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
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
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
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.
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.
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 Big Day for Pre-K curriculum, teachers create a purposeful and fun early-learning environment in a full-day, setting.
Ages: Pre-K to 3rd Grade
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 Summer Camp, children participate in academic remediation, individualized one-on-one and small group learning, and enriching activities designed to increase social and emotional well-being. We partner with community organizations like Reading is FUNdamental, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Citi-Parks, Frick Art Museum, and Y on the Fly to bring exciting summer activities to our students. Summer field trips are supported by Tickets for Kids.
Admissions
Call us at (412) 361-3433 to set up an appointment and bring your completed materials with you. Questions about Pre-K Counts admissions can be directed to Cheryl Smith at csmith@ywcapgh.org or (412) 365-1910. Questions about Infant & Toddler Care can be directed to April Ohms at aohms@ywcapgh.org or (412) 361-6433.
To apply to our Infant & Toddler Care program, please fill out the YWCA Enrollment Packet.
To apply to our Pre-K Counts program, please fill out both the YWCA Enrollment Packet and the Pre-K Counts application for the location of your choice.
Step 1:
Step 2:
OR
Our 2023 Summer Camp application is coming soon!
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.