Early Childhood Home

The Pittsburgh Public Schools Early Childhood Education Department provides children, ages Birth to Five, with a comprehensive, flexible program designed to reinforce and respond to the unique strengths and needs of each individual child and family. Programming for Birth to Five services is funded through State, federal and local funding sources. Grant awards are cost allocated to economize funding streams without negatively impacting the quality of services and ensuring the financial sustainability of the program. Funding from multiple sources allows the Early Childhood Program to operate 83 preschool classrooms and 6 early head start classrooms in 35 locations scattered throughout the city, as well as collaborate with over 20 local childcare agencies to provide comprehensive services for children and families.  

Please click on link to see classroom and contact information: 2024-2025 Early Childhood Classroom List

 

Education Services

The curriculum is based on the premise that all children share certain needs, and that their needs are best met through a child-centered developmental program. All programs operate five days a week for six hours a day. The goal is to provide an environment and experiences that bring about a greater degree of school readiness skills and social competence in preschool children. To achieve this goal, we provide a child-centered curriculum that promotes self-confidence, physical abilities, increased academic awareness and social interaction.

Big Day for PreK is an integrated curriculum that uses Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP), intentional play, and teacher-led instruction to focus on big ideas and guide children in the development of knowledge, skills, and concepts that will prepare them for school success. Big Day for PreK provides learning experiences that integrate all domains, including social-emotional development, oral language, literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, art, and physical development.

 

Health, Mental Health, and Disability Services

Emphasis is placed on early identification of health problems by providing comprehensive health, mental health and disability services. Medical and dental forms and immunization records should be completed prior to entering the program. Follow-up treatment is provided to children that have been identified with health or dental concerns. 

The Early Childhood Education Department also recognizes the importance of providing psychological services when needed to promote emotional and social development in children. Mental health professionals are available to provide training to staff and parents to help them identify if a child has special needs so that the appropriate support services can be implemented.

A network of support services is available for children with disabilities. These services allow for early identification and remediation involving diagnosis, consultation, referral, therapy and follow-up treatment. 

Services are provided to children with visual and/or hearing impairments, physical impairments and social and emotional learning disabilities. At least 10% of the total number of enrollment slots are made available to children with disabilities. 

 

Nutrition Services

Children receive a minimum of one breakfast and one lunch each day, which satisfies one-third to two-thirds of their daily nutritional requirements. The Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) Food Service Department works closely with program staff to design meal plans that meet the proper nutritional needs for students. Children that have been identified with special dietary needs receive specialized meal plans. 

Social Services

We have a full complement of social services support staff who provide outreach services to children and families and help to encourage parent participation in program activities. They also assist families with connecting with outside social service agencies and organizations through referrals, emergency assistance and crisis prevention/intervention services. The Early Childhood Education Department adheres to the common code of ethics and ensures confidentiality for all families. 

 

Childcare Partnerships

The Early Childhood Education Department has established formal partnership agreements with a number of childcare agencies throughout the City that are able to provide extended-day programming. The Childcare Partnerships Program option mirrors the school-based classroom model that operates on a school year (10 months) schedule. Some childcare partner agencies offer extended-day services. All children enrolled through the childcare partnership option receive the following services:

 

 

The Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program (HSSAP) is a state-funded early childhood program that provides services to two hundred thirty one (231) children between the ages of 3 and 5. This is achieved through a combination of preschool slots in various Pittsburgh Public School classrooms, as well as partnerships with various community child care agencies that provide comprehensive support services to eligible children.  All childcare agencies are enrolled in the Keystone STARS Program, which is a state-wide, quality childcare enhancement program. Some sites are also accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). For more information about this program option, please contact Jennifer Fustich, Partnerships Manager, at (412) 529-4590.

The Pennsylvania Pre-Kindergarten Counts (PKC) Program is a state-funded early childhood program that provides services to nine hundred fifty seven (957) children enrolled in various Pittsburgh Public School classrooms as well as various community early child care centers and licensed nursery schools. All childcare partner sites are either enrolled in the Keystone STARS program or licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).  For more information about this program option, please contact Amber Straub, Partnerships Manager, at (412) 529-8703.

If you've applied for space in one of our Pre-K classrooms and received a wait list notification, please click the link below to see additional options for enrolling your child at a childcare partner agency site. 

List of Childcare Partner Agencies

  

Early Head Start (EHS) Program

 

Early Head Start (EHS) is a federally-funded program for infants, toddlers and pregnant women. The program's goals are:

• to enhance the development of very young children;

• to promote healthy pre-natal outcomes for pregnant women; and
• to promote healthy family functioning.

