free, residential K-12 education backed by one of the largest educational endowments in the world.
The Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS) are a subsidiary of the Milton Hershey School (MHS), a renowned institution founded in 1909 by the Hersheys to provide a home and education for orphaned boys. Today, MHS serves over 2,000 students from low-income families, offering a cost-free, residential K-12 education backed by one of the largest educational endowments in the world.
CHS was launched in 2020 as a $350 million expansion of that mission, focused specifically on children from 6 weeks old to age 5. The program provides weekday care and education at no cost to qualifying families, with a holistic approach that includes developmental screenings, health services and family support programs. The Middletown Center will be the third CHS location to open, following successful launches in Hershey and Harrisburg.
The inspiration for CHS lies in the quiet but powerful legacy of Catherine “Kitty” Hershey. Known for her compassion and charitable spirit, Catherine played a pivotal role in shaping the original Milton Hershey School. She was deeply involved in the Lancaster Charity Society, which worked to find homes for homeless and deserted children, and she helped design the home life curriculum for the school’s earliest students. When asked why he founded the school, Milton Hershey famously replied, “It was Kitty’s idea.”
CHS honors Catherine’s legacy not only in name but in philosophy. Classrooms are themed after garden elements, reflecting her love of horticulture. Centers feature interactive exhibits like “Hugs and Kisses from Catherine,” and a custom-bred rose in her name blooms outside each building. These details are decorative, sure, but they’re also symbolic of the nurturing environment CHS strives to create.
The Middletown location will continue this tradition with state-of-the-art facilities, small teacher-to-child ratios, and a project-based learning model that encourages exploration and creativity. Staff members undergo a rigorous professional development program called “Seeds to Lead” before the center opens, ensuring they’re fully prepared to support both children and families, according to Sean McBryan, communications and media manager for the schools.
As director, Knaub will oversee the launch of this new center and guide its integration into the broader CHS network. Her leadership marks a new chapter in a story that began with a simple but radical idea: that every child deserves a chance to thrive.
CHS opened its first center in Hershey during the fall of 2023, followed by CHS Harrisburg in fall 2024. CHS Middletown will open this August. Each location features a play-based curriculum that fosters children’s social, emotional and cognitive development, complemented by on-site health services (physical, occupational, speech therapies), behavioral support, meals, transportation (in some cases) and personal care items. Family success advocates work closely with families through goal setting, home visits and connections to community resources. Each center’s staff completes a nearly year-long, paid professional development program before opening.
CHS New Danville is expected to open in the summer of 2026. Schools in Elizabethtown and Lancaster City are expected to open in 2027.
In the following Q&A, Knaub shares her vision for the Middletown location, reflects on the values that drive her work and offers insight into what families can expect at the school.
Q: Can you briefly introduce yourself and your role at CHS Middletown?
JK: As the center director … I am honored to lead a mission-driven program that places children at the heart of everything we do. With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, I remain deeply passionate about creating nurturing, enriching environments where our youngest learners can thrive.
Q: What drew you to early childhood education, and specifically to the Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning?
JK: I was drawn to Catherine Hershey Schools because of the strong alignment I felt with the mission and vision, as well as the deep value placed on teachers and support staff across the organization. My commitment extends beyond the classroom. I am driven to support not only the developmental needs of children but also the growth and well-being of their families and the dedicated professionals who serve them each day. At CHS Middletown, we believe in the power of strong relationships and high-quality early learning experiences to build a foundation for lifelong success.
Q: Tell us about Seeds to Lead. What is it, and how has the program influenced your leadership style?
JK: The Seeds to Lead professional development program has been a game changer for the field of early childhood education. The intentional investment in training and preparation has truly set our team up for long-term success. Through this program, we’ve deepened our understanding of best practices that are firmly rooted in both research and theory, equipping us to create enriching, high-quality learning environments for children.
Eleven of our CHS Middletown teachers have earned their child development associate credentials during the program, and others are working toward obtaining it. Additionally, staff was provided the opportunity to obtain college credits and earn training certificates on a variety of early childhood education topics from various qualified training professionals. We’ve also been able to gain hands-on training and experience through practicums at the first two operating CHS Centers in Hershey and Harrisburg.
