Day care in and around Pittsburgh (West View: house, neighborhoods, purchase)

[MountainDewGuy]

My wife and I am looking to purchase a house soon. We are familiar with lots of neighborhoods, and have narrowed our choice down to the east end of the city, Mt Lebo, and possibly West View. One subject that we are not sure about is the available of day care and the costs for these areas. We have friends who have had some difficulty with day care options in the city, but we really don't know what to expect in the south hills. Looking for some friendly advice as far as quality and costs in these areas.

[alexernst]

We pay about 1200 a month for 2 pre-schoolers half-days at the JCC, which is a great facility, but (as you might expect) slightly Jewish in teaching (e.g. Shabbat songs on Fridays, no Halloween). Most of the Judaism is pretty mild though - do unto others stuff that I like them learning. (we're not Jewish).

I supposedly get a staff benefit at the CMU Cyert centre, but unless you are expecting in a few months and register now, it will be impossible to get in with kids that are actually out of the womb.

Unregulated daycares while necessary for a lot of folks scare the crap out of me. I would check out the PA 5-Star program: Stars Facilities

[robrobrob]

Generally speaking the stuff in the "East End" is more expensive. The Carriage House and CMU are highly regarded and expensive. I bet the places in Lebo are also expensive.

Perhaps, you could find a daycare close to your work. Where would you be working?

Just a guess, but I bet that West View may have the most affordable options.

[ctkalino]

Other childcare/preschools that are well-regarded in the East End of the city include Shady Lane, La Escuelita Arcoiris, Shadyside Presbyterian Church Nursery School, St. Edmund's Academy, Carlow College. None of these have infant care however.