Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania and University of Pittsburgh Partner on Great Futures Preschool Program for Pitt Faculty, Staff, Students
Employees and graduate-level students can now enroll their pre-school children in licensed programs in one of two BGCWPA Clubhouses
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania (August 13, 2021) — Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania (BGCWPA) and the University of Pittsburgh announced a partnership whereby preschool aged children of Pitt faculty, staff and graduate students may enroll in the Great Futures Preschool program at BGCWPA’s Carnegie or Estelle S. Campbell Lawrenceville Clubhouses.
The Great Futures Preschool program strives to be a PA Keystone Star 4 program at both Clubhouses, with a Certificate of Compliance from the Department of Human Services and a Keystone STARS Verification. Great Futures follows the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards and provides high quality early childhood programs/child care for children ranging from three through five years of age.
“Launching our Great Futures Preschool program with Pitt is another wonderful way to partner with one of the region’s leading universities, and continues the robust relationship Pitt and BGCWPA enjoys,” said Dr. Lisa Abel-Palmieri, BGCWPA President & CEO. “Our Carnegie and Lawrenceville Clubhouses offer Pitt staff and students a convenient, safe option for a high-quality preschool program, and we look forward to helping little Panthers along the way to great futures.”
Following a 10:1 child-to-teacher ratio, both Clubhouses will feature a mixed-age classroom for up to 20 dependent children of Pitt employees and students. The weekly tuition for Great Futures is $200, with Child Care Works assistance accepted at both Clubhouses.
BGCWPA’s Great Futures Preschool program works to support children to grow to their fullest potential in all areas of development, thus creating a positive self-concept and a realistic opportunity for success in life. Teachers work with children individually and in small groups, identifying their strengths and helping children to identify positively with each of their individual differences.
“We are thrilled to be able to partner with Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania and the Great Futures Preschool Program. These programs will provide our participating children with quality care, an enriching curriculum, and the opportunity for their own individualized development and growth,” said Mark Burdsall, Vice Chancellor for Consulting Services and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Human Resources at the University of Pittsburgh.
“We know how much families are struggling with child care provisions and have been since even before the pandemic,” said David N. DeJong, Senior Vice Chancellor for Business and Operations at the University of Pittsburgh. “This opportunity is good for the Pitt community, as well as our broader communities, and we hope to build on this partnership for years to come.”
Currently, up to 20 children can be enrolled in each Clubhouse’s Great Futures program. Priority for Pitt faculty, staff and students is extended through October 1.