 

Early Head Start services are offered through center-based and home-based program options to 91 families. The center-based options are located in four high schools (Allderdice, Brashear, University Prep, and Westinghouse) and one early childhood center (Crescent) which provides comprehensive education and social services to infants and toddlers of students currently enrolled at one of the high schools. In the home-based option, Home Visitors provide services in children's homes through weekly, 90-minute visits. Children enrolled in the Early Head Start program have the opportunity to transition to the preschool program when they turn 3 years old.

The Early Head Start Program also collaborates with accredited infant/toddler childcare agencies to provide comprehensive services to 35 children.

For more information about this program option, please call (412) 529-4291, Select Option 3.

Parent Engagement

Parents are the most important influence on a child's development. An essential component of early childhood education is the involvement of parents in the planning and development process. Parents have the opportunity to serve as members of the Policy Council and its various sub-committees. The purpose of Policy Council is to facilitate the objectives of the program so that all children receive the maximum benefits of a comprehensive child development program. Serving as a Policy Council member enables parents to have meaningful input into the administrative decision-making process. All parents of enrolled children are welcome to participate.

Parents can volunteer as teacher aides, field trip chaperones and assist with various activities that promote parent engagement. All volunteers must have current Act 33 (Child Abuse History) and Act 34 (Criminal Record Check) clearances as well as a recent TB test. Parents have the ability to participate in events that promote their own personal growth and development and increase their knowledge and awareness about early learning standards through activities sponsored by the School District, and federal and State education authorities such as the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), the National Head Start Association (NHSA), the Pennsylvania Head Start Association (PHSA) and Trying Together. Through participation in classes, local meetings, workshops and home visits, parents learn about the educational, social, and emotional needs of their child and can collaborate with staff to learn best practices to become strong support systems for their families.

Family Options Programs

In 2012, program offerings were expanded to include a tuition-based option to serve preschool children whose family household income exceeds 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Families interested in this option should contact the main office at (412) 529-4291 (Select Option 2) to find out more information or inquire about slot openings.

The Pittsburgh Public Schools Early Childhood Education Department provides children, Birth to five, with a comprehensive program designed to reinforce and respond to the unique strengths and needs of each individual child and family. The tuition rate for the 2025-26 school year will be $7,500 per academic year (September - June). Depending on your family income you may qualify for a Head Start or State-funded scholarship. In most cases, these scholarships cover all of the costs.  

If you have additional questions about the Preschool Program for children ages 3 and 4, please call the Early Childhood Main Office at (412) 529-4291 (select Option 2) or review our FAQ's page.

If you've applied for space in one of our Pre-K classrooms and received a wait list notification, please click the link below to see additional options for enrolling your child at a childcare partner agency site. 

 

List of Childcare Partner Agencies

IF YOUR CHILD IS CURRENTLY ENROLLED, YOU DO NOT NEED TO RE-APPLY YEARLY

 

Enrollment Information

 

• To enroll a child who is 3 or 4 years of age, please complete the online Early Childhood application. 
   
• If you are applying after the Early Childhood lottery period (February through March) and/or your child turns 3 years old after September 30, you can still apply as we continue to accept applications on a rolling basis as space is available. If no space is available, your child will be placed on the waitlist.

 

• If your child turns 5 years old on or before September 30, you will need to apply for Kindergarten: General Enrollment for K - 12

 

• If you have additional questions about the Preschool Program for children ages 3 and 4, please call the Early Childhood Main Office at (412) 529-4291 (select Option 2) or review our FAQ's below

 

• To enroll your child in the Early Head Start Program for children under 3 years of age, please call (412) 529-4291 (select Option 3).

1. Why should I enroll my child in an early childhood program? Children who start behind, stay behind.  Research shows that 90% of children who are poor readers in the first grade will still read poorly by fourth grade. Evidence shows that children who have the benefit of a preschool education fair better on standardized tests.  Evidence also suggests that attending a preschool program may increase high school graduation rates.2. How old does my child have to be to enroll in the Early Childhood Program?  Children accepted in the preschool program must be 3 to 5 years old.  Children may enter the program at the time after they turn three, regardless of the time of the year, as long as there is space available in a classroom. Children may stay in the program until they are eligible to enter kindergarten.  We also have an Early Head Start component for children ages birth to 3.  Please see Early Childhood Services and Program Descriptions webpage for more information.

