Manchester Youth Development Center

Five student sit with a teacher

We are a Pennsylvania Keystone STARS 2 center.

Student on a tricycle.

Welcome to Training Wheels Child Care, where young minds grow and thrive!

dedicated to nurturing every child

Since 1979, our preschool program has been dedicated to nurturing every child’s unique potential in a warm, supportive environment that celebrates individuality and fosters total development. Together, we partner with families to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.

Registration for 2025-2026 is slated to open on April 1st.

Operation Hours:

Monday – Friday ( 7am–6pm )
Aftercare ( 3pm–6pm )

Contact Information:

Phone: 412.322.0585
Email: info@mydc.org

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Calendar

A teacher reads to students.

Apply For Available Openings!

Applying for the Training Wheels Child Care Program is simple and straightforward.

To get started, parents and caregivers are required to fill out a lead sheet through Brightwheel, our online platform. This form helps us gather the essential information about your child and your family’s needs. Once completed, a member of our team will follow up to guide you through the next steps of the enrollment process. Join us in fostering your child’s growth and development in a caring, engaging environment!

About Training Wheels Child Care

Nurturing Diverse Young Minds in a Vibrant Learning Environment for Children Aged 3 to 5

Training Wheels is a child development center designed for children between the ages of 3 to 5 years who are fully potty-trained.

Training Wheels  was founded in 1979 by Dr. Betty H. Robinson, an expert in child development, with a long career within the city’s private and public education system. We focus on individual needs by supplementing the learning for each student. In our program, children acquire reading, math, gross motor/fine motor and social/emotional skills needed to be successful. 

Children are divided into two classrooms: Preschool (3-year-olds) and Pre-Kindergarten (4- & 5-year-olds). Both classrooms follow the Frog Street Curriculum, which supports development in language, cognition, self-help skills, and play through engaging thematic units Some of these themes include Community Helpers, Transportation, Safety, and Families.

The Pre-Kindergarten classroom also integrates foundational skills in reading, math, and science. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided for all children. 

Children petting a goat.
Training Wheels students sitting in chairs.

We include families in our learning environment with newsletters, daily child updates, and bi-annual conferences with teachers. We welcome parent volunteers to help out in the classroom and on field trips upon receipt of the proper clearances.

Training Wheels Childcare Center is a STARS 2 center and have partnered with Pittsburgh Public School as a partner site for Pre-K Counts.

Student Enrichment

Expanding Horizons and Fostering Growth Through Diverse Learning Experiences

Our student enrichment program offers a variety of engaging activities designed to spark curiosity, develop new skills, and encourage personal growth. Through hands-on experiences, creative projects, and interactive workshops, children have the opportunity to explore their interests, discover hidden talents, and build confidence. Our dedicated staff works to create a supportive environment where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.

READING

  • Circle time literature
  • Independent exploration
  • Recognize and write name
  • Phonemic awareness
  • Answering comprehension questions
  • Spell simple 3 letter words
  • Vocabulary

MATHEMATICS

  • Count orally
  • Recognize numbers, colors, and shapes
  • Count objects
  • Understand more/less
  • Weight and Measurement
  • Sorting
  • Problem solving and communication

Tuition For Attendance

Training Wheels is a Tuition Based Program with Subsidies for Qualified Families.

Private Pay Families

Private Pay Families are families who independently cover full childcare tuition costs, providing an personalized educational investment for their children's early learning journey.

  • Aftercare Included $750 Per/Month
  • Without Aftercare $550 Per/Month

Pre-K Counts Families

Pre-K Counts Families is a state-funded, preschool education at no cost, nurturing your child's potential and contributing to the Training Wheels youth development initiatives.

  • Aftercare Included $250 Per/Month
  • Without Aftercare $0 Per/Month

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Payment is required in advance of services being provided, no later than the 5th day of every month.

For questions, concerns or clarification, please contact Ms. Thorne, Training Wheels Director, by phone at 412.322.0585 or via email at mthorne@mydc.org.

Admission is open to all regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

Making the Transition

Empowering Families with Essential Resources for Nurturing Young Minds at Our Childcare Center

At Training Wheels, we understand that this period is filled with new experiences, routines, and opportunities for growth. Our program is designed to make this transition as smooth as possible, fostering a sense of security and enthusiasm for learning.

Through structured activities, nurturing interactions, and play-based exploration, children develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills in a supportive environment. We partner with families to ensure every child feels confident and prepared as they embark on this important journey of discovery and development.

About MYDC

Our Staff

PA Regulations

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Training Wheels is managed by certified teachers and has achieved licensing from the PA Department of Education, PA Department of Human Services.