Hershey Early Childhood Center A Community Cultivating an Extraordinary Learning Environment

ECC Welcome

  • Early Childhood Center

    450 Rear Homestead Road, PO Box 898, Hershey, PA 17033
    Phone: (717) 531-2211   Fax: (717) 531-2351
     
    Office Hours: 7:45 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
    Regular School Hours: 8:40 a.m. - 3:35 p.m.
    AM Kindergarten: 8:40 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
    PM Kindergarten: 12:45  - 3:35 p.m.
     
    Jacquelyn Castleman, Principal 
     
    Opened in 2002, the Early Childhood Center (ECC) commences the educational process in Derry Township School District.  The 72,000 square foot facility serves students in kindergarten and first grade.
     
    The ECC provides a safe environment that is conducive to the needs of young learners, many of whom are experiencing their first formal schooling. Utilizing developmentally appropriate teaching strategies and hands-on learning opportunities, the dynamic curriculum allows students the opportunity to gain knowledge through practical, meaningful experiences, thus stimulating an interest and excitement for learning. 
     
    The building has a card access system and offers telephone, television and intranet access in each classroom.  Other amenities include a multi-media center, a cafeteria/multi-purpose room and  a full court gymnasium.
     
    Annual events at the ECC include: Back to School Night, Book Fair, International Fair, Kindergarten and New Student Orientations, Parent/Teacher Conferences, Read Across America activities, Young  Learners Showcase and a reading incentive program.

Headlines

  • Derry Townshipโ€™s Music Education Receives National Recognition

    Derry Township has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. The Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to school districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Derry Township answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music programs.

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  • Summer School

    The Derry Township School District Summer School Program is returning for 2018! It is for students who will be starting Kindergarten this fall up to those who will be in 6th grade when school opens.

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  • HHS "Chocolatier" Yearbook Order Deadline Approaching

    Itโ€™s going to be a great year at Hershey High School! Thereโ€™s no better keepsake of the memories youโ€™ll make than a yearbook. You can now order the 2017-2018 Chocolatier online. Click the graphic to the left or the headline above for more information.

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  • School Bus Drivers Needed

    Derry Township School District is looking for individuals interested in training as bus drivers for the 2017-2018 school year. No previous bus driving experience is required โ€“ just the ability to train for and obtain a Commercial Driverโ€™s License and the motivation to give our students a positive start and end to the school day. Interested individuals may contact Steve Bell, Director of Transportation, by phone at 566-7422.

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  • School Board Adopts Resolution

    At their business meeting Monday, March 12, members of the DTSD Board of School Directors adopted a resolution indicating their opposition to potential legislation expanding the possession of firearms on school ground for certain individuals who are not law enforcement officials. In addition to the resolution, the school board voted to add its name to a list of signatories to a โ€œCall for Action to Prevent Gun Violence in the United States of America.โ€

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Kindergarten Info

  • New Kindergarten Parent Orientation Night

    We want to welcome you and your child to the Derry Township School District and the Hershey Early Childhood Center.  We are beginning an exciting journey together. To kick off the 2018-19 school year, parents are cordially invited to attend the New Kindergarten Parent Orientation Night on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at the Hershey Early Childhood Center from 6:00-7:00 p.m.

    A one-hour general session will be held in the large group instruction (LGI) room.  During the general session, district and building staff will share information on health, transportation, and food services. You will learn about the top 10 things to know about kindergarten, hear an overview of the kindergarten curriculum and learn about special events and projects that your child will participate in during the 2018-19 school year.  After this session, you will have an opportunity to meet with the principals, support services personnel, kindergarten staff, P.T.O. leaders and other parents.  Topics to be covered will include the transition to a full day kindergarten program, the enrollment process, food services and transportation.

    In order to be effective, this orientation is designed for parents and guardians only.   Babysitting will not be provided.  Parking is available at the side of the Early Childhood Center and in the bus corral area. 

    Prior to school starting on August 27th, your child will be invited (by an appointment assigned by the school) to a Kindergarten Meet the Teacher Day at the Early Childhood Center.  The 2018-19 school year will begin on Monday, August 27, 2018. 

    We look forward to meeting with you on January 23rd!!

     

    Kindergarten Registration

    After the New Kindergarten Parent Orientation Night, parents/guardians of children who will be 5 years old before September 1, 2018 and are planning to attend kindergarten at DTSD this coming fall may start the registration process by completing the on-line portion.  Please look for a bullet on the school homepage for that link.  On-site Kindergarten Registration will be held February 27, 28 and March 1 and 2, 2018.

     

     

    Full Day Kindergarten Waiver

     

     

     
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