New Mom Needs a Daycare

My son goes to The Children's Center on Craft Ave. behind Magee. It's affiliated with Magee and is a sister daycare to The Carriage House in Squirrel Hill. It's a great location for me, as I work at Pitt. The Pitt daycare is great, but I've been on the waiting list since before he was born (2.5 years total now), and they still expect that a spot won't open up for him for at least another six months. The Children's Center is good but expensive. It was the only place whose waiting list we were on that came through on time.
I'm not from Pittsburgh, either, so I know how difficult it is to find places. I hope you've had some success.

The following websites may help you find a daycare center:

http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/Child/ChildCare/KeyStoneStarCh...
http://www.pakeys.org/stars/centers.aspx
http://www.naeyc.org/

In addition to your local school district you could see if your local library or Y offers babysitting courses. Perhaps they have referral services. There is also a website I recently heard about called care.com. I haven't checked it out yet, but I do think there is a fee for using it.

I take my kids to a womens house in West View that is great. We found her in the penny saver. Also you should try to apply for state daycare help to cut costs. It never hurts to try. To find a babysitter you could call the local highschool and ask them if they have a kids program. My neighbor is a senior at the local highschool and is involved with the early childhood development program and they actually have a day care at the school the students run but the teacher observes.

Good luck!

The JCC (Jewish Community Center) in Squirrel Hill has excellent day care. You have to be a member to use the day care, but it is very reasonable to join (you don't have to be Jewish). With membership you can also use the pool (indoor and outdoor), gym, and preschool (when your'e ready) facilities.

I've also heard great things about Bright Horizons in Oakland and the Hil'el (sp?) center in Squirrel Hill. Many local churches have day care as well, but for many your child has to be 1 yr old.

I'm not sure where you're a student, but Pitt and CMU have WONDERFUL day cares! You'll have to get on a waiting list, but you might try another day care while you wait for these. You can get on a waiting list before your child is born.

The local libraries are a great resource for day care info from the librarians and other moms.

Good luck!