Hershey Early Childhood Center A Community Cultivating an Extraordinary Learning Environment

Upcoming Events

View Calendar

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

  • HHS Class of 2018: Making the Journey to Success

    A total of 276 seniors graduated as the Hershey High School Class of 2018 on June 6 during a commencement ceremony where student speakers spoke on different journeys to success. Hershey High Schoolโ€™s 111th Graduation Ceremonies were held at the Hershey Theatre. The commencement exercises were also broadcast online via streaming video.

    Comments (-1)

  • Summer Office Hours

    In a move to save taxpayer dollars by reducing utility costs, Derry Township School District has established special summer hours. All buildings (schools and the district office) will be closed Friday through Sunday. Normal public office hours will remain in effect Monday - Thursday. (The District Office will be open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. those days.) The consolidation of work hours provide a savings by reducing cooling and electricity costs.

    Comments (-1)

  • 2018-2019 Proposed Budget Posted for Public Inspection

    At its May 21 business meeting, the DTSD Board of School Directors voted to post for public review and comment a proposed $64 million budget for the 2018-2019 school year. The proposal includes a 2.4% real estate millage rate increase. The 2018-2019 budget will not become final until acted on at the boardโ€™s June 25 meeting. The proposed 2018-2019 budget provides for resources to maintain all core programs currently operated by the district as well as the funding necessary to move from a half-day kindergarten program to full-day kindergarten. More detailed information regarding the proposed budget can be accessed by clicking the graphic to the left.

    Comments (-1)

  • 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.

    Comments (-1)

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

     

     

     
CLOSE
CLOSE