3. Does my child have to live in the Pittsburgh Public School District to attend the Early Childhood Program?Yes.  Children must reside in the Pittsburgh Public School District. Enter your home address to determine the closest school where you reside:  PPS Discover

4. Is there a fee for enrolling my child? Enrollment is based on certain eligibility criteria. There is no cost to income-eligible families for enrolling children in the program. There is a fee-for-service model for families whose income is 300% and above the federal poverty guidelines. Your child can also be waitlisted if your household gross income is over 130% of the Federal Poverty Level Guidelines.

5. Where are classrooms located? See list of classroom locations:  2024-245 Early Childhood Classroom List

6. Do I have to choose a school in my own neighborhood? No.  You may select any location, depending on availability.  Transportation is not provided.

7. How many days a week does the program operate? Children attend five days a week, Monday through Friday, for six hours a day.  The program runs from the last week in August through the first week in June. For hours of operation for a specific location, please view the list of classroom locations: 2024-2025 Early Childhood Classroom List

8. How many children are in a class? Typically, there are up to 20 students per class with one teacher and one educational assistant in each classroom.

9. What will my child learn? The goal is to ensure children develop appropriate literacy, math, critical thinking and social skills to help them succeed in preschool and make a smooth transition to kindergarten.  Children learn these skills by interacting with the teacher, their peers, and in addition to exposure to the Frog Street Curriculum, which focuses on promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Education, Arts and Mathematics) learning. Children are not required to be potty-trained to be enrolled in the program.

10. What other services are available through the Early Childhood Program? Nutrition:  Children receive breakfast and lunch each day.  The meals meet one-third to two-thirds of their daily nutritional needs. 

Health:  Health consultants work with the program to provide initial screenings for children and referrals are provided to families to receive follow-up care for the child when health concerns have been identified.

Mental Health/Disabilities:  A network of support services is available to provide early identification and remediation services for children with special needs. Mental health professionals provide training to staff and parents to help increase awareness of early diagnosis and treatment of mental health or disability concerns.

Social Services:  A network of information, referrals, emergency assistance and crisis intervention services are available to all families as needed.  Social service support staff provide outreach services to families through collaboration with community organizations and encourage parent participation through program volunteerism.

Early Head Start: Comprehensive services are provided for children, from ages birth to 3, in center-based and home-based program options. The center-based options are located in four high schools classrooms (Allderdice, Brashear, University Prep, and Westinghouse) and two classrooms in the Crescent Early Childhood facility where services are provided to infants and toddlers of Pittsburgh Public high school students.  Home visiting staff provide direct support services through the home-based program option.

Childcare Partnerships: Partnerships have been formed with a number of childcare and early learning agencies throughout the City for families eligible for Head Start services that may need an extended-day program to accommodate work or school schedules.  Children enrolled at local daycare sites receive the same services offered in the Pittsburgh Public classroom-based program option.

 

11. How do I apply? The Early Childhood Program does not have a paper application process. Please submit an application online. Online Preschool Application. You will need to upload the following documentation with your application:

• A copy of your child’s birth certificate, passport or I9.
• A copy of your child’s immunization records (documents must show the child's full name and birthdate).
• A copy of your child’s last physical and dental exams (documents must show the child's full name and birthdate).
• Verification of income. Acceptable forms include:  one consistent month's worth of pay stubs, a W-2 Wage and Tax Statement, DHS printout/benefits statement, or income tax return that is dated within the last calendar year.
• Two current proofs of residency. Acceptable proof includes: utility bill, driver’s license, rent/mortgage agreement.  Documents must show your full name, address and current date.

12. Will my child be accepted if I apply?If there is a greater interest in one location than the spaces available, a lottery will be held for those locations.  When a classroom fills up, children are placed on a waiting list for the next available opening.

13.  How does the Lottery application process work?  The Early Childhood Program is not a part of the District's Magnet Program process.  We run a separate lottery for the preschool program.  The lottery application period is February through March. The lottery is run in mid-April and parents are notified in mid-May.  The link for the application changes every school year.  DO NOT USE the current link if you are only interested in applying for the following school year. During the lottery period, children must be 3 years old by September 30 in the school year in which you are applying.  If you apply after the lottery window and/or your child turns 3 years old after September 30, you can still apply as we will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis as space becomes available.  If there are no spaces at the locations of your choice, your child may be placed on the wait list. Please apply 2 weeks before your child's birthday when born after September 30.