Early Learning, Child Development, and Education Programs

Our Philosophy

At YWCA Greater Pittsburgh, we see high-quality early learning as a door that opens up a lifetime of opportunity for our students and their families, which in turn helps transform our entire community for the better.

  • Quality

    Quality

    Our Early Learning Centers are rated Keystone STAR 4, the highest available rating in Pennsylvania. The Keystone STARS system rates child care programs on standards including how well staff are trained and the quality of the learning environment.

  • Equity

    Equity

    We work with the University of Pittsburgh's P.R.I.D.E. program to provide continual anti-racism training for our educators and we always encourage students to pursue their dreams free from gendered stereotypes.

  • Community

    Community

    In addition to employing a dedicated Family Engagement Specialist, we work with the University of Pittsburgh's P.R.I.D.E. program to provide extra support for parents of color to help students develop a positive view of their heritage and community.

Our Programs

YWCA Greater Pittsburgh operates Early Learning Centers in our Homewood-Brushton location at 6907 Frankstown Ave and at Propel Braddock Hills at 1500 Yost Blvd, Ste 3. Our Homewood-Brushton Location offers Infant & Toddler Care, Pre-K Counts, and Summer Camp. Our Braddock Hills location offers Pre-K Counts. Braddock Hills families also have the option to participate in Summer Camp, which is located at the Homewood-Brushton facility.

  • Infant & Toddler Care

    Infant & Toddler Care

    Ages: 6 weeks to 2 years

    Location: Homewood-Brushton Early Learning Center

    Our Infant and Toddler classes pull from Creative Curriculum – a comprehensive, research-based program designed to guide teachers and caregivers as they implement developmentally appropriate practices and meaningful experiences that nurture learning and development.

  • Pre-K Counts

    Pre-K Counts

    Ages: 3 to 5 years

    Locations: Homewood-Brushton Early Learning Center and Propel Braddock Hills

    YWCA participates in Pennsylvania’s Pre-K Counts program, which provides high-quality pre-kindergarten services to at-risk three and four year-olds at no cost to families. Following the Frog Street and Conscious Discipline curricula, teachers create a purposeful and fun early-learning environment in a full-day setting.

  • Summer Camp

    Summer Camp

    June 17 - August 9, 2024

    Ages: Pre-K and Kindergarten children ages 3-6

    Location: Homewood-Brushton Early Learning Center

    Please note: Though located in Homewood, our Summer Camp is open to both Homewood-Brushton and Braddock Hills families.

    During YWCA Greater Pittsburgh Summer Day Camp, children participate in academic remediation, individualized one-on-one and small group learning, and enriching activities and field trips designed to increase social and emotional well-being.

  • Admissions

    Admissions

    Questions about Pre-K Counts and Summer Camp can be directed to (412) 361-6433 or earlylearning@ywcapgh.org. Once you are ready to apply to any of these programs, please call (412) 361-6433 to set up an admissions appointment. Please bring your completed enrollment, registration, and/or application materials to your admissions appointment.

Policies and Procedures

Parent Engagement

We use the ProCare Parent Engagement app to stay in touch with our partner families during the school day. Parents and caregivers download the app to their smartphone to receive updates during the day including the child’s activities, meals, naps and photos or video of the child. Teachers and families can send messages and ask questions as well. We also use this to check the children in and out which allows for a quicker procedure as it can be done on the smartphone or our school’s tablet.

COVID-19

Our Early Learning, Child Development, & Education programs are following special precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19. Visit our profile at Allegheny Child Care to learn more.