Licensed Daycare in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
327 licensed daycares in Pittsburgh, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Pennsylvania licensing records.
Pittsburgh listings updated May 2026 from official Pennsylvania records.
Daycare in Pittsburgh: what parents should know
Our directory lists 327 licensed childcare providers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with Child Care Center the most common type (about 80% of local listings). Every provider here holds a current Pennsylvania license at indexing time, sourced from Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Office of Child Development and Early Learning.
Licensed care in Pittsburgh spans 8+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 11% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
Pittsburgh childcare by the numbers
The Pittsburgh childcare landscape
Pittsburgh pairs Pennsylvania's state preschool and subsidy programs with strong Allegheny County coordination, and it does it at a cost well below the East Coast metros. Free and quality-rated options are easier to navigate here than the patchwork in many cities.
Free and public pre-K
Pennsylvania funds Pre-K Counts, free state preschool for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, alongside federal Head Start — both delivered through Pittsburgh Public Schools and community providers across Allegheny County. Many Pittsburgh children attend free preschool in the years before kindergarten.
Subsidies and quality (Keystone STARS)
Pennsylvania's subsidy is Child Care Works (CCW), accessed through the regional Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC). When comparing providers, check the Keystone STARS rating (1–4 STARS); Allegheny County's referral resources can help you find STAR 3–4 programs near you.
How licensing works
Pennsylvania child-care certification runs through the Department of Human Services / OCDEL. Certification status and inspection history are public — confirm a provider is certified and in good standing before enrolling.
Neighborhoods and cost
Pittsburgh is affordable for a major metro — full-time infant care commonly runs $1,000–$1,300/month. Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, and Lawrenceville are competitive in-city neighborhoods; the North Hills and South Hills suburbs add center capacity and are routinely searched alongside the city.
When to start looking
Pre-K Counts and Head Start have enrollment windows ahead of the fall — check in spring. For infant care, tour early; the most in-demand East End centers carry waitlists.
Childcare costs in Pittsburgh
ChildCare Aware reports the Pennsylvania average full-time cost at $1,140/month for infant care and $880/month for preschool. City-level prices in Pittsburgh vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.
The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Pennsylvania families may also qualify for Child Care Works (CCW) (intake: (877) 472-5437).
Full Pennsylvania licensing & cost overviewQuick facts
- State regulator
- Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Office of Child Development and Early Learning
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:5
- Preschool ratio
- 1:10
Program types in Pittsburgh
All Pittsburgh licensed centers
Page 10 of 22Tap any card to view the full listing including the state license number, capacity, and inspection history when available.
Parent-asked basics on licensing, ratios, and waitlist timing for this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?
What's the average daycare cost in Pittsburgh?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Pittsburgh daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Pittsburgh?
How do I verify a Pittsburgh daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Pittsburgh
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programChild Care Works (CCW) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(877) 472-5437 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Office of Child Development and Early Learning.
Official license searchChildcare resources for Pittsburgh
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania are compiled from official Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Office of Child Development and Early Learning licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 327 Licensed Centers in Pittsburgh
Free, no signup, verified directly with Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — Office of Child Development and Early Learning.