Full-Time Houseparent FAQ's

Are the Houseparents' children allowed to attend Milton Hershey School?

No, according to the Deed of Trust established by Milton and Catherine Hershey, Houseparents' children do not meet the criteria for admissions and, therefore, are not permitted to attend Milton Hershey School. Houseparents' children can attend local schools.

What is the daily work schedule?

Typically, Houseparents are provided with unscheduled time on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. However, Mondays are usually reserved for meetings and other essential Houseparent duties and Wednesday mornings (8:30-11:00 a.m.) are reserved for training. In addition, Houseparents normally work 12 consecutive days on and are off duty for two days every other weekend.

Can we have other full-time jobs during the day while the students are at school?

No, full-time employment is not possible given the Houseparents' schedule and requirements to be available to participate in parent/teacher conferences, staff development, training sessions, meetings, and other essential Houseparent duties and responsibilities.

What are the Houseparent living accommodations like?

Flex Houseparents (those not permanently assigned to a student home) also are provided with an apartment on campus (most are attached to a student home). Although typically not as large as those provided to full-time Houseparents, apartments have all been either recently renovated or just built and provide the Flex Houseparents and their family with at least two bedrooms, a kitchen area, combination living/dining room, and a private bath.

Are we allowed to have animals or pets?

No, while some student homes have pets, no new or additional animals or pets are permitted at Milton Hershey School (no exceptions).

What are the Houseparents' responsibilities in terms of the care and maintenance of the student home and surrounding area?

The primary responsibility of the Houseparent couple is to actively teach our students both independent living skills and self-responsibility. Part of the student home experience is participating in a developmentally appropriate chore program designed to perform the normal routine work necessary to maintain the student home and grounds. Houseparents are responsible for working side by side with the student to ensure that the necessary work is completed in an acceptable manner.

What are the Houseparents' responsibilities in terms of food ordering and meal preparation?

On weekdays, breakfast and dinner are typically provided in the student home, while lunch is provided at school. On weekends, all three meals are prepared in the student home. Houseparents currently have the option of either shopping for their food in the on-campus food store or having their food delivered to the student home (some food can be delivered either cooked or uncooked.)

What are the Houseparents' responsibilities in terms of student transportation?

Each student home is provided a 10-passenger van for group outings or for individual student activity transportation. Houseparents are responsible for all student transportation needs with the exception of a few co-curricular activities where bus transportation is available.

Do students remain on campus during the summer months?

Students are required to remain on campus for the first and last two weeks of summer wherein they can participate in programs designed specifically for them. All Houseparents are required to be on duty during these weeks.

What is the starting salary?

Please click on the Houseparent salary matrix (PDF) for current rates.

I do not know very much about Milton Hershey School and the Hershey Community. How can I get more information?

The Harrisburg Regional Chamber of Commerce has materials that describe the community, its history, shopping areas, housing, churches, cultural and arts activities, social and health services, recreation clubs and organizations, and maps of the area.