The YWCA Children and Youth Development and Education Center, located in Homewood-Brushton, provides quality, comprehensive early development and education and out-of-school time programming for children six weeks to twelve years of age. Our child-focused, individualized education, and low staff-student ratios successfully encourage learning, school-readiness, and extra-learning opportunities in a safe and nurturing environment. We accept these funding sources: Private Pay Parents, Child Care Partnerships and CCIS, County Assistance Office, Children Youth and Families, and United Way.

Our commitment is to:

• Provide a safe environment for all children
• Encourage social and emotional development
• Promote physical growth and development
• Stimulate intellectual growth and development
• Follow developmentally appropriate practices

In order to facilitate these goals, we encourage parent involvement in all aspects of our program. We invite our parents to participate in our development meetings, parent council, accreditation committees and/or volunteer time and talents to our program.

Licensed by:

PA Department of Public Welfare

Accredited by:

National Association for the Education of the Young Child (since 2005)
PA Early Learning Keys to Quality – Star 4 Rating (since 2005)

Quality Assurance

Program Quality Assurance

The YWCA is committed to high quality care and education.  Therefore, we strive to maintain stringent compliance with the licensing and accreditation standards of the PA Department of Public Welfare, the National Association for the Education of Young Children and PA Keystone Stars Program.

Tools For Success

The classrooms utilize resources, such as, the Creative Curriculum, Environmental Rating Scales and PA Early Learning Standards to encourage exploration, discovery and wonder while promoting learning and growth.  They also use informal and formal assessments, such as OUNCE and Work Sampling to ensure future developmental success.

Staffing 

Our caring, responsive and dedicated staff members are experienced, highly-trained professionals.  Each is trained in emergency management response as well as Adult, Child, and Infant CPR and First Aid by the American Red Cross.

Our Philosophy

• We believe that children learn best in an environment that respects their unique patterns of growth and development. Careful observations, evaluations and positive, individual attention are important components of our program.
• We believe that the environment must be physically and emotionally safe if children are to develop trust in their world. We remain alert to potential dangers, guide children in safe behaviors and treat both children and adults with care.
• We believe that children enjoy and benefit from the company of others. We encourage the development of social skills by arranging opportunities for small and large group activities and allowing time for conversation and play between adults and children.
• We believe in children’s desire for independence. We provide an environment rich with successes to help children develop a positive self-concept. We teach self-help skills, problem solving and conflict management skills. Children learn to care for materials and equipment. They take responsibility for many aspects of their classroom including involvement in program planning in the school-age program.
• We believe in the natural creativity of children. Through guided activities in art, music, dance, and dramatic play we encourage children to explore and reach their own potential. Each person’s creative expression is unique and valued.
• We believe that children develop their ability to move by moving. We plan for large and small muscle activities. Our play areas are spacious and our classrooms are filled with a variety of materials for manipulation.
• We believe in families. We see ourselves as part of an extended family, working with parents to provide the very best care for their children. We are responsive to the concerns and the ideas of parents and we encourage parent involvement in all aspects of our program.

Early Care, Development and Education Center Programs

We provide quality, comprehensive early development and education for children six weeks to five years of age. Our Infant Program is for children ages six weeks to twelve months, the Young Toddler Program is for children ages thirteen to twenty-four months, the Older Toddler Program is for children ages twenty-five to thirty-six months, and the Preschool / PA Pre-K Counts Programs are for children ages thirty-seven to sixty months  (five years).

Our individualized education, child-focused play areas, and low staff-student ratios successfully encourage learning and school-readiness in a safe and nurturing atmosphere. We encourage children to learn and develop at their own pace in individual, small or large group education learning environments.  Nutritious meals are prepared on-site. This full time program operates from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00p.m.

ENROLLMENT IS ONGOING!

Please contact us regarding availability and weekly rates.  We look forward to meeting you and your child. Visit us at:

YWCA Children and Youth Development and Education
6907 Frankstown Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15208

Telephone:  412-361-6433
Fax:   412-361-8601
E-mail:   ywca@ywcapgh.org

Click here to complete the YWCA Children and Youth Development and Education Inquiry Form.

Click here for 2009-2010 Calendar.

Click here for financial assistance information.