No matter where you live in the United States, there are sure to be a few kid-friendly programs aimed at bettering the lives of your children. This is especially true in the Northeast, where states like Pennsylvania, New York, and New Hampshire believe that the wellbeing of kids and adolescents is of the utmost importance.
If you’re looking for child development centers in Pittsburgh, PA, you’re in luck. Pittsburgh is home to tons of kid-friendly programs offered by child development centers all throughout the city. Most of these centers offer the same types of programs; here are some of the most common options for kids and teens in Pittsburgh to stay busy during the school year and throughout the summer months.
Before & After School Program
The Before & After School Program benefits working parents almost as much as it benefits the kids involved. A huge issue for working parents is that the school day hours don’t align with business hours; schools typically let out for the day around 3PM, but adults are required to work until at least 5PM. If you need childcare for these odd hours before or after school, this school program is perfect.
You’ll drop your child off before you need to be at work (usually an hour before the school day starts) and if you need help in the afternoon as well you’ll pick up after your work day has finished. These programs are designed to be fun, educational, and provide a safe environment for youth outside of school time hours.
Summer Camp
There is nothing better than the 3 months of summertime awarded to kids after 9 long months of learning and studying hard. But 3 months of no school poses even more challenges for parents than when the kiddos are in school. Luckily, enrolling your children in summer camp can help a ton.
Summer camp is a great way for kids to stay active, even when their daily schedules aren’t organized like they are during the school year. They’ll be able to enjoy the outdoors, play games, develop social skills, and even make new friends at summer camp.
USDA Food Program
The USDA Food Program provides food and nutrition assistance to school children and families throughout the country. It also supports agricultural sources of America by only sourcing food from US farms rather than using exports. The $2 billion in food by USDA is distributed to food banks, soup kitchens, disaster organizations, and of course schools. More than 32 million children per day eat nutritious lunches provided by this organization.
Early Head Start
The federally funded program known as Early Head Start is aimed at pregnant women or women who have infants or toddlers up to the age of 3. More specifically, this program is for low-income families and linking them with the services they need in terms of physical and mental health, education, and nutrition. According to one source, “Early Head Start can provide a place for children to experience consistent, nurturing relationships and stable, ongoing routines.”
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