How to Enroll

HI A. ,

I have been were you are at I moved out her when I had my daughter and left all my friends behind. My daughter goes to head start for two years (she 4 going to be 5 in may ) . We LOVE it . Depending on were you live you can always find head start programs. The education is not less at all. My daughter knows how to read and write her name perfect, she knows some spanish also. She knows how to tell time and everything. They really prepare her for school next year. I can give you the number to the head start program if you would like. If you want to talk you can always email me. Maybe we can get the kids togther and get some lunch or something. I know its' hard to be new.
- A.

which area of pittsburgh do you live? Pittsburgh Public Schools has a headstart/preschool. The schools are really good. My daughter went to one for two years and my son is in his first year at the Chartiers Early Childhood center. I do know they are accpeting applications for next year. The program is really great. They really want the parents invloved also. If I knew what area you was in i could get you the number for the Family Support Person for that center. you can email me at ____@____.com. I am the parent rep for my center so I have access to the numbers of all the centers and the FSS's.

What area of Pgh are you in? I'm in Plum and can help you find one if you are around here. (near murrysville and monroeville)

You want to look for a local Head Start Preschool. If you are in Allegheny County, you can call the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. You can, also, check with your local school district or look up Head Start.

Good luck.

Hi A.,

My son goes to The Glen Montessori program in Emsworth (near Sewickley). Their prices are higher than other preschools, but reasonable for Montessori programs. I like Montessori because it really encourages each child to learn and develop their skills and to work independantly. They may be able to help you with financial aid. They are accepting enrollment now. www.glenmontessori.org. Please tell them that I referred you.

J.

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My children attend Eden Christian Academy in Wexford PA. We love it! I know they offer scholarships just don't know the exact details. My son is in the 3 year old program and its like 66.00 a month for two days a week. We moved here (Cranberry Twp PA) a year ago. I know how you feel! Here is the schools information: Eden Christian Academy 12121 Perry Highway Wexford PA 15090 ###-###-####
Where in PA are you living?

You may have heard this from some other Mom's too, but if you live in the City of Pittsburgh we also have free pre-K and you can choose the school you want (although some are lottery based). The deadline is coming up soon for the application (and it is a very large application). Here are some links: http://www.pps.k12.pa.us/academicoffice/earlychildhood/de...
http://www.pps.k12.pa.us/AcademicOffice/EarlyChildhood/Pr...
http://www.aplusschools.org/

Good Luck!

HI A.,
Welcome to Pittsburgh! We moved here about 5 yrs ago and we are really liking it! we have a 3 yo and a 10 month old. our daughter goes to the Jewish Community Center preschool. you dont have to be jewish and they have a great scholarship program. we also take advantage of lots of activities at the center. they have a great space called the family place where a lot parents hang out while their kids play. i have met a lot of great people up there.
hope this helps!! hang in there summer is coming and i am sure you will be meeting people at the park and stuff.

Some preschools offer tuition assistance. My daughters attended MUM Preschool in Monroeville. MUM has received a grant from the Bridge Foundation, which is to be used to help families with tuition.

If you live to the east of Pittsburgh you can contact MUM Preschool at www.mumpreschool.org or ###-###-####. If you are not in the east, you can find other schools that have received grants from the foundation at www.bridgeedu.org.

Good Luck!

One of my children went through Head Start, and it is a great program. Not only do they go to preschool, but they will send a teacher to your home once a week to work one on one with your child. My Bobby was reading before kindergarten, and I attrib ute that to his Head Start teacher.
There is also DART you can look into. I have a 4 yo son that goes there. The program is an inclusion program. That means that it is both disabled children and typical children that go. I don't know what it's like for a typical child, but for a disabled child, I wouldn't really recommend it if you have any other option. The good thing about DART is that it's only between $25 and $35 a month for the preschool.
HTH
B.

Hi A.. I'm not sure where you moved to, but try checking out Tender Care Learning Centers. There are quite a few around the Pgh area. It's a daycare center, but it's also a preschool for 4 yr olds. I really recommend it because since it is a daycare, it opens at 6am and closes at 6:30pm, so you don't have to worry about picking your kid up at an odd hour like many preschools. All 3 of my kids go there, the older 2 only in the summer because they're both in school. They have 2 snacks and lunch provided for them, and various activities. Both my older ones learned a lot, and after "comparing" them to kids in their classes that went to traditional preschool programs, there was no difference. It's worth a shot, and may help you with other child care issues as well. Good luck, and welcome to Pittsburgh!

Hi ! My name is Jen and I have a 3 yr. old boy and a 1 yr. old daughter. We attend a local preschool that is very good with working with different financial situations. We are locate din Wexford and the school is in the north hills. What area of town are you from? We lived away from home for 3 years for my husbands job so I can sympathize with you being homesick and having the daunting challenge of making friends for yourself and child!