What has been most impactful for me personally is the development of strong relationships, open communication channels and clear collaboration norms. These foundational elements have not only strengthened our team but will be instrumental as we launch and grow our program.
Q: What is one important lesson or skill from Seeds to Lead that you find yourself and your team applying most as you prepare to open CHS Middletown?
JK: It’s hard to choose just one important lesson from our journey so far, but the ability to problem-solve and communicate effectively through challenges has truly strengthened our team. We’ve built meaningful relationships and prepared together, growing not just as individuals but as a unified, mission-aligned team. What makes us strong is our shared commitment to doing what is best for children and families – that commitment is at the forefront of every decision we make.
Q: How does CHS Middletown aim to serve and connect with the local community?
JK: The Middletown team is committed to being a valued resource within our local community, both inside and outside the walls of our center. We look forward to continuing our support of and engagement with local school districts, participating in community events, and giving back through volunteer efforts. Additionally, we aim to build strong partnerships with local agencies, employers, and organizations to create a supportive network for the families we serve now and those who will join us in the future. Our goal is to foster meaningful connections that strengthen the community and enhance the experience of every child and family at our center.
Q: What are you most excited about as the grand opening approaches?
JK: CHS Middletown will be providing high-quality early childhood education to 150 children from birth to age 5 with all costs covered. I am so excited for the children and families we will serve, as well as the broader community, to finally see our incredible building. Every detail reflects the care and intention behind our mission. From our state-of-the-art features and thoughtfully designed architecture to the top-tier safety measures, this space was built with children and families in mind. But what I’m most eager for everyone to experience are our 12 classrooms, with low teacher-to-child ratios that allow our teams and children to develop strong bonds. Infant and toddler classrooms have up to eight children with three teachers. Preschool classrooms have up to 17 children with three teachers. This allows our team to provide individualized support, identifying each child’s areas of strength and need, adapting learning approaches accordingly, and building the child’s confidence. Other areas I’m excited about are our gross motor rooms, outdoor play areas, Innovation Studio, and STEM Garden. These areas will offer plenty of opportunities for our children to engage in exploratory play outside the classroom, with age-appropriate features to explore outdoor play, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) and nature.
Q: How do you envision the impact of CHS Middletown on the families and children it will serve?
JK: As a mother who once relied on child care, I deeply understand how hard it can be to hand off your most prized possession each day. That’s why at CHS Middletown, we are committed to creating a warm, welcoming community where families feel a true sense of comfort and trust. We want parents and caregivers to walk through our halls and feel confident that their children are receiving the care, love and attention they would hope for each day. Our impact will extend beyond the classroom. We aim to be a consistent and reliable source of support for working families in our area. By providing high-quality, dependable care, we hope to empower parents to show up for work, grow in their careers and reach their goals with peace of mind.
In addition, our Family Success Team is focused on serving families who may be under-resourced or overburdened. We’re here to connect them with the tools, resources and support systems they need to thrive. Whether it’s access to services, advocacy or simply someone to listen, our goal is to help every family grow, advance and feel supported on their journey.
We have an on-site Family Success Center, a space for enrolled families to meet with their family success advocates and partner organizations, or just utilize our lending libraries, educational programming or free internet and computers.
Q: Can you share a memorable moment or story from your journey with CHS Middletown so far?
JK: One of my favorite memories so far has been our convocation celebration. It marked the very first day our team came together to officially begin this journey, and the energy in the room was unforgettable. The excitement, passion and shared commitment to our mission were already so clear from the start. Since that day, the team has carried that same spirit through every step of our Seeds to Lead journey.
Q: What message or vision do you want to share with the families and community members who will be involved with the center?
JK: The message I want to share with our families and community is one of deep commitment and care. At CHS Middletown, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, nurturing learning environments where children feel safe, supported and inspired every single day. As center director, it’s my mission to lead a team that consistently does what is right for our students, our families and our staff.
Whether it’s offering support during times of struggle or celebrating milestones and successes together, we are here to walk alongside each family on their journey. Our goal is to build strong relationships that truly make a difference. Above all, we strive to embody the mission and vision of Milton and Catherine Hershey, carrying forward their legacy of compassion, opportunity and community.
