Great executive director and educators. Children are loved and cared for. Play based while still…read morelearning and is developmentally appropriate. NAEYC accredited with 4 Keystone Stars and DHS licensed.

After moving from my hometown to Pittsburgh with my preschooler, it was really important for us to…read morefind a school that was warm and welcoming while also providing a challenge for a late fall birthday baby who's been through a year of preschool already. After lots and lots of research and so many phone calls, we chose Shady Lane School. The staff at Shady Lane are all incredibly friendly and welcoming. Drop off and pick up usually take us longer than I expect because my son wants to go around and visit different teachers and say hi to everyone. Everyone learned his name quickly and greets him warmly even when he's being grumpy. Whenever I have to talk to the administrative team, my son is thrilled to play at the large train table by the front desk. His teachers are so dedicated, and I think that is such a big part of why this school is special. Our family is big and complicated, but my son's teachers have gone out their way to learn names and faces. They offer positive encouragement and praise as well as boundaries and redirection. My son used to argue with me about going to school at his last learning center/childcare provider, but now he's always eager to get up and go. I am so thankful that we found Shady Lane, and I will certainly keep them in mind if/when we have another child.

It's a very nice center and the environment is genuinely inclusive. I love the amenities that then…read moreoffer. Too bad for the very limited hours of operation, but that seems to be a common trend for all the gyms in PGH

When I was living in my hometown of Pittsburgh, the JCC was one of the facilities I used for…read more staying active. The main gym is packed with top-tier cardio and lifting equipment, and the indoor lap pool is perfect for a solid swim. Everything is consistently clean, well-maintained, and running smoothly. Plus, wrapping up a tough workout in their saunas or steam rooms made the membership worth it all on its own.

The staff and teachers at Beth Shalom are beyond lovely. Any nerves we had about dropping off our…read moreinfant son this past fall were immediately gone as soon as we met the teachers. It felt like our son was always safe and cared for. The administration were essential in helping us get early intervention for our son. It was especially wonderful having Jewish celebrations for our family and very affirming for our household. Wholeheartedly recommend Beth Shalom ELC.

Beth Shalom ELC is a loving, nurturing, play-based learning center for infants through Pre-K. Both…read moreof my children graduated from this center after starting at 11 weeks old, and got the very best start in life. They were beyond prepared for Kindergarten, knowing how to read basic sight words, write and do basic-age appropriate math. The center has lovely science, music, and art specialists that provide enriching experiences to complement lessons provided by the classroom teachers. The large gym full of bikes, scooters, balls, etc. and outdoor playgrounds are perfect for developing and enhancing gross-motor skills. The educators and directors truly care about my child's well-being and the community is warm and welcoming. This is really the place to be.

Great Beginnings worked with us to transition our 12 month old into part time, then full time…read morecare--She's learned a regular nap schedule, how to walk, has given up the bottle, and is a fair hand at forks and spoons now that we're almost a year in. I have the biggest collection of hand/footprint based toddler art. In addition to daily reports, I also get calls or texts updating me if she's not feeling well or got a scratch---I have enough info to make decisions about her care. Hell yes to not being on a waiting list and getting welcomed into this diverse community where I can bring peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. It's so close to us on the East End--wish it was more walkable. I also recommend giving the beer and burgers at Dad's a shot if it's been a long day. Their mac n cheese is approved.

From the owner: Great Beginnings has been serving the eastern communities of Pittsburgh for over 30 years. Our safe…read moreand nurturing environment provides developmentally appropriate play and learning activities for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years.

We love it here! Great Christian education! We've made wonderful friends with other students,…read morefamilies and staff. If you are looking for true Christian education this is the place.